Top Places to Trick or Treat in Middle Tennessee

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, October 11th, 2021 at 11:32am.

Trick-or-treating in costume is the highlight of the Halloween season for children and families. Our communities missed out in 2020, but we’re glad to say that most festivities are back this year! We’ve scouted the best places to trick or treat in Middle Tennessee, from decked-out neighborhoods to afternoon park extravaganzas, all promising massive candy hauls with high turnout.

Trunk-or-treat events are gaining popularity year after year, but fear not—there are still plenty of places where goblins, ghouls, and witches can be found throughout the final weeks of October.


Trick-or-Treat Events

“Belle Meade Plantation,” Nashville

Thursday, October 21, from 1 – 3 p.m.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

This free event boasts fun for all ages. Attend a dance party, join in Halloween games, and stroll through a full mile of trick-or-treating stops and stations. Belle Meade encourages costumes for the whole family, though adults may not wear scary costumes or masks that cover the whole face.

Belle Meade Plantation is a Teal Pumpkin participant for children with food allergies.

Goblins and Goodies at the Park,” La Vergne

Saturday, October 23, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park in La Vergne is hosting the annual Goblins and Goodies afternoon once again this year. This free event includes a hike down the trail peppered with trick-or-treat booths and stations sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Children can collect candy, small toys, and goo-goo clusters, play games, and show off their costumes throughout the park.

“Halloween in the Park,” Mt. Juliet

Saturday, October 23, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Halloween in the Park is back at Charlie Daniels Park! This free event includes a petting zoo, old-fashioned hayrides, several costume contests, inflatables, vendors, and of course, piles of candy for trick-or-treaters. Follow the link above to view the costume contest schedule and be sure to arrive early to sign up.

“Halloween in the Park,” Goodlettsville

Saturday, October 23, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Moss-Wright Park is throwing their annual Halloween party, complete with a live DJ, dancing, games, crafts, photo booths, trick-or-treating sponsored by local businesses and organizations, carnival-style food, and a pumpkin patch. 

Costumes for all are encouraged but must be acceptable for young children and families. 

“Trick-or-Treat on the Square,” Gallatin

Friday, October 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Gallatin’s Historic Downtown Square is hosting a rain or shine Halloween event for preschool-aged children as an alternative to night-time trick-or-treating. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged for all ages.

“PumpkinFest,” Downtown Franklin

Saturday, October 30, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 36th Annual PumpkinFest returns with Tennessee’s biggest family fall festival. Over 65,000 people will be in attendance, so come peruse the arts & crafts exhibits, enjoy autumn-themed food and drink, attend live music events, participate in costume contests for people and pets like, and watch as the kids have raucous fall fun. Don’t forget to shop for seasonal and specialty gifts! 

“Trick-or-Treat at Drakes Creek Park,” Hendersonville

Thursday, October 28, from 6 – 8 p.m.

Hendersonville Parks department invites all for a free trick-or-treating event, complete with games and prizes, lots of candy, and old-fashioned hayrides through the park. 

Castle of Villains,” Hendersonville

Friday, October 22, from 5 - 8 p.m. 

Your most beloved fairytale villains are taking over Historic Rock Castle at Castle of Villains. This event is a presentation of the castle and Character Visits 4 U, and brings you face-to-face with a full cast of loveable scamps as you trick-or-treat. 

Tickets are $10 per child, $5 per adult, and are available at the gate. VIP events are an additional charge.

Boo at the Zoo,” Nashville

October 15-17, 19-24, 26-30, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

This year’s Boo at the Zoo is an updated, socially distanced walk-through experience. All of your favorite activities are back this year, plus a few more! Come visit Pumpkin Town for photos, see Gourdon the Talking Pumpkin, weave your way through the Haymaze, boogie down at the Monster Mash, take a whirl on the Scary-Go-Round carousel, see animal shows, tour 10 trick-or-treat stations for the kids, and enjoy beautifully lit magical scenes all along the treat trail.

Masks requirements as set forth by the city at the time you visit will be enforced.


Top Neighborhoods for Trick or Treating

These neighborhoods are famous for going all out every Halloween. If your neighborhood loves to entertain children during the spookiest season, and we missed it on our list, please add it in the comments below.

  • Downtown Nashville – Belmont Neighborhood

This gorgeous neighborhood is renowned for its elaborate Halloween decorations along safe sidewalks, and plenty of on-street parking. This area draws a huge crowd every year!

  • Downtown Nashville – Belle Meade Neighborhood

The beautifully kept neighborhoods around Belle Meade go all out with candy and decorations, so for those who crave the fanciest of Halloweens, get glam and take your trick-or-treaters to score the candy haul of their dreams! 

  • East Nashville – Eastland Ave

Eastland Avenue welcomes about 400 trick-or-treaters each year, making it busy enough to be an exciting tour, but not so crowded that it’s overwhelming.

  • West Nashville – Richland and Central Avenues between West End and Murphy Road

This area is packed every Halloween, and with good reason: it boasts the reputation of being one of the best trick-or-treating zones in downtown Nashville. Bring your child’s largest candy bucket (or a pillowcase!) and prepare to fight the crowds.

  • North Nashville -- Salemtown

Salemtown’s annual Halloween block party is beloved as a safe haven for the 400 or so children who trick-or-treat here. Come for the candy, stay for the sense of community.

Some neighborhoods that made our honorable mention list include:

  • East Nashville – Stratton
  • East Nashville – Greenfield
  • East Nashville – Fatherland Street
  • Hermitage – Hampton Hall
  • Hendersonville – The Ballentrae Subdivision
  • Bellevue – River Plantation
  • Sevier Park – 12 South
  • Franklin – West Main Street
  • Franklin – Westhaven area
  • Mt. Juliet – Willoughby Station
  • Brentwood – Foxboro Estates
  • Belmont – Belmont boulevard and Oakland Avenue
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