Town of Franklin 2026 Events Calendar

Held on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays May 9 through October 10 (weather permitting)

For over three decades the Town of Franklin, NC has hosted this FREE event at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin. This year's Pickin' on the Square will be held beginning at 6:00 p.m. the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin. Bring your lawn chair for a great evening of family entertainment during Pickin' on the Square. Come early and enjoy one of our great restaurants. Food vendors also available.

2026 Pickin' on the Square Dates & Schedule of Performers:

May 9th: Tugalo Holler - Bluegrass and Gospel
May 23rd: Low Tide - Classic Rock and Country
June 13th: Jason Passmore: Country / Southern Rock
June 27th: Arnold Hill - Alternative Rock / Americana
July 11th: Blue Jazz - Soul, Rock, Blues and more
July 25th: Alton Lane Band - Classic Rock and Country
Aug 8th: Tuxedo Junction: Motown, Beach, Swing, and Funk
Aug 22nd: Tribe Called Praise - Christian Rock
Sept 12th: Mission Accomplished - Classic/ Southern Rock
Sept 26th: Paradise 56 - Rock and Blues
Oct 10th: Carolina 441 - Country, Southern Rock

Pickin' on the Square begins at 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting) and features live musical entertainment each week. From bluegrass to country and oldies to rock 'n' roll, bring your lawn chair for a great evening of family entertainment during Pickin' on the Square.

Come early and enjoy one of our great restaurants. Food vendors also available.

The Macon County 250th Committee invites you to join with us as we commemorate America's 250th Anniversary with a two day celebration ... July 3rd & July 4th!!

The committee is still working to put all the details together but you can see the tentative schedule for day one of the event below. (schedule subject to change)

ATHLETIC EVENTS AT PARKER MEADOWS

5 on 5 Whiffle Ball Tournament

Kickball Tournamen -2 divisions (Open Team and Business / Family)

Float and Run Event

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

MAIN STREET FRANKLIN

6:00pm FREE CONCERT ON THE SQUARE featuring Jason Passmore and Rock Holler!

Complete information is coming soon, so check back often for the latest updates. You can also follow us on Facebook.

The Macon County 250th Committee invites you to join with us as we commemorate America's 250th Anniversary with a two day celebration ... July 3rd & July 4th!!

The committee is still working to put all the details together but you can see the tentative schedule for day two of the event below. (schedule subject to change)

FRANKLIN’S JULY 4TH CELEBRATION from 10:00am to 2:00pm - Main Street
Patriotic Parade, Contests, FREE Watermelon (as long as it lasts) & More!

MACON COUNTY RECREATION PARK BEGINNING AT 4:00pm - FUN & FIREWORKS IN THE PARK!

Food Trucks
Face Painting
Inflatables (Bounce house, Slide & more!)
Tie Dyeing
Fairy Hair
Re-enactors
LIVE MUSIC
Cornhole
Historical Games (Sack Races, Hoop & Stick, and more!)

Fireworks Display with Music at 10:00pm

The all aerial fireworks show will begin at 10:00pm and will be produced again this year by Munerlyn Pyrotechnics. There will be great viewing up from many locations outside the Macon County Rec Park as well.

The all aerial fireworks show will be produced again this year by Munerlyn Pyrotechnics and will be shot from the Macon County Fairgrounds. There will be great viewing up from many locations outside the Macon County Rec Park as well.

Complete information is coming soon, so check back often for the latest updates. You can also follow us on Facebook.

Get ready to let the good times roll during PumpkinFest! 2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of Franklin's PumpkinFest and you can be sure we have lots of special things in store for you. THe fun begins at 9:00am and Downtown Franklin, North Carolina is full tilt with everything pumpkin. Bring your pumpkin (or get a free one while they last) and sign up early for the World Famous Pumpkin Roll. The Costume Parade and Contest is another highlight of the day. And don't miss out on nearly 120 vendors including mountain arts & crafts along with great food! Don't miss our annual special attractions and more!  PumpkinFest runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm and is held  rain or shine  in Franklin, NC.

» CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PUMPKINFEST

Join with the Town of Franklin, North Carolina for this most wonderful time of year as Historic Downtown Franklin is transformed into a "Winter Wonderland" featuring: enhanced holiday decor, free carriage rides, live sounds of the season outdoors at the downtown gazebo and inside stores, great sales from downtown merchants and much more! Plus, you can meet and take your photo with Santa!

Winter Wonderland coincides with Small Business Saturday® founded by American Express®. Plus, we will hold our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:00pm on the Square! Remember, our Downtown Merchants are open late during Winter Wonderland with great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list! Winter Wonderland is held rain or shine.

The second night of Winter Wonderland is held the first Saturday in December and Downtown Franklin is filled with holiday cheer! In addition to Santa, the Town of Franklin has several new features for the second night of our holiday celebration!

More details on both nights of Winter Wonderland coming soon!

On Thursday, December 31, 2026, be part of another Franklin, NC holiday tradition ...the 13th Annual Ruby Drop, presented by Crabtree General Store & Motor Co. Grill. The event gets underway at 8:00 PM on Main Street in Downtown Franklin.

This FREE event will feature two Ruby Drops! The first will be held at 9:00 p.m. and is perfect for families with children or early birds. Then at midnight the official Ruby Drop will bring in 2026!

Live entertainment and more will be featured and details will be posted when available.