The Williamson County Heritage Foundation is preparing to bring its 42nd annual Main Street Festival to downtown Franklin on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26. 

The festival will kick off at 10 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. each day. 

The foundation’s associate director of brand and content marketing, Will Clark, called Main Street Festival “one of the most highly anticipated traditions in the Southeast.” 

Each year brings something exciting and new, but this year, attendees can expect an amazing and unique experience at The Franklin Theatre, as the Heritage Foundation partners with the Atlanta Braves. 

“We’re bringing a big-league atmosphere to our historic playhouse,” Clark said. “Fans can step inside the theater to catch the Braves game on the big screen, or head to the outdoor activation for exclusive giveaways and fan photo walls.” 

The collaboration even brings Braves fans the opportunity to mail letters to their favorite players. 

“It’s going to be a home run for families!” Clark said. 

The iconic two-day event is expected to draw in more than 120,000 visitors to downtown Franklin and is the Heritage Foundation’s longest-running festival among their annual Dickens of a Christmas and PumpkinFest events. 

“It’s a massive turnout that really showcases how much people value this historic district,” Clark said. 

The event will feature more than 150 artisan vendors and more than 30 food partners, from classic festival bites to local gourmet favorites, he said. Book lovers can stroll up to Landmark Booksellers to meet local authors, as Landmark will host signing events throughout both festival days. 

Entertainment

With something for everyone, the “celebration of culture and community” is free to attend. It will feature three stages: the Main Stage, Acoustic Stage and Roadshow Stage.

The Main Stage, presented by Nissan, will feature the following entertainment over the weekend:

Saturday: 

10-10:30 a.m.: Ann Carroll School of Dance

10:35-11:05 a.m.: Onelight Dance

11:10-11:40 a.m.: Rocky Top Revue

11:45-12:15 p.m.: Franklin Classical School Dance Company

12:40-1:40 p.m.: Bach2Rock

1:55-2:45 p.m.: Nashville Opera

4:15-5 p.m.: EverAmarillo

5:15-6 p.m.: Mark Anthony Ensemble

Sunday: 

10-10:30 a.m.: WCPR Rhythm and Spirit Dance

10:35-11:05 a.m.: Stage Right School of Performing Arts

11:10-11:40 a.m.: Histown Dance and Performing Arts

11:50-12:20 p.m. Act Too Players

12:40-1:40 p.m.: Bach2Rock

2-2:45 p.m.: Main Stret Vinyl

3-3:45 p.m.: Noteworthy Music Nashville

4:15-5 p.m.: Allen Carrescia

5:15-6 p.m.: Brandon Scott

The Heritage Foundation, Clark said, puts on the town’s beloved Main Street Festival because “we believe that a thriving community is one that celebrates its history and people.”

Through Main Street Festival, the foundation aims to preserve community spirit and drive economic vitality to local merchants “and create a space where memories are made.” 

“It’s our way of ensuring that the ‘heart’ of Franklin—our historic Main Street—stays vibrant and connected for generations to come,” Clark said. 

Parking

Franklin Transit will offer shuttle services to and from the festival starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and 11 a.m. Sunday morning for $1 per person, each way. Bottled water is permitted on the shuttle, but all food and drinks are otherwise not permitted.

For additional festival information, visit www.WilliamsonHeritage.org.