33rd Annual Pumpkinfest Takes Place Saturday

Pumpkinfest, Williamson County’s largest fall festival, returns for the 33rd year in a row, taking place Saturday, Oct 29 in historic downtown Franklin.

With over 65,000 people in attendance, the festival stretches along Main Street in downtown Franklin, and its avenues, and offers tons of festive fun for families!

What to Expect

Church of the City Kids’ Zone
Third Avenue South will be transformed into a full block of free children’s activities from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bouncy houses, pony rides, face painting, games, a dedicated preschool area, and much more will keep the small fry entertained for hours.

Costume Contests
Sponsored this year by Crescent Communities/ Lockwoord Glen, the costume contests for humans will take place on the XFINITY Main Stage on the Public Square. The costume contest for pets, sponsored this year by Haute Dogge Grooming Salon will take place at the same time on the same stage. Costume contest categories are ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-11, 12+, groups, and pets.

Live Entertainment
The XFINITY Main Stage on the Public Square will feature full lineups of music and dance performances. A similar stage will be at the corner of 1st Avenue and Main Street. NEW to 2016: Mafiaoza’s Music Corner will be located in the beer tent on 4th Avenue South featuring great acoustic artists!

pumpkinfest-2Arts and Crafts Vendors
More than 100 artists and crafts people with handmade wares will line Main Street from First to Fifth Avenues. Don’t miss the unique shopping opportunities!

Street Festival Food & Beer Garden
Old favorites like corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried catfish, and chicken tenders will join some newer offerings in four dedicated food zones: around the Public Square, on 3rd Avenue North, on Fourth Avenue South, and down by 1st Avenue.

The Great Pumpkin
Franklin’s Sister City, Carleton Place, Canada, is again growing the Great Pumpkin. Stop by its location on the Public Square and guess its weight for a chance at a fabulous prize.

Extreme Pumpkin Carving
Check out the Leiper’s Fork Carving Club as they demonstrate their carving skills with pumpkins.

Circus Entertainment Presented by Beacon Capital Management
Nashville-based professional circus group Beyond Wings will perform Halloween-themed hula hooping, juggling, and aerial arts at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Pumpkinfest

Photo Ops
Be sure to bring the camera! Photo ops will abound on the square at the Rolling Hills Community Church booth and down Main Street!

Grave Matters: The Stories Behind the Stones
After dark, Franklin’s historic cemeteries will come to life with first-person stories of some of the folks buried there. The cemetery tours will run from 7 – 9 p.m. For more information or tickets, click here.

Parking
In addition to the parking in and around the downtown area, parking and shuttle service will be available from Church of the City and Harlinsdale Farm for $1 per person each way. No pets, non-folding strollers, or food or drink except bottled water is allowed on the trolleys.

Producing Pumpkinfest is just one of the many activities of The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County. Since 1967 the non-profit group has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources; in short, saving the places that matter.

Pumpkinfest is sponsored by Genesis of Cool Springs, Bank of America, GSRM Law, XFINITY, Church of the City, Rolling Hills Community Church, Lockwood Glen, Mantra Artisan Ales and WAY-FM.