Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, a 2-day music festival in Franklin takes place this weekend Sept 22-23 at Harlinsdale Farm, a 200-acre City of Franklin park just outside of downtown Franklin.
This is the festival’s fourth year and music acts include Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds , Lionel Richie and Counting Crows, just to name a few.
Founded by Kevin Griffin (of Better than Ezra), Brandt Wood, and Michael Whelan, Pilgrimage invites folks of all ages on a journey to experience a myriad of musical styles, a bevy of food and beverages, and the rich regional spirit of Franklin.
Like most great ideas, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was inspired by friendship, history, and the desire to create a meaningful experience. A few years ago, musician and Franklin resident Kevin Griffin was on a September morning jog through The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, a century-old horse farm recently purchased by the City of Franklin. Kevin was so taken by the rolling hills, natural amphitheaters, and breathtaking vistas of the 230-acre farm, he envisioned it as a natural fit for a music festival venue.
Considering Franklin’s place along the Gold Record Highway, Kevin wanted people to understand the beauty and rustic quality of Middle Tennessee in the fall, and with the blessing of the City, began to dream up a music festival to do it justice.
Partnered with lifelong buddies and fellow New Orleanians W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan, the trio aspired to highlight the diversity and community spirit of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, tailoring the best elements to Franklin. Like Jazz Fest, Pilgrimage takes place during the day, and offers a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel and more. Performing on patina-clad stages reflecting the area’s aesthetic, many bands “crank it down” and give a partly acoustic set specifically tailored to the day. The Little Pilgrims Stage is more than a kids’ play area; it will feature a line-up of talented young musicians in their own right, to inspire and entertain kids and adults alike.
The region’s best food and drink is also on display and carefully selected food and merchant vendors are featured in the Bazaar.
Tickets are still on sale for this weekend’s festival. Two day passes are $210, one day passes are $125. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Harlinsdale Farm is located at 239 Franklin Rd, Franklin 37064
