Local events

Oct. 4-31

Paint the Town Orange

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, the city of Franklin and Visit Franklin will host a new event in downtown Franklin to celebrate the fall season in place of Pumpkinfest, which was canceled earlier this year. Each week in October will have a theme and activities with shops in downtown Franklin participating. The event will also feature the HFWC’s annual pumpkin tree as well as decorations in local store windows. Visitors to the event are invited to tag selfies and photos of events with #downtownfranklintn and #franklintn. Free; costs vary for restaurant and pub crawls. Downtown Franklin. www.williamsonheritage.org

Themed weeks include:

Oct. 1-10: Harvesting History and Culture: Learn about the Battle of Franklin and other Tennessee historical sites

Oct. 11-17: Bountiful Brews: Octoberfest-themed pub crawls and restaurant specials

Oct. 18-24: Season shopping: Visit local stores and boutiques

Oct. 25-29: Autumnal treats: Try seasonal treats at restaurants and bakeries

Oct. 30-31: Paint the Town Orange: Weekend Halloween celebration

Oct. 13, 20 and 27

Walking Trail Tuesdays

The city of Franklin hosts weekly walks through Franklin parks where residents can take in the sights of the season while safely outdoors. 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Park locations vary by week. 615-791-3217. www.franklintn.gov.

Oct. 16 and 23

Spooky movies in the park

McEwen Northside will host two fall movie nights in October featuring spooky, family-friendly movies. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs to set up in the park. Movie titles have not been announced. 6:30-10 p.m. Free. 4031 Aspen Grove Drive, Franklin. 615-550-5575. www.facebook.com/mcewennorthside

Oct. 17

Fall Color Hike

The Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood hosts guided walks for adults to admire the changing leaves of the season. Attendees can bring cameras and binoculars. Additional hikes will be hosted on Oct. 24, 31 and Nov. 14. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $12. 545 Beech Creek Road S., Brentwood. 615-370-4672. www.owlshill.org

Oct. 17

Fall Mountain Landscape class

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department hosts this “Bob Ross-style” class where students age 13 and older of all skill levels will paint a 12-inch by 16-inch painting using the wet-on-wet method made famous by Bob Ross. Materials will be provided. Noon-

3 p.m. $60. Franklin Recreation Center, 1120 Hillsboro Road, Franklin. 615-790-5719, ext. 2020. www.wcparksandrec.com

Local pumpkin patches

Many farms in Williamson County are offering socially distanced ways for families to pick up pumpkins and take family photos.

Gentry Farm

Oct. 01-31

While the farm in Franklin will have safety modifications due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gentry Farm is expected to open this season. Visitors will be required to purchase tickets in advance to limit capacity, and activity areas will be modified. Face masks are required when social distancing is not possible. The farm is open Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 31. Visitors can buy a pumpkin, try corn and barn mazes, look at animals and take photos. Tickets will be available in mid-September, according to the farm’s website. 1974 Hwy. 96 W., Franklin. 615-794-4368. www.gentryfarm.com

Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 05-31

The annual pumpkin patch is set up at the corner of Cool Springs Boulevard and Mallory Lane in Cool Springs. All profit proceeds go to the Cooper Trooper Foundation to support pediatric cancer research through the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Customers should wear masks and practice social distancing. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.), 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sun.). 530 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin (in front of Walgreens). www.coopertrooper.org

Future event

Nov. 19-26

Virtual Turkey Trot

In lieu of its annual Thanksgiving Day event, Graceworks Ministries Inc. will host its annual Turkey Trot race virtually this year. Runners can sign up for a 10K, 5K and Kids 1K Turkey Chase. Certified routes will be provided for runners to complete between Nov. 19-26. Runners will then upload their run time and a race photo. Proceeds from the event go to provide meals for local families in need. $35. Times and locations vary. www.graceworksministries.net

Worth the Trip

Sept. 17-Nov. 1

Cheekwood Harvest

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens will host its annual fall festival beginning in September. The family-friendly exhibit features an autumn garden display, pumpkin patches, fall trees and two life-size pumpkin houses. It will also include special events, including a Virtual Japanese Moon Viewing and a Virtual Día de los Muertos festival. Individual events vary by date. Face masks are required. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Prices vary. 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville. 615-356-8000. www.cheekwood.org