The Events: April May 2023

Studio Tenn’s Annual

Fundraising Gala

April 22

You’re invited to join Studio Tenn’s board of directors for “One Night Only 2023: Fosse,” honoring the legacy of the prolific Broadway and Hollywood choreographer Bob Fosse. His iconic catalogue comes to life from 6:30-9:30 p.m. as Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin is transformed into a moody, exclusive club for One Night Only!

Main Street Festival

April 22-23

Since its beginning back in the 1980s, this is the ideal springtime festival and one that attracts an increasing number of guests to downtown Franklin. It currently sees more than 120,000 visitors annually over its two-day stay, and presents eclectic arts and crafts vendors, superb entertainment, great food and drink, and fun for the entire family. This beloved annual tradition produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is consistently listed among the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Weekends throughout May

Hear Ye, Hear Ye … By decree of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, all subjects are summoned to the village of Covington Glen for the 37th Annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival this year of our Lord 1588.

In other words, all are invited to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival taking place in Arrington from the weekend of May 6-7 through May 27-29, with the finale hitting on Memorial Day. It’s a whole month of weekends with plenty of action, entertainment and adventure. Visit www.tnrenfest.com for all the details.

Jockeys & Juleps

May 6

Hosted by the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club, this Kentucky Derby Party promises an active evening taking place during the televised running of the horses at Churchill Downs. It will be held at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm from 4-6 p.m., and the event includes Kentucky Derby viewing on large TVs, dancing to the music of The Downtown Band, open bar with premium brands, bourbon tastings and live and silent auctions.

Tickets are $250 per person and can be purchased at www.downtownfranklinrotary.com

Franklin Rodeo Parade May 13 - Noon

Franklin Rodeo

May 18-20

Dust off your cowboy hat and pull on your boots! It’s time again for the Franklin Rodeo, the biggest rodeo in Tennessee, with all the activities taking place at the Williamson County AgEXPO Park. Activities include mutton bustin’ and the calf scramble for the young ones and the Cantina and VIP Corral for the adults, plus pony rides, a mechanical bull, vendors, and Snack Alley. And don’t forget the Franklin Rodeo Down in the Dirt Family Night on May 17, with free admission for the entire family.

Tickets for the rodeo are $25 for adults and $12 for children ages 12 and under. Children sitting on laps are free. For tickets go to FranklinRodeo.com.

Hammers & High Heels

May 19

From the Factory at Franklin on this Friday evening, Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program invites guests to enjoy live music, a fabulous plated dinner, a silent auction, a wine pull, and much more. The program empowers people to take the hammer and take the lead to help local families in need build and purchase safe, affordable housing. Hammers & High Heels is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser, bringing 400 people together to raise the $70,000 needed for the “bricks and sticks” of this home. For tickets go to www.womenbuildtn.com.

Eat the Street

June 2

There is no better way to wind down the week than this Friday favorite that has been happening in Franklin over the past few years. From 5-10 p.m., visitors can enjoy a delicious main meal, a variety of beverages and an evening-capper dessert — all from some 40 food trucks lining the street at Bicentennial Park. Plus, you’ll be benefiting the 21st District Recovery Court. Visit www.21stdc.org for more information.

Vintners Cup

June 12

RANGE OPENS: 10:30a

REGISTRATION/LUNCH: 11:00a

SHOTGUN START: 1:00p

The Grove, 6200 Wildings Blvd., College Grove, TN 37046

Hors D’Oeuvres, Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction, On-Course Contests

This charity golf tournament hosted by A Vintage Affair, which benefits a number of nonprofits and organizations in Williamson County, will be held at The Grove golf course in College Grove. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to further support the beneficiaries chosen for A Vintage Affair’s 23rd year: CASA of Williamson County, High Hopes Development Center, Kindred Spirits Farm, My Friend’s House, PATH United and The Williamson Medical Foundation – NICU. Through the support of its generous community, A Vintage Affair has donated over $2 million to charities who benefit women and children in need.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by going to A Vintage Affair website at www.avintageaffair.org.

An Evening with Friends

June 22

This is the fifth annual fundraiser hosted by Friends of Williamson County Animal Center, with the evening being held at The Factory at Franklin beginning at 6 p.m. in Liberty Hall. Proceeds from the event directly benefit programs and services at Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) as well as community pets in Williamson County.

Visit the FOWCAC website on May 1 to purchase tickets; call 615-516-7083 or email edie@friendsofwcac.org for more information about the event.