Changing leaves. Cooler weather. Hot coffee. No matter where you go, there are hints of fall everywhere as stores begin to bring in fall flavors and fun decor. And if you’re like us, you’re already searching for ways to fill your free time and enjoy the best that fall in Franklin and surrounding areas have to offer. Whether you’re looking for things to do alone, with friends, or with your whole family, the city has something everyone can enjoy. Here are some festivals, activities, and events you should consider: 

Festivals: 

Whiskey, Wine & Cider Festival: As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition is kicking off the month with its Whiskey, Wine, and Cider Festival in Nashville. Taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 6th at The Bedford, you’ll have the ability to taste over 20 different whiskey, wines, and ciders. They’ll also be providing appetizers and each attendee will receive a complimentary tasting glass. Tickets start at $75 and all proceeds from the event will go directly to their Emergency Access Fund to help breast cancer patients with mortgage or rent, utilities, and insurance premiums. Good Coffee Fest  This new event hosted by Harvest Hands is exactly what the name suggests, a coffee-centered festival that features coffee from across the world and the local community. In addition to the caffeine boost, the Good Coffee Fest will include live music, specialty-crafted cocktails, unique food, and local art vendors. The festival will be at The Outfield in Nashville on October 15th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Pumpkin Fest  The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 37th annual PumpkinFest returns to Franklin’s Mainstreet on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s middle Tennessee’s largest family festival and features a variety of autumn-inspired activities like food and drinks, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, arts & crafts, and more. The stores in downtown Franklin will also be open and celebrating with a variety of specials, features, and promotions just for PumpkinFest. 

Activities: 

Explore the Natchez Trace Parkway  The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive that crosses through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Chosen as one of America’s 10 best biking roads, the area of the parkway located in Franklin is open year-round for motorists, hikers, and bikers. No matter which method of transportation you choose, you’ll be able to see plenty of fall foliage, wildflowers, and wildlife like turkeys and deer. Food Truck Fridays at Arrington Vineyard  Every Friday until the end of November, Arrington Vineyards is hosting Food Truck Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Along with a rotating variety of food truck options like Mac Shack, Pie Town, and The Derby Coffee & Desserts, you’ll be able to listen to jazz bands play on the Hillside Stage and Bluegrass bands at the barn. No reservations or tickets are required and parking is free as well as your entry.  Catch a Performance at the Franklin TheatreAs it gets colder out, the historic Franklin Theatre is the perfect place to spend some time indoors and catch a live performance or movie. Whether you’re interested in a comedy show, an acoustic concert, or a reshowing of your favorite classic movie, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy and discover throughout the week.  Find Your Next Read at Landmark Booksellers   Located on East Main Street, Landmark Booksellers offers a carefully curated selection of new, old, and rare books covering a wide range of subjects and authors. Opened in 2005, the store has over 2,000 signed first editions, maps, prints, and postcards in addition to its collection of over 35,000 books. They’re open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and regularly hold events with local authors. 

Events: 

Fall Family Carnival  On October 8th, the Grace Center is hosting its Fall Family Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2420 Bethlehem Loop Road. With free admission, it’s the perfect place to take your friends or family for a fun-filled afternoon featuring food trucks, pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, train rides, and more. You can visit their website to RSVP and get all the details.  Franklin Art Scene Art Crawl  Need some fun Friday night plans? Every first Friday of the month, the Arts Council of Williamson County hosts the Franklin Art Scene Art Crawl on the city’s main street. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., you’ll be able to discover plenty of local arts ranging from paintings and sculptures to blown glass and turned wood. Many galleries and working studios also serve complimentary refreshments throughout the evening and some offer live music.  Franklin Farmers Market  Hosted at The Factory at Franklin, the Franklin Farmers Market is the perfect place to pick up produce, fruit, and dairy for any new fall recipes you’d like to try out. Everything at the market is ripe and ready to enjoy as it all comes straight from local farms for you to enjoy. Plus, there’s a variety of craft vendors with unique goods for you to enjoy.  

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