HOLIDAY & SEASONAL

As the glow of summer fades, color erupts from the trees and autumn begins its own show at Cheekwood. From the first day of fall, September 22nd, through the month of October, Visitors are invited to celebrate the season’s changes at Cheekwood. From scarecrows hidden among the trails, to a pumpkin patch to a breathtaking assortment of fall’s signature flower, the chrysanthemum, Cheekwood Harvest is the perfect way to jump into fall! There will also be weekly special events, live music, “Art”ivities in the studio, and the return of Trains!, not to mention some of the most gorgeous weather of the year.

There will be much to see and do during Cheekwood Harvest, with activities every weekend that will please all members in the household. Following is a full schedule of all events for the six week period; complete details are available on cheekwood.org.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Mum’s the Word
Visit Cheekwood in late September and early October and prepare to be blown away by a fall garden classic: nearly 5000 gorgeous, fall-hued chrysanthemums in the Robertson Ellis Color Garden, planted in preparation for Cheekwood Harvest.

Scarecrows!
Big and small, spooky and silly … our visitors will find over 40 Scarecrows hiding along the paths at Cheekwood this fall! Each scarecrow is sponsored and created by a different civic group or community organization, and no two are the same. This lighthearted annual tradition has become a favorite of visitors of all ages—which one will be your favorite?

All Aboard for a Trains! Encore
If you loved last year’s Trains! exhibit at Cheekwood, you’re in for a treat this fall. We’re thrilled to have special selections from our wonderful garden railroad exhibition back again this year, on the lawn across from the Frist Learning Center. Explore all the details of three amazing outdoor model trains on three separate tracks— a treat for train enthusiasts and young conductors alike.

Introducing Pumpkins at Cheekwood
Whether you carve it, paint it, or just decorate with it, autumn just wouldn’t be complete without the perfect pumpkin. We’re getting in on the fall fun with our first-ever Cheekwood pumpkin patch, where you’re sure to find a beauty or two to take home.


WEEKLY EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
SATURDAYS

Family Studio Drop-In ‘ART’ivities
Saturdays, September 22 – October 20
10 am-2 pm
*Excluding Saturday, October 27th
Join us in the studios every weekend for interactive art and nature-themed activities where visitors young and old can create an art project all their own!

Live Music: Bluegrass in the Herb Garden
Saturdays, September 22 – October 20
10 am-1 pm
*Excluding Saturday, October 27th

Guided Garden Tours
Every Saturday at 11:00 am

Guided Museum Tours
Every Saturday at 1:00 pm

Live Music: Blair Student Musicians in the Museum of Art
Saturdays in October*
11 am-1 pm
Location: MOA Drawing Room
*Excluding Saturday, October 27th

FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT / SPECIALTY PROGRAMS

Saturday, September 22
Garden Tales
11:00 am
Using songs, dance, and interactive reading, seasoned storyteller Rachel Sumner brings your favorite nature-themed books to life. In September she’ll explore “Autumn Adventures.” Programs are meant for ages 2-8 years. Weather permitting, Garden Tales takes place outdoors in the Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden.

Saturday, September 22nd
Demonstration and “Fly By” by S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors)
12:00 pm
S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors) will help visitors discover the South’s own birds of prey and promote environmental awareness by combining music, video, and oh yes, live birds of prey which will fly right over the audience, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “fly by”.

Saturday, September 29
Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck & Wishing Chair Productions presents…
Aesop’s Fables
12:00 pm
Complete with humor and wisdom this adaptation of some of your favorite fables will delight young and old. Laugh until you cry or until you’ve learned your lesson.
Saturday, October 6th
Tree Climbing Competition
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Watch as professionals from across Middle Tennessee showcase their climbing skills and techniques during Tennessee Urban Forestry Council’s annual tree-climbing competition.

Saturday, October 13th
TACA Day – Craft and hands-on demonstrations
10 am-2 pm
Watch as demonstrators from the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) transform stone, wood, paper and clay into pieces of fine craft. Stay to see them exercise their expert carving skills with pumpkins!

Saturday, October 20th - Birds of Prey Show
Demonstration and “Fly By” by S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors)
12:00 pm
See September 22 for description

SUNDAYS

Guided Garden Tour
Sundays, September 23 – October 28
12:00 pm

Guided Museum Tour
House and History: Cheekwood as a Country Place Estate
Sundays, September 23 – October 28
1:00 pm

Drawing Room Concert Series featuring Belmont’s School of Music
Sundays, September 23 through October 28
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Cheekwood is honored to partner with Belmont’s School of Music to offer a fall concert series in the Museum’s intimate Drawing Room. Enjoy live music by some of Nashville’s most talented musicians.
Sunday, September 23: Bluegrass Ensemble
Sunday, September 30: String Orchestra
Sunday, October 7: Small Jazz Group
Sunday, October 14: Woods Piano Scholars
Sunday, October 21: Classical and Jazz String Quartets
Sunday, October 28: Brass and Flute Ensembles


HARVEST SPECIAL EVENTS
El Dia de Los Muertos
Saturday, October 27
11:00am – 5:00pm
Come celebrate with us on Saturday, October 27th, from 11:00am – 5:00pm at our 13th annual El Día de los Muertos festival. In recognition of this Latin American holiday, Cheekwood will bring the traditions of Mexico to Nashville. We’ll celebrate with lively music and dance, vibrant art activities and authentic Mexican food. Learn about the culture of our Latin American neighbors as you explore the beautiful altar displays, shop in the bustling Mexican marketplace, and enjoy the fine cuisine from local bakeries and restaurants. Check www.cheekwood.org for a full schedule of the day’s events!

Goblins in the Garden
Tuesday, October 30
10:00am – 12:00pm
10:30 – Trick or Treat Trail begins!
Scare up your favorite silly or spooky costume and join us for a ghoulish good time at the 6th annual Goblins in the Garden. We’ll be trick-or-treating our way through the gardens at 10:30am from Botanic Hall’s Massey Auditorium, as well as enjoying frighteningly fun entertainment and crafts. Count on spooky surprises, special treats, and a howling good time!