Fitting for a venue along the famous Golden Record Road, Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tenn., is an homage to the many genres, from country to jazz, that evolved in the Southeast. Kevin Griffin, co-founder and partner of the annual festival, is local to Franklin, and the lead vocalist for the rock band Better Than Ezra. Inspired by the scenic Williamson county hills while running through the Park at Harlinsdale, Griffin proposed the festival as a way to tap into the area’s history and culture of music. Yet Pilgrimage does not limit itself to southern performers. Dave Matthews Band, Hozier, Noah Kahan and Needtobreathe will headline the festival for its 10th anniversary. Of course, Better than Ezra will play a set, as they do every year.
Griffin’s Franklin roots are clear in every aspect of the festival: Restaurants and makers from the area set up their stations around the Park at Harlinsdale, which is now the festival’s venue, while the three main stages each pay tribute to a piece of Tennessee history. The Midnight Sun Stage recalls the prize stallion of the Harlinsdale Farm — famous in its own right — who was renowned in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry during his time. The Gold Record Road Stage is named for the road that runs along one side of the venue, connecting Franklin to the route that marks the American Music Triangle — where the festival’s third stage area derives its name from — with its main points in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. The triangle delineates what was and still is a hotbed of music invention as this region incubated a number of genres, like jazz, rock country music, which took elements from its different communities. Music history buffs who want more information can stop by booths around the festival ground, as well as the Antique Archeology Storytelling Stage.
The Specs
- 27,000 people attend.
- Two-day General Admission tickets start at $239, while VIP starts at $989. Single-day tickets start at $169. Parking passes are sold separately.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guides to Nashville (just 20 miles away from Franklin) here, or try out our own road trip recommendation through the Tennessee music scene here.
FAQs
Where does the festival take place?
The fest takes place in Franklin, Tennessee at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm which is located at 239 Franklin Road.
What’s the closest airport to the live music venue?
Nashville International Airport is 23 miles away. Additionally, Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport is 25 miles away.
How far is the venue from downtown Franklin?
It’s just 1.5 miles away.
Are kids allowed at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival?
Absolutely. Kids under the age of seven can enter for free, and there’s a special section of the festival—Fun Farm Family Village—with activities and performances particularly catered towards younger audiences, including youth bands, aerial and balancing acts, and more.
Is the festival ADA-accessible?
Alongside ADA parking and viewing areas, requests can be made for ASL interpretation services up to 21 days in advance of the festival. You can also make other types of requests, such as guided tours, large-font print or braille information, and closed captioning, for applicable events and activities.
Is the CMA Festival and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival the same thing?
No.
Which artists are on the Pilgrimage festival?
Dave Matthews Band, Hozier, Noah Kahan, NEEDTOBREATHE, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lukas Nelson, The Brook & The Bluff, Allison Russell, Chance Peña, Celisse, Illiterate Light, Lamont Landers, The Band of Heathens, HeavyDrunk, Willi Carlislie, People on the Porch, Owensboro Bluegrass, Wyatt Ellis, COIN, Stephen Sanchez, Better Than Ezra, Myles Smith, The Cadillac Three, Sierra Hull, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, The Brevet, Charlie Worsham, Hippies and Cowboys, Theo Lawrence, Lamont Landers, Cassandra Lewis and Down Home Church.
Who are the fest’s producers?
Kevin Griffin, W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan.
Is there an info email for the fest?
Playlist
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