The Best Local Events & Things to Do in Franklin, TN
Franklin is a community that loves to come together. The charming Southern town located about 30 minutes from Nashville features a cute little downtown with lots of restaurants, shops, and the like and is the perfect backdrop for seasonal events and celebrations year-round. Whether you’re headed to a festival right on Main Street, popping in somewhere to catch live music, or venturing a bit out of the downtown core for a community-wide celebration, Franklin has mastered the ability to blend endearing small-town warmth and hospitality with bigger-city amenities and entertainment.
Franklin’s town calendar is packed with events year-round, which means there’s always something to celebrate. From fall’s crown jewel—PumpkinFest—to Bluegrass Along the Harpeth, Dickens of a Christmas, and more, here’s your guide to the Franklin events and festivals you won’t want to miss.
The Best Seasonal Events in Franklin, TN
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival - Fall
Held each September at The Park at Harlinsdale, the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival draws some of its inspiration from New Orleans Jazz Fest, and curates a lineup of rock, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel, and more. Featuring both up-and-coming artists and big-name acts (past performers include Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, The Killers, Maren Morris, Justin Timberlake, The Foo Fighters, and more), the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has grown over the years to include food trucks, artisans and makers, and so much more.
Located a short distance from Downtown Franklin, the festival is a family-friendly affair, perfect for both locals and visitors who want to soak up the experience.
PumpkinFest - Fall
Middle Tennessee knows how to celebrate fall. Every year, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County hosts the region’s largest fall festival—PumpkinFest—in Historic Downtown Franklin, TN. Held in late October (2025 marks the 40th annual PumpkinFest!), the street festival features fun and activities for people of all ages.
Browse 140+ arts and crafts vendors, sample bites from some of the 30+ food vendors, enjoy entertainment on two different stages (the Main Stage and the Acoustic Stage), visit the KidsZone, participate in the costume contest (for people and pets!), and more.
Dickens of a Christmas - Holiday
Ever wanted to experience a Victorian-era Christmas? You can get your wish at Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas. Held every year in mid-December (2025 is the 40th Dickens of a Christmas!), you can expect to see carolers in period costumes, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn carriages, and more. It’s an unforgettable holiday experience.
Franklin Farmers Market - Year-Round
A weekly farmers market is a great way to get out and see friends in the community while also supporting local farmers. Swing by the year-round Franklin Farmers Market at The Factory. Browse seasonal produce, artisan breads and baked goods, local flowers, and more. It’s the best of Williamson County in one place.
Main Street Festival - Spring
The Main Street Festival celebrates spring in Franklin. Held each April, the Main Street Festival features artistic and cultural performances, live music, 100+ vendors, lots of local food offerings, live music, and more. It’s also a super family-friendly event, with special activities for kids and pets.
Franklin on the Fourth - Summer
Presented by The Franklin Lions Club and the City of Franklin, Franklin on the Fourth is a full day of family fun and entertainment on the town square in Downtown Franklin. Celebrate Independence Day with a pet parade in the morning and a children’s parade in the evening, plus live music, tons of food vendors, free games and activities, an antique car show, and more.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth - Summer
Franklin loves live music and has deep musical roots. Held at the end of July every year, Bluegrass Along the Harpeth takes place in Franklin’s town square. The two-day festival features live bluegrass bands, dance and instrument contests, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and more. The festival is held in honor of Grand Ole Opry musicians Sam and Kirk McGee and proceeds from the festival benefit the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission.
Williamson County Fair - Summer
The Williamson County Fair is a big to-do each summer in Franklin. Held each August at the Ag Expo Park, you can expect all of the fair staples—with plenty of Middle Tennessee flair. Get ready for carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live music and performances, tons of local food vendors (with plenty of fair favorites), fireworks shows, and more. It’s the perfect place to make lots of fun family memories.
Why Franklin’s Annual Events Are So Special
Franklin is a truly community-minded town—residents love gathering to celebrate different seasons and holidays and getting a chance to spend time together. Many of the biggest and best events on Franklin’s annual calendar are town traditions, with families marking the date and coming out to sip cider, browse local shops and vendors, or take in great live music and a fun, buzzy atmosphere year after year.
Whether you’re a local making memories or a visitor in from out of town to see what the fuss is all about, there’s just something about Franklin’s events and activities that can make the town feel a bit more like home.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling from elsewhere for any of these events, make sure to check out the Visit Franklin and Williamson County Heritage Foundation websites for the most up-to-date information and details before your trip. Looking for somewhere to stay? Take a look at these recommendations in the Franklin area. We especially love the Harpeth Hotel, located right in Downtown Franklin.
For more about what to do in Franklin including where to eat, seasonal events, and the like, check out our Guide to Franklin!
Franklin’s events offer year-round reasons to fall in love with “The South’s Most Charming Town”. Whether you’re popping in for a festival, planning an annual getaway, or making a move, these small-town events really make spending time in Franklin even sweeter.
FAQs
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Franklin offers tons of fun, family-friendly events all throughout the year. Here’s a general breakdown of the schedule:
Spring
Kids Arts Festival
Arbor Day
Main Street Festival
Summer
Franklin on the Fourth
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth
Williamson County Fair
Summer Movie / Concert Series
Fall
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Fest
PumpkinFest
Family Day
Wine Down Main Street
Winter
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Christmas Parade
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Dickens of a Christmas
Year-Round
Weekly Farmers Market
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Yes! Many of Franklin’s annual events and festivals (like PumpkinFest) are free to attend, but food, beverages, some activities, and artisan goods may have a cost associated with them. Be prepared to make some purchases once you get through the door.
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Many events (like PumpkinFest, Dickens of a Christmas, and the Main Street Festival) are held right in historic Downtown Franklin, with the charming down as a backdrop. Others are held at city parks and other venues close to the downtown core, and the weekly farmer’s market is held at The Factory at Franklin. All are easily accessible for the community.
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Headed to a seasonal festival in Franklin? You can park in public parking garages, take advantage of street parking, or park in a designated festival parking lot. You can also opt to take a rideshare or even a shuttle for some of the bigger events. Visit the event’s website, Visit Franklin, or the Williamson County Heritage Foundation website for more information on shuttle bus availability, parking restrictions, and more.
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They sure are! Most activities and events in Franklin, especially the major festivals, include plenty of kid-friendly fun, activities, and entertainment so that everyone can enjoy the day.
For ideas on where to eat in Franklin outside of festivals and events, check out our round-up of breakfast and brunch spots we can’t get enough of.
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Some of them are. Many of the events are happy to welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs. If your dogs are super reactive, not leash-trained, or a handful, you might want to leave them at home where they’ll be more comfortable.
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Besides Franklin, Williamson County also includes other charming towns to visit like Leiper’s Fork, Brentwood, Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill, Arrington, Nolensville, and Fairview. There’s so much to explore all throughout Williamson County.
