Families looking for an affordable Halloween outing in Nashville have a seasonal favorite to put on the calendar.

The Tennessee State Museum will hold its annual Haunted Museum Storytelling Festival on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the event combines playful scares with a look at Tennessee's past.

Children are invited to wear costumes and settle in for stories inspired by the state's history.

Alongside the storytelling, families can enjoy Halloween-themed games, creative activities and opportunities to win prizes.

Admission is free, making the festival particularly appealing to families seeking a budget-conscious fall activity.

The museum is located at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard in downtown Nashville.

Because the celebration takes place indoors at a museum, families can also make it part of a wider day exploring Tennessee history.

Organizers describe this as the festival's 28th annual edition, continuing a tradition that began in 1998.

That staying power speaks to the appeal of turning regional stories into memorable experiences for children.

The attraction is not merely costumes and Halloween decorations, but the chance to hear the past brought to life.

Young visitors can encounter local history in a format that feels very different from a classroom lesson.

Parents and grandparents may find the combination of storytelling and activities especially useful for a multigenerational afternoon.

A detailed schedule of individual activities may be announced closer to the event, so families should check the museum's latest information before attending.

The festival also provides an excuse for residents outside Davidson County to plan a convenient family visit to downtown Nashville.

For readers arranging the weekend of October 24, this is an opportunity to enjoy a longstanding local tradition without purchasing an admission ticket.

Costumes, curiosity and a willingness to listen to a good ghost story are about all families need to bring.