The Williamson County Heritage Foundation is preparing to bring its 42nd\u00a0annual Main Street Festival to downtown Franklin on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The festival will kick off at 10 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. each day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The foundation\u2019s associate director of brand and content marketing, Will Clark, called Main Street Festival \u201cone of the most highly anticipated traditions in the Southeast.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bringing a big-league atmosphere to our historic playhouse,\u201d Clark said. \u201cFans 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The collaboration even brings Braves fans the opportunity to mail letters to their favorite players.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a home run for families!\u201d Clark said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The iconic two-day event is expected to draw in more than 120,000 visitors to downtown Franklin and is the Heritage Foundation\u2019s longest-running festival among their annual Dickens of a Christmas and PumpkinFest events.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a massive turnout that really showcases how much people value this historic district,\u201d Clark said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Entertainment<\/p>\n
With something for everyone, the \u201ccelebration of culture and community\u201d is free to attend. It will feature three stages: the Main Stage, Acoustic Stage and Roadshow Stage.<\/p>\n
The Main Stage, presented by Nissan, will feature the following entertainment over the weekend:<\/p>\n
Saturday:\u00a0<\/p>\n
10-10:30 a.m.: Ann Carroll School of Dance<\/p>\n
10:35-11:05 a.m.: Onelight Dance<\/p>\n
11:10-11:40 a.m.: Rocky Top Revue<\/p>\n
11:45-12:15 p.m.: Franklin Classical School Dance Company<\/p>\n
12:40-1:40 p.m.: Bach2Rock<\/p>\n
1:55-2:45 p.m.: Nashville Opera<\/p>\n
4:15-5 p.m.: EverAmarillo<\/p>\n
5:15-6 p.m.: Mark Anthony Ensemble<\/p>\n
Sunday:\u00a0<\/p>\n
10-10:30 a.m.: WCPR Rhythm and Spirit Dance<\/p>\n
10:35-11:05 a.m.: Stage Right School of Performing Arts<\/p>\n
11:10-11:40 a.m.: Histown Dance and Performing Arts<\/p>\n
11:50-12:20 p.m. Act Too Players<\/p>\n
12:40-1:40 p.m.: Bach2Rock<\/p>\n
2-2:45 p.m.: Main Stret Vinyl<\/p>\n
3-3:45 p.m.: Noteworthy Music Nashville<\/p>\n
4:15-5 p.m.: Allen Carrescia<\/p>\n
5:15-6 p.m.: Brandon Scott<\/p>\n
The Heritage Foundation, Clark said, puts on the town\u2019s beloved Main Street Festival because \u201cwe believe that a thriving community is one that celebrates its history and people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through Main Street Festival, the foundation aims to preserve community spirit and drive economic vitality to local merchants \u201cand create a space where memories are made.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s our way of ensuring that the \u2018heart\u2019 of Franklin\u2014our historic Main Street\u2014stays vibrant and connected for generations to come,\u201d Clark said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Parking<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n