PumpkinFest

October 26, 2024

10 AM – 6 PM

 

Main Street, Downtown Franklin, TN

FALL'S FINEST FESTIVAL: PUMPKINFEST!

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 39th Annual PumpkinFest is Middle Tennessee’s largest family Fall festival that returns on Saturday, October 26, 2024. With more than 115,000 people in attendance in 2023, the festival stretches along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin and offers tons of festive fun for people of all ages!

Join us for a full day of autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, and outstanding arts & crafts – featuring seasonal and specialty gift items.

Featuring

  • 140+ Arts & Crafts Vendors
  • 30+ Food & Beverage Vendors
  • PetZone presented by Petsense by Tractor Supply
  • KidZone presented by Grace Chapel
  • EndZone presented by Mercer Advisors
  • Acoustic Stage presented by Lipscomb University
  • Main Stage Entertainment presented by School of Rock
  • Pumpkin Experience presented by Allied Global Marketing
  • Whiskey Lounge by Leipers Fork Distillery
  • Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus
  • Pet & People Costume Contests presented by JacksonⓇ
  • Autumn Alley presented by HG Hill Realty Company

Download The Pumpkinfest 2022 Map

Find your favorite vendors, scope out the tasty treats, follow the scarecrow crawl, and take in our exciting stage entertainment!

Get the Map →

Arts & Crafts

Artisans and craftspeople will showcase their work giving festival goers access to shop and experience unique local, regional, national and even international crafts, products, foods and giftables.

Fun Activities

Autumn Alley is back with a full block of fun on Main Street presented by HG Hill Realty, filled with fall themed festivities, activations and entertainment PLUS beloved pet and people costume contests. Festival fans will also enjoy the ever-popular KidsZone presented by Grace Chapel featuring children’s activities, games, arts and crafts. If you need to catch the college football scores, pop into The Franklin Theatre and watch on the big screen presented by Mercer Advisors.

Food & Drink

An enhanced food menu awaits with more cold snacks and beverages. Be on the lookout for festival favorites and newcomers that will delight a cozy, fall appetite!

Live Entertainment

Don’t miss live entertainment on the Pumpkinfest Main Stage presented by School of Rock, the Lipscomb University Acoustic Stage, and Buskers Corner!

Downtown Shopping

All Downtown Franklin merchants will be open and celebrating with specials, features and promotions for enhanced shopping, dining and entertainment throughout the historic district.

PLUS follow the Scarecrow Crawl! Visit the downtown merchants during the festival, enjoy discounts and treats, & win a movie ticket to The Franklin Theatre!

Costume Contest

 

The ever-popular PumpkinFest costume contest for pets or people is back, presented by Jackson®! Click to enter!

Register →

Back Again at Pumpkinfest - Our 2022 Community Scarecrow Contest

Don't miss this popular Pumpkinfest contest! Interested in applying with your school or local community group? Click the link below for more info and to apply!

Learn More and Apply →

Book Your Lodging Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Parking & Shuttles

Park & Ride

  • Franklin Transit will offer shuttle services to and from the festival starting at 10:00 AM Saturday morning. Shuttle rides are $1 per person, each way. All Franklin Transit vehicles are ADA accessible. No pets (except certified services animals), non- folding strollers, or food & drink (bottled water is permitted).
  • Franklin Transit Locations: Pick up locations will be the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Church of the City (last shuttle leaves 15 minutes before the end of the festival).

Handicap Accessible Parking

  • Please use the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages or Franklin Transit’s Park & Ride service.

Limited Downtown Parking

  • There is also limited parking downtown (no street parking within the festival footprint).

Weather and Other Emergencies

The festival is rain or shine. Please come prepared for the predicted weather. If there are high winds or storms that make the conditions unsafe, the festival will be closed.

Public Storm Shelters Include:

  • City Hall
  • Public Parking Garage on 2nd Ave. S.
  • Public Parking Garage on 4th Ave. S.
  • St. Philip Catholic Church
  • The Franklin Theatre

First Aid & Emergency Services

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. If you’re in need of first-aid or non-life-threatening medical attention, please visit the Williamson Medical Center EMS & First Aid booth on Public Square

Restrooms

  • Inside Visitor Center (4th Ave North)
  • Inside City Hall (3rd Ave South and Public Square, behind Stage)
  • Inside 4th Ave Church of Christ
  • Restroom Trailer (3rd Ave South, next to City Hall)
  • Portable Restrooms (4th Ave S next to parking garage, 3rd Ave N, 2nd Ave/Main at Landmark Bank)

Lost & Found

Visit the Heritage Foundation booth (C1) on Public Square for lost items and more information.

