While our hearts are still with our neighbors rebuilding following Helene’s path through Western North Carolina, we are thankful to see a full November 2024 Events Calendar in Franklin, NC! It was wonderful to see so much activity and friendly faces at the recent PumpkinFest.
Novenber brings cozy gatherings, holiday cheer, and plenty of exciting events to enjoy with friends and family. Here’s a list of Franklin’s top November happenings, so mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable month!
Popular Annual Events
Winter Wonderland – Main Street in Downtown Franklin – November 30 @ 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Join with the Town of Franklin as we ring in the holidays with Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland is held on the two consecutive Saturdays after Thanksgiving from 5:00 to 8:00 each evening. The November 30th edition of Winter Wonderland, which is also Small Business Saturday, includes our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Gazebo on the Square! Remember, our Downtown Merchants are open late both nights of Winter Wonderland with great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list!
Music & Performances
Puppy Pals 2024 – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – November 1 @ 6:30pm
Straight from the television show America’s Got Talent, the Puppy Pals comedic stunt dog show is a hilarious presentation for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us. Full of surprises and laugh-out-loud canine comedy, Puppy Pals is a fan favorite for children and adults of all ages. This is not only a show loved by all, but a family-fun experience as in every performance, they invite the audience to take part and maybe even jump in the action with the furry friends.
Featuring mostly rescued dogs, Puppy Pals is an over-the-top tale of what can happen when humans and animals come together in kindness, comedy, compassion and cooperation.
Marty Haggard: A Tribute To Merle Haggard – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – November 15 @ 7:00pm
Marty was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Of course, everyone knows his Dad, Merle Haggard. Marty considers his dad the greatest singer/songwriter ever and I’m sure a lot of people agree with that. Growing up, Marty was able to travel with his dad and witness the writing and recording of all his great songs. He also had the opportunity to know many of the country greats, like Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.
It’s obvious Marty was influenced by the legendary artists and their music while traveling with his dad. In 1979, Marty began touring with his own band, signing with Dimension Records in 1981. From 1983 to 1985, Marty toured with his dad, playing guitar and singing harmony. Marty signed with MTM Records in 1986 and released Trains Make Me Lonesome, which garnered him a nomination as best new male vocalist. Marty signed with Critique/BMG in 1995 and after some time decided to leave the Nashville lifestyle behind.
In 1999, Marty and his wife, Tessa, formed Marty Haggard Music and Marty began writing and singing spiritual songs inspired by his life spent with his Grandma Haggard after his mom and dad were divorced. There were also many struggles growing up the son of such a famous father. For the next ten years, Marty traveled the country with his wife and son, Jamey, not as a preacher, but just to sing and proclaim his love and personal relationship with Jesus. Additionally, he still found time to go back to his roots and play country venues.
Marty’s love for his dad and his music eventually inspired him to begin a new project, which he titled A Tribute to Merle Haggard “My Dad”. In 2010, he recorded the first album of this project with a 15 song CD of Hag classics. This led to a tribute show in Branson, Mo, where he performed for two years. In 2011, Marty released A Tribute to Merle Haggard “My Dad’ Volume 2. He then took the show on the road throughout the country plus Canada, Ireland, Scotland and England.
As Marty’s song Apple proclaims, “the apple never falls too far from its tree.”
Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge: The Musical – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – November 22 & 23 @ 7:00pm
Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time and money. However, on one particular Christmas Eve, he is visited by three spirits who will show him the error of his ways and the outcome of his actions if he chooses to continue in such behavior.
Based on the classic tale by Charles Dickens, this two-act live stage presentation will entertain, enlighten and remind us all that blessings come when you least expect them from the most unexpected of places.
Written and directed by the award-winning songwriting team behind the Annie Moses Band, “Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge,” is a powerful original musical adaptation of the Christmas classic.
Karaoke – Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub – Tuesday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub hosts Karaoke with DJ Don every Tuesday evening. They offer a full espresso bar, an array of craft beers, and fresh baked goods.
Music Bingo – Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. – Tuesday Evenings
Check out Lazy Hiker every Tuesday at 6 pm for a fun spin on traditional bingo that lets you jam out to snippets of your favorite songs while playing competitively against other music lovers! FREE to play! Join in for 4 rounds of musical fun, hosted by the one and only, DJ Mox, for your chance to win a $5, $10, $15, or $20 Lazy Hiker gift card!
