It's Fall, Y'all

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Compiled by Jeff Bryant

Welcome to the fall season in Middle Tennessee. As the air turns crisp and the vibrant leaves transform into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, excitement fills the atmosphere. This is the time when thrilling football games light up the weekends, and the cooler temperatures invite cozy gatherings with friends and family.

Every year, a remarkable army of passionate volunteers dedicates their time and energy to craft unforgettable events and festivals, ensuring that there's something delightful for everyone to enjoy. 

From lively music festivals that get your toes tapping to mouthwatering food fairs that tantalize your taste buds, to engaging activities and adventures for children, Williamson and Maury counties offer a rich array of experiences this fall. Prepare to be captivated by the many exciting events on the horizon! Here's a sampling of what's to come: 

Fall Fest

Saturday, October 11, 3pm-8 pm

Downtown Columbia

Fall Fest Returns to Downtown

Columbia Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of Fall Fest, scheduled to take place on October 11th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Columbia.

This event, presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown. This community festival includes free admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a fun zone for all ages, pose in front of fall-inspired photo booths, and paint a mini pumpkin! Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, purchasing a ticket for the Kiwanis Chili Cook Off, or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County Fall Fest pageant.

This year's festivities feature the annual chili cook-off by Kiwanis of Columbia. This ticketed experience supports Kiwanis' local initiatives. Attendees who purchase a ticket will get to taste a variety of chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased at the event.

Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a "Fun Zone" featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, and a petting zoo. In addition to the Fun Zone, WireMasters has sponsored an all-ages painting station, where they can pick and decorate a mini pumpkin.

Live Entertainment will light up the Fall Fest stage with performances from talented local artists throughout the day. Starting with Boomerang, playing a mix of pop from the '60s and '70s. 46 Story will wrap up the day with a high-energy dance set featuring both current and classic R&B songs.

"Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you're going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands," says Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager.

Back by popular demand is the Miss Maury Co FALL FEST Pageant by Britts. This year, the pageant will take place during FALL FEST instead of prior. Early registration is encouraged and can be found by visitingcolumbiamainstreet.com.

"We invite all our friends and neighbors to attend Fall Fest this year," said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. "We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age, plus all the downtown merchants and restaurants who will be open during the event."

For more information about the Fall Fest, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Whole Hog Festival

October 11, 10am-5pm

Oaklawn Mansion

thewelloutreach.org/whole-hog-festival/

The Whole Hog Festival is the largest one-day event in Spring Hill, TN. The event will include live music, food trucks, a craft fair, kid’s zone, and more! All proceeds go The Well Outreach.

Big Bleu Pickin’ Party

October 18, 8am-4pm

Corner of E 7th & Woodland St, Columbia

facebook.com/events/1543728460373216

Ready for flea market fun? Join us at the Big Bleu Pickin’ Party for endless flea market vendors, food trucks, and live music!

Haunting in the District

October 30, 5pm-8pm

Columbia Square

Grab the kiddos for a fun and safe night of trick-or-treating around the Columbia Square. The streets with be filled with candy, games, a petting zoo, and more.

To start the week, Maury County will welcome a wagon train that has traveled through rural communities for two days, making its way to Maury County Park. Observers can gather on Lion Parkway on Wednesday, April 2, in the mid-afternoon to welcome the wagon train as it arrives at the park.