By: Liz Hall, Director of Festivals

As a long-time festival goer and Franklin resident, I have found a few things over the years that help me and my family navigate the crowds, entertain our kids, eat good food and genuinely find joy in the rush of 100,000 people experiencing the town I love.

  1. Plan your day.

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County TN’s 36th Annual Main Street Festival, Presented by First Tennessee Bank is comprised of many different components, old and new, that appeal to people of all ages and interests. Before you head out the door on festival weekend, spend a little time on the website or the mobile app to see what’s happening throughout the day. (Download the app for iPhone or Android.)

Entertainment schedules are posted in advance. You can see who is performing at what time on each of the stages, so you don’t miss your favorite artists! This year, you definitely don’t want to miss headlining performances from Sweet Tea Trio on Saturday and Dawn Beyer on Sunday.

             

The festival map is a great tool to use when planning your day. The map can help you decide where you want to start your path once you arrive. Are you coming with kids? Maybe you start at Kids’ Zone, Sponsored by Stride Rite. Coming with your furry companion? Try the Bark Lounge, Sponsored by MARS Petcare. Are you meeting friends? Stop at the Beer Garden, Sponsored by Bavarian Bierhaus or the Whiskey Lounge, Sponsored by Leiper’s Fork Distillery for a larger hang-out space.

Setting a loose game plan before you arrive will enhance your experience no matter what time you arrive.

  1. Come early…or late.

Speaking of time, if you want to see the festival, but you’re less keen on the crowds, then consider coming at a traditionally slower time of the day.

Downtown shops and restaurants are open normal hours on festival weekends. For you morning folks, grab a pastry or cup of coffee at Merridee’s Breadbasket, The Coffee House at Second & Bridge or Ruby Sunshine an hour or so before the festival opens. You can peruse the vendor booths and grab a prime seat at either stage before the larger crowds arrive around midday.

Not an early riser? The crowds thin later in the day too. Plan to arrive in late afternoon, and you may even get a coveted parking space in the garages on 2nd or 4th Avenues. This is prime time to grab a late lunch or early dinner and sip a cocktail next to the Main Stage while listening to great musicians.

  1. Choose alternative transportation.

Even on a normal weekend, parking in downtown Franklin can be challenging. If you aren’t within walking or biking distance, considering using our Park & Ride service. Franklin Transit Authority will be running shuttles from The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on Saturday and Sunday and from Church of the City on Saturday only. Shuttle rides are $1 per person each way.

  1. Know where to find restrooms.

Remember the map that shows where you can find all the fun things at the festival? It also marks where you can find the portable restrooms. Want indoor plumbing? You can find restrooms inside City Hall and at the Williamson County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau Visitor Center. We also have a pretty fancy restroom trailer set up right outside City Hall on 3rd Avenue South.

  1. Travel light.

Leave your large bags and accessories at home. Consider carrying a small backpack or a fanny pack to leave your hands free to shop or carry your food or drink. Fewer bulky items will make it easer to traverse the crowds.

If you are like me and tote around a couple of small children, traveling light may look a little different than your kid-free compatriots. Consider coming at those less crowded times so you’ll have plenty of space for those wagons and strollers.

  1. Become a Heritage Foundation member.

Here’s my shameless plug for you to become a Heritage Foundation member, and this is why it makes a difference at the festivals – you get VIP Member Lounge access. This year, the Lounge is sponsored by Efficiency Home Improvements Windows & Doors. Members can come hang out in our tent on the square during festival days and enjoy some complementary snacks and refreshments and a prime place to kick up your feet and watch all the action for a while before you jump back into the crowd.