The Franklin Scoop: Issue 03

Westhaven Porchfest (Westhaven Community)
Franklin’s front-porch music crawl is back, with dozens of artists posted up across the neighborhood for an afternoon of free, roving sets (bring a chair and wander street to street). After the porch hopping, the party heads to Magli Green for a ticketed evening concert featuring Monsters of Yacht with The Deltaz and special guest Ben Calhoun—expect sing-alongs, sunset vibes, and a very Franklin sort of block party. “From porch to porch, song to song.” Sat, Sept 20, 12:00–5:00 pm (porch sets) & 7:00–10:00 pm (evening concert).

Mark Collie live in Leiper’s Fork (Fox & Locke)
A bona fide Nashville hit-maker and country storyteller, Mark Collie brings his seasoned band and road-honed catalog to the cozy stage at Fox & Locke. Grab a skillet supper, settle under the string lights, and get ready for a night where the guitar breaks are crisp and the choruses come with a grin. Fri, Sept 19, 8:00–10:00 pm.

Terry McBride & the Ride (Franklin Theatre)
Classic harmonies, highway guitars, and that honeyed Franklin Theatre sound—this set from the ’90s country favorites is tailor-made for Main Street date night. Come early for popcorn and a stroll; stay late for the encore you know is coming. Sat, Sept 20, 8:00 pm.

Saturday Morning Movie: Beauty and the Beast (1991) with TPAC tie-in (Franklin Theatre)
Bring the littles (and your inner 8-year-old) for a big-screen spin through Disney’s tale as old as time, presented as part of the Theatre-to-Theatre series with TPAC. It’s a perfect pre-brunch outing—costumes welcome, gasps guaranteed. “Be our guest.” Sat, Sept 20, 11:00 am.

Arrington Vineyards—Music in the Vines (free, family-friendly)
Pack a blanket for hillside jazz and barn-side bluegrass amid vineyard views. Saturday brings The Miles Damaso Group (jazz) and Downriver Collective (bluegrass) for an easygoing afternoon; Sunday keeps the groove with Triple Dare Jazz Band and Alex Genova & Friends. Sat, Sept 20, 3:00–7:00 pm; Sun, Sept 21, 1:00–5:00 pm.

Judas Priest & Alice Cooper (FirstBank Amphitheater)
Two titans of rock take over the limestone quarry for a blast of riffs and theatrics under the stars. It’s leather, pyro, and a venue that makes the kick drum bounce off ancient rock. “Heavy metal meets hollowed stone.” Sun, Sept 21, 6:45 pm.

Franklin Farmers Market—late-summer bounty (at The Factory)
Peak tomatoes, ripe peaches, artisan breads, local cheeses—September Saturdays are delicious here. Chat with growers, grab coffee, and stock a picnic for Harlinsdale or the backyard. Sat, Sept 20, 8:00 am–12:00 pm.

Cheekwood Harvest + Harvest Plant Sale (Nashville, nearby)
Pumpkin Village, mums in riotous color, scarecrows on parade—Cheekwood’s signature fall experience is officially in season. Make it a two-for-one by swinging through the Harvest Plant Sale for native perennials and cool-season color to refresh your porch pots. Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 9:00 am–4:00 pm (plant sale; Harvest runs during daytime hours).

Now open: Culinary Dropout (McEwen Northside, Cool Springs)
A playful gastropub built for groups—think pretzel bites with fondue, shareable plates, lawn games, and frequent live music. It’s already buzzing and tailor-made for post-show hangs. Open now; check for hours.

Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits (Downtown Franklin)
The countryside favorite brings its whiskey know-how to Main Street with a moody cocktail den, curated flights, and small plates by Circa. Perfect for a nightcap after the Theatre. Open now.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival (Harlinsdale Farm)
Franklin’s signature festival returns Sept 27–28 with headliners John Mayer and Kings of Leon plus a deep bench of favorites. Start plotting your weekend now—this one defines fall around here.

Till next time,