Pet-Friendly Features & Tips

  • Prepare for your pet – bring hydration & waste bags
  • Keep your furry friend leashed – This helps to ensure they are secure in the crowd and other attendees don’t get any unwanted attention.
  • Keep it clean – please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet.
  • Weather 101 – Keep in mind any impending inclement weather and plan accordingly for your pet.
  • Be your pet’s best advocate – Know your pet, including what they link and do not like, so you can know if the festival environment will be appropriate for them.

Conduct Expectations

Per City of Franklin regulations, all attendees and exhibitors must comply with the following at all times during the event:

a. Except as protected by the First Amendment, the use of profane, obscene, or vulgar language, gestures, decorations, accessories, and signs is prohibited.

b. Indecent exposure*, lewd behavior, sexually explicit nudity, and any material or performance that depicts sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity and that taken as a whole is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning what is suitable and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is prohibited. This does not include breastfeeding mothers or to individuals who are changing clothes in designated areas.

c. Any activity, attire or conduct inappropriate to the peace and good order of the Special Event or which may adversely affect the safety of persons or property shall be prohibited. 

d. There shall be no harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. 

* T. C. A. § 39-13-511

Parking & Shuttles

Park & Ride

  • Franklin Transit will offer shuttle services to and from the festival starting at 10:00 AM Saturday morning. Shuttle rides are $1 per person, each way. All Franklin Transit vehicles are ADA accessible. No pets (except certified services animals), non- folding strollers, or food & drink (bottled water is permitted).
  • Franklin Transit Locations: Pick up locations will be the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Church of the City (last shuttle leaves 15 minutes before the end of the festival).

Handicap Accessible Parking

  • Please use the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages or Franklin Transit’s Park & Ride service.

Limited Downtown Parking

  • There is also limited parking downtown (no street parking within the festival footprint).

Weather and Other Emergencies

The festival is rain or shine. Please come prepared for the predicted weather. If there are high winds or storms that make the conditions unsafe, the festival will be closed.

Public Storm Shelters Include:

  • City Hall
  • Public Parking Garage on 2nd Ave. S.
  • Public Parking Garage on 4th Ave. S.
  • St. Philip Catholic Church
  • The Franklin Theatre

First Aid & Emergency Services

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. If you’re in need of first-aid or non-life-threatening medical attention, please visit the Williamson Medical Center EMS & First Aid booth on Public Square

Restrooms

  • Inside Visitor Center (4th Ave North)
  • Inside City Hall (3rd Ave South and Public Square, behind Stage)
  • Inside 4th Ave Church of Christ
  • Restroom Trailer (3rd Ave South, next to City Hall)
  • Portable Restrooms (4th Ave S next to parking garage, 3rd Ave N, 2nd Ave/Main at Landmark Bank)

Lost & Found

Visit the Heritage Foundation booth (C1) on Public Square for lost items and more information.

Pet-Friendly Features & Tips

  • Prepare for your pet – bring hydration & waste bags
  • Keep your furry friend leashed – This helps to ensure they are secure in the crowd and other attendees don’t get any unwanted attention.
  • Keep it clean – please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet.
  • Weather 101 – Keep in mind any impending inclement weather and plan accordingly for your pet.
  • Be your pet’s best advocate – Know your pet, including what they link and do not like, so you can know if the festival environment will be appropriate for them.

Conduct Expectations

Per City of Franklin regulations, all attendees and exhibitors must comply with the following at all times during the event:

a. Except as protected by the First Amendment, the use of profane, obscene, or vulgar language, gestures, decorations, accessories, and signs is prohibited.

b. Indecent exposure*, lewd behavior, sexually explicit nudity, and any material or performance that depicts sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity and that taken as a whole is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning what is suitable and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is prohibited. This does not include breastfeeding mothers or to individuals who are changing clothes in designated areas.

c. Any activity, attire or conduct inappropriate to the peace and good order of the Special Event or which may adversely affect the safety of persons or property shall be prohibited. 

d. There shall be no harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. 

* T. C. A. § 39-13-511

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 250,000 associates, currently operates 1,350 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 26 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 250,000 associates, currently operates 1,350 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 26 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

AREA SPONSORS

http://www.leipersforkdistillery.com/

Major Sponsors

Media Partners

In-Kind Sponsors

Want to Promote Your Business at future festivals? Learn About Corporate Partnership Opportunities!

We have an incredible team ready to talk to you about customized experiences for your business to interact with our festival attendees. Let's talk.

Email Mary Catherine Mousourakis →

About The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County

The Main Street Festival is one of three major, highly-anticipated festivals produced by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN for the cultural and economic benefit of the community.  Between the Spring's Main Street Festival, the Fall's PumpkinFest, and Winter's Dickens of a Christmas, the seasonal festivals annually attract over 300,000 visitors and contribute an estimated $10 million in local economic impact.