Williamson County’s premier black-tie affair returns for its 53rd year as the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County hosts an elegant evening at historic Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. The annual gala celebrates the organization’s commitment to preserving the area’s architectural and cultural heritage while bringing together civic leaders, philanthropists and supporters for dinner, entertainment and dancing beneath the stars. It’s an unforgettable evening in one of Middle Tennessee’s most treasured historic settings. Harlinsdale Farm, 239 Franklin Rd., Franklin, williamsonheritage.org
9/12
WINE ON THE RIVER
Raise a glass along Nashville’s scenic riverfront as Wine on the River returns for its 24th year, bringing together more than 100 wines, craft beers and premium spirits for one of the city’s largest tasting festivals. The event pairs unlimited tastings with live music, food vendors and sweeping downtown views, creating the perfect late-summer outing for wine and spirits enthusiasts. Proceeds benefit The District and 2ndAveStrong, making every sip part of a meaningful community celebration. Riverfront Park, 100 1st Ave. N., wineontherivernashville.com
9/15-9/19
AMERICANAFEST
For five days, Nashville becomes the epicenter of American roots music. The annual festival and conference features hundreds of live performances across the city’s most iconic venues, alongside educational panels, networking opportunities and artist conversations. The week culminates with the prestigious Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium, where the genre’s biggest names such as Amy Grant, Wynonna Judd, Morgan Wade, Maggie Rose and many more gather to celebrate outstanding achievements and lifetime contributions. Various locations, americanamusic.org
9/20
DELTA DENTAL & FRIENDS DINNER & GOLF TOURNAMENT
Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during this two-day charitable event that begins Sunday evening at Marathon Music Works with a lively dinner party. The following day, golfers head to the exclusive Golf Club of Tennessee to play the legendary course designed by Tom Fazio. Enjoy the incredible setting while helping save children’s lives through supporting pediatric research and care. Marathon Music Works, 1402 Clinton St., and Golf Club of Tennessee, 1000 Golf Club Lane, Kingston Springs, stjude.org
9/24-9/30
NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL
Lights, camera, lots of action. The 57th Nashville Film Festival returns with nearly 150 films from around the globe, transforming some of the city’s premier arts venues into a weeklong celebration of cinema. Beyond screenings, attendees can participate in filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, exclusive parties and networking opportunities with creatives from across the entertainment world. Various locations, nashvillefilmfestival.org
9/26
MAD HATTER BALL
Don your most imaginative headpiece for the 34th Annual Mad Hatter at Conrad Nashville to support the Sexual Assault Center. This cocktail-style celebration features a signature hat contest, gourmet food stations, an open bar, silent and live auctions and new this year, a rooftop preview party with a Champagne toast. Chaired by Eliot Bloom, Sam Creamer and Mark Hemberger, the event aims to raise $400,000 to provide direct support to victims, making it an impactful charitable evening. Conrad Nashville, 1620 West End Ave., sacenter.org
9/27
CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS JAPANESE MOON VIEWING
This 12th annual festival, Otsukimi, celebrates Japanese art, gardens and culture during the Harvest Moon. Starting in the afternoon, events include a Kimono fashion show, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, live performances and Japanese food vendors. End the evening by honoring the Japanese tradition of moon-viewing in quiet reflection, gratitude and appreciation for nature. 1200 Forrest Park Dr., cheekwood.org