If you’re considering a trip to the Nashville area this year, November is a fantastic time to plan a trip.
The weather is not too hot but not too cool, making it the perfect time of year for spontaneous activities hiking, biking, and kayaking the Cumberland River, as well as attending a variety of scheduled events such as festivals, live music, and get-togethers.
We’ve taken the liberty of compiling the biggest upcoming events for November 2023, as well as a few ideas for making your November in Nashville a memorable one, starting with our top five picks.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. See a Titans or Predators game. Football season is here, and hockey season is just around the corner. There are several home games lined up for two of Nashville’s most beloved teams, The Predators and The Titans.
2. See Blues Traveller on November 21st at the Ryman Auditorium. See one of the most popular bands scheduled for November in one of Nashville’s most historic venues!
3. Take the Women of Country Tour at The Grand Ole Opry. The Women of Country Tour is a limited in-house tour at The Grand Ole Opry that focuses on the careers, historic moments, and artifacts associated with the legendary women of country music and includes a variety of exclusive perks.
4. See Peter Frampton on November 22nd at the Ryman Auditorium. See the iconic English classic rock artist, Peter Frampton come alive on the Ryman stage this November!
5. Jefferson Starship November 9th - 11th at the Nashville Symphony. This once-in-a-lifetime performance combines the musical talent of both the award-winning Nashville Symphony and Jefferson Starship, whose current lineup includes two original members.
Other Great Activities To Do In November In Nashville
See Shakey Graves on November 1st at the Ryman Auditorium
Shakey Graves is one of the most recognizable names associated with the DIY acoustic music scene. Now over a decade into his career, his obscurity is far behind him and he is making his way to the Ryman Auditorium for one night only. Come experience his beautifully crafted songwriting skills, and his multi-percussion talents this November.
Take a trip down the Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat
There truly isn’t an experience quite as memorable as an evening on the General Jackson Showboat.
Booking a ticket with this cruise line gets you a spot at the table where you can enjoy a deliciously crafted meal on the open waters all while enjoying some of the hottest live performances that Nashville has to offer.
While tickets are available for most of the year, November is a particularly fun time to book due to their availability of rare performances, as well as their special Christmas Midday Cruise beginning on November 17th.
Check out the Nashville Hot Sauce Expo on November 4th and 5th
Chilly November winds are no match for heatwaves coming from the First Annual Nashville Hot Sauce Expo, which takes place at Bicentennial Park.
The expo will feature many delicious hot sauces for sale and tasting ranging from mild to tongue-destroying fiery hot. Featured vendors include Pucker Butt, Hotter Than El, Point Blank Pepper Company, and hundreds more.
Additionally, you can sign up for a variety of fun activities such as the Bobbing For Reapers Challenge, Spicy Tacos of Hell Challenge, or the Wing Eating Competition. Tickets to enter range from $15 to $100 depending on the package. Enter if you dare!
Check out the brewery scene
The brewery scene in Nashville is famously unmatched, and if you have an affinity for fall or winter beers such as stouts, brown ales, or porters, you’re in for a treat.
You can find many independent breweries such as Tennessee Brew Works, Southern Grist Brewing Company, or Fat Bottom Brewing scattered throughout the city. Book a tour with a group such as Music City Brew Hop, or design a pub crawl for you and your friends!
See Wolfmother on November 18th at Eastside Bowl
Wolfmother is a contemporary Australian hard rock band whose style mirrors many older pioneers of the genre. They’ve been compared to Led Zepplin, ACDC, Dio, and Black Sabbath, but their music transcends these comparisons entirely. You can catch the Grammy Award-winning group this November at Eastside Bowl!
Check out the Turnip Green Festival on November 4th at the Nashville Farmers Market
Turnip greens are a classic Southern side dish beloved by many people who live in Nashville. This year, the Turnip Green Festival is hosted by the Nashville Farmers Market and is completely free to enter.
This event features Smiley’s famous braised greens, vendors from all over the region, and a baked goods cook-off, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities. Show your support for local businesses and eat some good food while you’re at it!
Go on a camping trip to Montgomery Bell State Park
Camping in November isn’t enjoyable in some of the more northern states due to the cold, but here in Nashville, the weather is typically perfect for a weekend camping trip, so long as you bring your favorite flannel, a good sleeping bag, and plenty of firewood.
Montgomery Bell State Park is located just outside of Nashville and features beautiful landscapes, well-managed trails, and a variety of wildlife spotting opportunities. They feature over 100 well-maintained campsites with provisions available by reservation.
See August Burns Red on November 16th at Marathon Music Works
Two-time Grammy Award-winning band, August Burns Red is coming to Marathon Music Works this November on their tour celebrating the tenth anniversary of their album, Rescue and Restore.
Their style transcends genres but is typically categorized as metal-core, characterized by intricate guitar playing and powerful vocals. You can catch them one night only, with special openers, Spite, Brand of Sacrifice, and Crystal Lake.
Take a trolley tour with Old Town Trolley Tours
A trolley tour in Nashville is a great way to see a large portion of the city’s most popular attractions in a short amount of time, as well as get a good feel for the city. Old Town Trolley Tours offers comfortable seating, with an option to sit on the upper deck for a better view.
The cool November weather can be enjoyed by you and your friends as you take in breathtaking views of the Cumberland River and the Nashville city skyline.
