Franklin to launch 2024 festival season with 40th Main Street Fest, offering music, more

Gabrielle Chenault , Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read
The 39th Annual Main Street Festival, presented by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, drew large crowds to historic downtown Franklin on Saturday and Sunday.
The 39th Annual Main Street Festival, presented by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, drew large crowds to historic downtown Franklin on Saturday and Sunday.

Franklin is preparing to launch the 2024 festival season with the return of Main Street Fest on April 27-28.

The event will set the stage for later festivals with the popular Pumpkinfest and Dickens of a Christmas planned for later in the year.

For the past 40 years, Franklin's Main Street Festival has invited residents of the community and beyond to enjoy the weather, taste great food and shop locally, officials said.

Since its creation in 1984, the size of the festival has grown every year and includes everything from arts and crafts to live music. Last year, there were 115,000 visitors and more than 140 vendors.

“We’re thrilled with the growth of The Main Street Festival, and how the community continues to embrace us year after year,” Heritage Foundation President and CEO Bari Beasley said.

For this year’s festival, organizers are planning to include six zones that will offer activities for adults, kids and pets.

The Main Stage, presented by Nissan USA, will feature live music from local bands and artists. The Acoustic Stage, presented by Grayline, features additional local artists. Lineups for both stages have yet to be announced.

PetZone, presented by Petsense and Tractor Supply, will offer activities and promotions for all those four-legged companions. It will also feature a fenced in play area, complimentary treat tasting, a creative photo backdrop and animal adoptions with the Williamson County Animal Center.

A Kidszone is planned and will feature activities, games, arts and crafts and face painting.

For those 21 and over, the Whiskey Lounge, presented by Leiper’s Fork Distillery, and the Beer Garden. courtesy of Bavarian Bierhaus, will offer tastings to educate attendees about local whiskey and beer.

Everything is being sponsored by First Horizon Bank.

“Every year we look forward to contributing to this special festival that celebrates the people and places that make downtown Franklin the best Main Street in the U.S.A.,” First Horizon Central Region President Carol Yochem said.

For a full lineup of entertainers, events and vendors, visit www.FranklinMainStreetFest.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin to launch festival season with Main Street Fest this month