Open Mic – Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. – Thursday Evenings
Lazy Hiker invites you to showcase your talent every Thursday night at their Open Mic from 6:30-9:30. Hosted by Diana New & Rachel Bellevance! All acts are welcome! Sign up for your time and show everyone what you got!
Karaoke – Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. – Friday Evenings
Hang out in the Taproom every other Friday from 7-10 pm for a fun-filled night of Karaoke hosted by John Witherspoon of Spoon Karaoke. Grab some beers, take the stage, and sing your heart out!
Open Mic with Dirty Dave – Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub – Friday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub hosts an Open Mic Night on various Friday evenings throughout the month. Check out their online event page for the full schedule!
Live Music – Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub – Friday & Saturday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub features LIVE MUSIC most Friday evenings and every Saturday evening throughout the month. Check out their online event page for the full schedule!
Live Music – Slanted Window Tasting Station – Sunday Evenings
Slanted Window is a quaint local hangout where you can enjoy the only wine that is bottled right here in Macon County and an array of food pairings. It’s also one of the only places in town where you’ll find live music on Sunday evenings. Check out their online event page for the full schedule!
Trivia
Trivia – Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub – Wednesday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub hosts Trivia every Wednesday evening, and the proceeds from the fun always go to a local nonprofit chosen by the winning team! They offer a full espresso bar, an array of craft beers, and fresh baked goods.
Food & Wine Events
Wine Tasting – Gracious Plates on Main – Wednesday Evenings
Every Wednesday, Gracious Plates On Main welcomes a guest Sommelier from a different wine distributor and offers a guided wine tasting at individual tables throughout dinner service. Joining the Wine Club and attending the tastings are both free.
Arts & Crafts Events
Watercolor Wednesdays with Maryellen Tully – Uptown Gallery – Wednesdays @ 4:15-6:00 pm
Join fellow artists of this translucent medium in a step-by-step approach to delightful seasonal subject matter. All levels are welcome. These classes are led by an instructor Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also welcome!!! The materials list is available. Class fee $30members/$40nonmembers. Materials fee: $20.00 if not provided by the student. Email, mtully1001@gmail.com to RSVP
Thursday Painters – FREE – Uptown Gallery – Thursdays @ 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Join MCAA Member Artists at the Uptown Gallery from 10 am-2 pm every Thursday for a fun time! Bring a bagged lunch and your art project that you would like to work on. Bring your own art materials, as this is a free and open-to-the-public event. Contact Pat Mennenger at 28734pm@gmail.com for any questions.
Yarn & Fiber Classes – Silver Threads and Golden Needles (various dates)
Silver Threads & Golden Needles is a friendly and fiber-obsessed yarn shop located in the Historic Downtown shopping area of Franklin, North Carolina. Whether you are a local or taking a vacation in the Smoky Mountains, they are your one-stop destination for all things yarn and fiber! Check out their list of Yarn & Fiber Classes for this month.
Book & Garden Club Events
Book Club – A Novel Escape – November 7 @ 6:30pm
On the first Thursday of every month, A Novel Escape hosts Book Club. It’s a fun group that delves into a variety of different genres, with each month’s book selected by popular vote. And to make it even better, each month’s chosen book is 15% at the bookstore!
Silent Book Club – A Novel Escape – November 21 @ 6:30pm
Join us for an hour once a month and read silently amongst your fellow book lovers! There will be a “settle-in” period from 6:30-7pm, silent reading from 7-8pm, and a short exclusive shopping period from 8-8:30pm. Bring your pillow, blanket, or any other items to help you feel comfy while reading. Don’t forget your book!
Markets
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin – November 2 @ 9:00 am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All are locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.
Macon County Farmers Market – Downtown Franklin Gazebo – Saturdays @ 9:00 am-2:00 pm
The Macon County Farmers Market is downtown by the Gazebo on Saturdays, May through November. The market features local growers, bakers, and makers, as well as family-friendly educational activities. And thanks to a sponsorship from Gracious Plates On Main, there will be live music at the market from local and regional artists.
You’ll find there’s no holiday quite like a mountain holiday in Franklin, NC, so bring the family and enjoy all the music, lights, fun and holiday cheer of Winter Wonderland in Historic Franklin, North Carolina. Winter Wonderland is held rain or shine but subject to snow.