See The Day Players on November 5th at Zanies Comedy Club
Perhaps one of the most bizarre but fully enjoyable combinations of talents on a single stage, The Day Singers is a middle-aged boy band formed by the leading actors of popular soap operas, Days of Our Lives and General Hospital.
Typically, their repertoire consists of cheeky covers ranging from Disney musicals to popular theme songs. You can catch this talented bunch at Zanies Comedy Club, but get tickets soon, because they’re running out fast!
Go fishing at Percy Priest Lake
The crisp fall weather is perfect for a fishing expedition, and there’s no better place to go fishing in the Nashville area than Percy Priest Lake.
This area provides plenty of access for kayaks, canoes, or even jetskis, and is well stocked with a variety of fish such as catfish, crappie, and a variety of bass. Additionally, the lake and surrounding area are aesthetically beautiful and is a great place to just enjoy the beautiful Tennessee autumn while leaf-peeping or birdwatching.
Check out the Nashville Coffee Festival on November 4th at Marathon Music Works
Is there really anything better than a hot cup of coffee on a crisp November morning? Start your November off right by getting tickets to the Nashville Coffee Festival at Marathon Music Works and check out the magical world of coffee.
This event features a variety of coffee tastings, food and coffee vendors, and coffee roasters. Come for the caffeine and workshops, and leave with some primo beans!
Go to a wine tasting at Belle Meade Winery
Belle Meade Winery is a perfect opportunity for those who are looking to sample some of the finest wines from the region, while also enjoying the cool autumn atmosphere as the seasons change.
Belle Meade offers exquisite wines for tasting or for purchase, as well as breathtaking historic grounds and an outdoor seating area. The grounds pass offers a free tasting, and you can feel free to stroll around or take a tour.
See Gipsy Kings on November 4th at the Tennesee Performing Arts Center
The most well-known and beloved flamenco artists of our time are making their way to Nashville this November for their Rennesiance Tour.
Catch the two-time Grammy Award-winning artists at the Nashville Performing Arts Center as they perform originals, traditional, and contemporary covers through flawless guitar strumming and powerful vocals.
Visit Fort Negely
One of the hidden gems in the Nashville area is a historic site called Fort Negely located close to downtown.
The fort was built primarily by runaway slaves and freed slaves and played a substantial role in the American Civil War by serving as a fort for Union soldiers to defend Nashville from the Confederate troops during the Battle of Nashville, a major turning point in the war.
Today, the site serves as a park for picnics and other recreational activities and also houses a number of exhibits, free for the members of the public to enjoy.
Get tickets to Dusty Slay’s Grand Ole Comedy Show on November 14th at Zanies Comedy Club
Dusty Slay is a Nashville icon who is making big waves in the comedy world. While he’s been doing stand-up full-time since 2008, in the last few years he’s made appearances on both Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon and is the youngest person to ever perform stand-up at the Grand Ole Opry.
Dusty Slay specializes in observational humor with a Southern twist, and hosts a weekly podcast with his wife, Hannah called We’re Having a Good Time. Come see his hilarious show this November at Zanies Comedy Club.
Go on a hiking trip to Radnor Lake State Park
Going for a hike at Radnor Lake State Park is the perfect activity for a brisk autumn morning. There are picturesque waterways and forests to enjoy, as well as endless opportunities for wildlife spotting, and bird watching.
The park is located just outside of Nashville, and the hiking level is generally considered to be relaxed. If you’re looking to get outside and truly experience the Nashville area's truly remarkable natural areas, this is the place to do it.
Get tickets for Wine Down Main Street on November 4th
Wine Down Main Street is your gateway to some of the finest wines in the region – block party style!
This event takes place in downtown Franklin, located just outside of Nashville, (about a 25-minute drive), and features a variety of live music events, delicious food, and all the wine you can drink.
Ticket prices range from $53 to $178, depending on the level of access. Come out this November and see why this event is called “the best night out of the year!”
Go on a street art tour
If you find yourself without cash and looking for something to do, check out the variety of street art and murals displayed throughout the metropolitan area.
There are nearly 100 official murals to be discovered including the Dolly Parton mural, Drippy Lips, and of course, the iconic I Believe in Nashville. Many of these pieces were created by world-renowned muralists, and they make for a fantastic picture opportunity To make things more fun, rent a bike for the day and pack a lunch for your journey!
Visit Cheekwood Gardens and Estate
Cheekwood Gardens and Estate is always a special place to visit, no matter what the month is, but the temperate Autumn weather that November brings along with the falling leaves makes it a perfect time to come.
Apart from the outdoor activities such as walking and viewing the gardens and sculptures, there are also many scheduled events offered by Cheekwood in November, including installations by resident artist Sarah Nguyen.
See a live performance of Mrs. Doubtfire at the Nashville Theatre November 7th-12th
Kids of the 90s’ will almost certainly remember the original movie, Mrs. Doubtfire with Robin Williams in the title role.
This November, the Nashville Theatre is putting on its very own live production of this beloved show with its talented cast and finely tuned sets. Come see this hilarious and heartwarming show for yourself this November.
Check out the local museums
As November comes to an end the colder winter weather starts to settle in and you start to look for indoor activities, consider planning a trip to the museum and spend some time amongst some of the fantastic exhibits that Nashville has to offer.
A few great options are the Frist Art Museum, the Tennessee State Museum located near the capitol, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest collection of country music artifacts in the world.
