Every fall, something magical happens in Franklin, Tennessee—the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival lights up the region with great music, rich culture, and community spirit. If you’re planning your calendar, this event deserves a spot at the top. Here’s everything you need to know about Pilgrimage 2025, why it’s special, and how to make the most of your time in Franklin.
What Is Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival?
Pilgrimage is a two-day festival held in Franklin, combining live music across multiple stages with art, food, cultural experiences, and community participation. It features a diverse lineup of artists—from major headliners to rising stars—set in a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. The festival also emphasizes accessibility, safety, and local culture.
2025 Lineup at a Glance
Dates: September 27–28, 2025
Location: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, Franklin, Tennessee
Here are some of the big names and notable acts for 2025:
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John Mayer
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Kings of Leon
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Turnpike Troubadours
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Young the Giant
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Father John Misty
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Sam Fender
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Grace Potter
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Better Than Ezra
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Colony House
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Maggie Rose, Angel White, Taylor Hunnicutt, Eddie 9V, Sam Barbara, Ben Chapman’s Peach Jam, Cristina Vane & more
This lineup spans genres—rock, alt-indie, Americana, folk, country, pop, etc.—which means whether you come for the headliners or discover new names, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Exploring Downtown Franklin
If you’re attending Pilgrimage, you’ll likely spend part of your time in downtown Franklin. It’s charming, walkable, full of history, and has a lot to offer. Here are some things to do:
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Historic Downtown Franklin: Wander the streets around Main Street, check out restored buildings, local shops, antique stores, galleries. The Franklin Historic District has architecture that reflects decades (or centuries) of local history.
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The Factory at Franklin: A mixed-use complex with restaurants, bars, shops, sometimes live performance spaces; good spot for dinner or early evening.
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Stroll, Shop & People-Watch: With quaint storefronts, street art, local boutiques, coffee shops, etc., downtown is great for relaxing between festival experiences.
Top Restaurants & Bars in Franklin
Here are some of the best places to eat & drink—whether for a pre-festival meal, dinner after a show, or relaxing with cocktails. Options are varied: from Southern comfort to more upscale, casual, etc.
| Restaurant / Bar | Type / Vibe | Why It’s Great / What To Try |
|---|---|---|
| Gray’s on Main | Upscale Southern / seasonal | Historic building, locally sourced Southwestern & Southern fare, great cocktails; good for a memorable dinner downtown. |
| 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room | Fine dining / upscale | For special-occasion dinners. |
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar |
Italian/upscale | Homemade Italian food, great people watching and vibe in Downtown Franklin. |
| Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar | Seafood/upscale | The only rooftop bar in Downtown Franklin. Great for people watching and delicious drinks. |
| Herban Market | Healthy / casual / café style | Good for lighter fare, vegetarian/healthier options; great for breakfast/lunch or a coffee stop. |
| Red Pony | Upscale / eclectic Southern | Sophisticated, chef-driven menus, stylish environment; great for date night or special meal. |
Perenn Bakery |
Healthy / casual / café style | Good for lighter fare, vegetarian/healthier options; french bakery, great for breakfast/lunch or a coffee stop. |
| Etch | American/modern | Located in the Factory, great food and ambiance |
Bars & Cocktail Spots:
- House of Spirits — Chic cocktail club owned by Leipers Fork Distillery. Great drinks and atmosphere.
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Amendment 18 Cocktail Club — Speakeasy-style cocktails; elegant atmosphere.
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Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor — More of a music-venue bar; good if you want live music in a bar setting.
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JJ’s Wine Bar — Great for wine lovers; cozy, relaxed setting, especially nice after an energetic day.
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The Skylight at The Factory — Newer spot, nice for cocktails; being part of The Factory gives options around.
How to Tie It All Together
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Plan meals around the festival schedule: maybe early dinner in Franklin before heading to the festival grounds, or afterward to decompress.
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Make reservations if possible — limited restaurants and the weekends get busy.
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Balance the agenda: between exploring downtown and festival events. It’s nice to have mornings or early evenings outside the festival, to experience Franklin itself.
Why Pilgrimage + Franklin Is a Winning Combo
Pilgrimage gives you the high-energy, curated music experience. Franklin provides the charm, the food, the scene, and the rest that rounds out a full trip rather than just a concert. Together, they make a weekend you’ll likely remember for all the right reasons: great music, good food, local culture, memories.
