FRANKLIN’S GUIDE TO
Main Street Festival
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s annual Main Street Festival welcomes spring to downtown each April. Explore streets lined with unique vendors, live music, carnival games, and soak in the charming celebration. The festival has grown in popularity, now attracting more than 120,000 visitors each year. If you’ve found this page, you’re likely one of them and we have answers to your questions.
When is Main Street Festival?
Join the fun annually on the last weekend in April. Hours are typically Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find additional event information here.
Where does Main Street Festival take place?
Main Street Festival sprawls over historic downtown Franklin. The footprint typically covers Main Street between 1st Avenue and the Five Points intersection, with stages, vendor areas, and bathroom/shuttle access mapped across the downtown core.
About Franklin’s Main Street Festival
Main Street Festival is one of Williamson County’s signature seasonal festivals, produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. The springtime event combines street theater, live music, artisan booths, and family entertainment. It draws large regional crowds of over 100,000 visitors each year.
Live Entertainment Lineup
While programming is confirmed annually, visitors can generally expect:
KidZone (presented by Hope UC Nashville):
Children’s activities, games, arts, and crafts.
Main Stage (presented by Nissan):
Full-stage performances, musical acts, and featured programming.
Acoustic Stage (presented by Gray Line Tennessee:
Intimate sets and local performers.
Spring Street (Presented by the Nashville Predators):
Interactive art activities, movement and surprises.
KidZone (presented by Hope UC Nashville):
Children’s activities, games, arts, and crafts.
Main Stage (presented by Nissan):
Full-stage performances, musical acts, and featured programming.
Acoustic Stage (presented by Gray Line Tennessee:
Intimate sets and local performers.
Spring Street (Presented by the Nashville Predators):
Interactive art activities, movement and surprises.
Family-Friendly Activities
Main Street Festival is built for families and filled with children’s entertainment and kid-friendly food vendors. The event footprint is stroller-accessible in most areas and includes multiple restroom options.
Artisan Vendors
The festival hosts an extensive arts & crafts market and a wide range of food & beverage vendors. Expect more than 150 artisan booths selling unique local, regional, national and even international crafts, products, foods and giftables.
Parking Information
Downtown Parking
Limited street parking is available; public garages on 2nd and 4th Avenues offer nearby access. Expect reduced on-street parking within the festival footprint.
Park & Ride / Shuttle
Franklin Transit operates shuttle service from offsite lots (commonly Harlinsdale Farm and Franklin High School) starting at festival open; shuttle rides have been available for a small fee. Shuttle schedules typically begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday, with last shuttles departing shortly before the festival ends.
ADA & Accessible Options
Franklin Transit shuttle vehicles are ADA accessible. Designated accessible parking is typically available in downtown garages.
Nearby Things To Do in Franklin
Make a weekend of it. Historic downtown Franklin offers shopping, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and more. Popular nearby stops include The Franklin Theatre, historic homes and walking routes, local boutiques, and seasonal dining spots. Enjoy the full weekend or explore for a week! Franklin has plenty of accommodations to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Main Street Festival pet-friendly?
Yes, but keep your furry friend leashed, and be sure to pick up after your pet.
Do you have to purchase tickets for Main Street Festival?
Main Street Festival is a free, public festival. No general admission tickets are required for public access. Some shuttles, special tents, or VIP experiences may have separate fees. Check the official event listing for details.
How can I become a vendor for Main Street Festival?
Vendor and performer applications are managed by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Visit their Festival Participant Information page for application details and deadlines.
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