The Americana Music Festival and Conference, for fans and music industry professionals alike, features concerts, panels, workshops, parties and more through Saturday. Nearly 100 artist showcases (including Buddy Miller, Jim Lauderdale, Marty Stewart, the Civil Wars and Marshall Chapman) will play at 5 venues throughout Nashville, highlighted by the Americana Honors & Awards show at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 13. Lineup and ticket information: http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/americana

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

Live on the Green

Live on the Green’s third season concludes with Here Come the Mummies, along with H-Beam, Eastern Block and RhythMystik. The free concert series takes place at Public Square Park (Metro Courthouse). Show starts at 6 p.m. Information: liveonthegreen.net.

The Business Wisdom of the Beatles

The Beatles as role models for Realtors? Yes! The Beatles have enormous value as models for running a business -- the steps that the Beatles took to become the most successful rock band of all time can be applied to any business venture. Come hear how at a course from noon-4 p.m. at Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, 4540 Trousdale Drive. The course is based on the book “Come Together: The Business Wisdom of The Beatles” by Nashville Realtor and past GNAR President Richard Courtney and George Cassidy. Registration is $75 ($60 for GNAR members). Information: www.gnar.org or 254-7516.

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Full Moon Pickin’ Party

Join bluegrass musicians and music fans from 7-11 p.m. at the Steeplechase Barn at the Equestrian Center in Percy Warner Park for the last pickin’ party of the year. See and hear great music under the light of a full moon from a lineup that includes Dipherent Rendition, Hands of Time and Highland Rim. Tickets ($5-$20; kids 6 and under free) available online at friendsofwarnerparks.com or by calling 370-8053. Seating is limited; lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Light The Night Walk

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual walk to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. Participants carry illuminated balloons and raise funds for patient services and research for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Nashville will hold its 12th annual Walk of 2.2 miles. There also will be live music, food and children’s activities. LP Field, 7:30 p.m. Information: lightthenight.org.

OCT. 14-16

Southern Festival of Books

A free, three-day celebration of the written word that attracts about 20,000 attendees to meet their favorite writers and become familiar with talented new writers. This 23rd anniversary edition includes authors Walter Mosley, Andrea Davis Pinkney, T.A. Barron, Chris Bohjalian, Pseudonymous Bosch, Charles Frazier, Tom Perrotta and Nashville’s own Ann Patchett. Information: humanitiestennessee.org.

Ghouls at Grassmere

Ford Motor Company’s Ghouls at Grassmere runs October 14 – 16, 21 – 23 and 28 – 30 from 5 – 9 p.m. each night. It is designed to appeal to families with children ages 12 and under. Halloween activities include 20 trick-or-treat stations along Trick-or-Treat Trail, games at Carn-Evil and rides on the Haunted Hayride and Scary-Go-Round. Guests can wander through the Gypsy Mystery Maze, take in an animal show at Monsterpiece Theater or visit the Zoo’s Historic Home for a special tour showcasing the traditions and superstitions of the late 1800s regarding death. Ghouls at Grassmere is $12 for members and $15 for non-members, and includes all activities, rides and parking. Tickets purchased before Oct. 14 receive a $2 discount. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.nashvillezoo.org until Oct. 14 or at the Zoo’s Guest Services hut every day before 3 p.m. Area non-profit organizations who work with underserved families can contact the Center for Nonprofit Management at (615) 259-0100 to apply for complimentary opening night tickets.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Rock & Road Relay Marathon

The Inaugural Rock & Road Relay Marathon, 5k & one-mile foot race benefitting the Friends of Warner Parks and its educational programs. Information, including the schedule of events, course maps, and volunteer opportunities available at rockandroadmarathon.racesonline.com.

Mars Petcare Adoption Fair

Mars Petcare will host its third annual adoption fair at its office in Franklin, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 20 local animal shelters will participate in the event, and families and animal lovers alike are invited to attend the free fair and enjoy food and drinks, kids’ activities and music. A balloon artist, dog kissing booth and paw painting also will be available.

Shred It to Benefit Crime Stoppers

Bring old personal documents to LP Field Parking Lot D from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to have them shredded under the supervision of the Metro Police fraud unit. Suggested donation is $5 for the Metro Planning Commission-sponsored event, plus Metro Police is accepting “pharma trash” too -- outdated and unwanted prescription medications. Information: 880-1006.

OCT. 16-17

Battle of Franklin Re-enactment

The Battle of Franklin 147th Anniversary Re-enactment, formerly known as Civil War Days, is set for the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Visitors will get a glimpse into the life of a soldier during the Battle of Franklin, which was fought on November 30, 1864. This year’s event will be twice the size of last year with a battlefield twice as large and double the number of re-enactors (approximately 700). The Battle of Franklin resulted in approximately 10,000 casualties over the course of five hours in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

NEXT Awards

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneur Center’s NEXT Awards recognize Middle Tennessee companies and entrepreneurs making the most significant impact on our local economy. Four finalists and one winner will be recognized in five business sectors important to the Nashville-area economy: Health care, technology, digital media & entertainment, sustainability & alternative energy, social enterprise. 6:30 - 9 p.m., Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 611 Commerce Street. Information: 743-3063, nashvillechamber.org.

Baptist Hosts Joint Pain Seminar

The Joint Replacement Center at Baptist Hospital is hosting a free, informational joint pain seminar at 6 p.m. at Baptist Hospital in the Gladys Stringfield Owen Education Center Auditorium located near the hospital’s 21st Avenue entrance. Attendees will learn about the anatomy of the knee, hip and shoulder, common causes of joint pain and the latest treatment options. Millions of people suffer from debilitating pain and stiffness in their joints that can limit their mobility and quality of life. Register/information: 284-BONE (284-2663) or www.JointPainSeminars.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

Halloween Moonlight Festival

Symmetry hosts an evening of free workshops, local vendors and metaphysical services with a theme of “Phantasms and the Supernatural.” This free event is 7-11 p.m. at 212 Louise Avenue and is open to the public. Information: 321-4040, centerofsymmetry.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon - A Homegrown Celebration is a fundraising event for The Land Trust for Tennessee. The 11th annual party will be hosted at The Land Trust’s Glen Leven Farm, 4000 Franklin Road, Nashville, beginning at 5:30 with tours of the farm and the Chestnut Group art show. Information: landtrusttn.org.

THROUGH OCT. 31

‘Haunted’ Hermitage Lantern Tours

The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, presents its annual haunted after-hours tours most nights (except Saturday) through Halloween. The lantern-led tours, open to just 15 guests (ages 10 and up) at a time, run about 90 minutes -- covering the mansion, garden, cabin and cemetery area—and offer a uniquely spooky look at the 1,120-acre national historic landmark. Topics discussed are the ghostly events of the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson, the Bell Witch, the death of Rachel Jackson, as well as a full tour of the Mansion. Most tours begin at 7 p.m. Tickets available ONLY online at thehermitage.com/events. Information: 889-2941, ext 243.