Dive into the warmth and excitement of the season with our August 2024 Events Calendar! As summer unfolds in Franklin, NC, our vibrant community comes alive with a myriad of events, festivals, and gatherings that embody the spirit of our charming mountain town. Whether you’re a music lover, an art enthusiast, or seeking family-friendly activities, Franklin offers something for everyone this summer.
Join us as we embrace the joys of summer in Franklin. From lively festivals to serene community gatherings, this guide will help you make the most of the opportunities awaiting you in August. Don’t miss out on any of the fun – sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest happenings!
Music & Performances
Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – August 3 @ 7:30pm
After being awarded a full Rotary International scholarship to study music and voice and being selected to sing as the voice of John Denver in the CBS Television Movie “Take Me Home, the John Denver Story,” there was no doubt that Jim Curry would continue to sing the praises and songs of America’s Troubadour – John Denver. As a life-long fan, Curry dedicated himself to continue John Denver’s legacy of songs and his message of love and caring for our planet to future generations.
Since 2002 the combined talents of Jim and his band have brought John’s Music back to thousands upon thousands of people. Jim is honored to have had John Denver band members join him in some of the most prestigious venues in the country. Curry also works behind the scenes to preserve Denver’s music. Most notable is Jim’s collaboration with Lee Holdridge in rebuilding and preserving Denver’s original symphony arrangements. Jim Curry was a key performer in the induction of John Denver to the Colorado Music Hall of fame show hosted by Olivia Newton John. Curry was also the host of the official John Denver Estate show which toured the United States and Australia.
Jim continues to perform John Denver’s heartfelt songs on Cruise Ships in Symphony halls and in Performing Arts Centers to growing audiences all over the world. “Jim Curry was over there sounding like John Denver… I closed my eyes and went back to the times when I worked with John.” Pete Huttlinger, guitar player for John Denver.
Creedence Revived: The World’s Premiere CCR Tribute Band – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – August 10 @ 7:30pm
Creedence Revived has rapidly become one of the most highly sought after tribute bands in the world. Playing all over the globe for crowds upwards of 30,000, and with a track-record of selling out shows everywhere they go, this group is the real deal. The group is made up of four of Chicago’s & LA’s most talented and eclectic musicians – consisting of an award winning vocalist nicknamed “the chameleon” in the industry for his unique ability to shift his vocal to match the style of any vocalist, a world-renowned blues guitarist who attracts blues fans from around the world, a studio bassist who has a appeared on many top charting albums, and a drummer who sells out theaters on his own based solely on his unique playing style. Representing America across the globe, Creedence Revived has toured Europe and Malaysia.
Talent buyers and event coordinators often boast about their results and the group frequently gets re-hired year after year to return to the same events with fans walking away in awe of the group’s performance. “We pay tribute. We play the music as if we wrote it. We perform as if we were the original band. CCR is legendary.” – Rich Perez, Lead Vocalist
On A Dream & A Wish: A Royal Celebration – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – August 23 & 24 @ 7:00pm
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! You are cordially invited to the coronation of Queen Cinderella. All the heroes and princesses of the land are joining together to celebrate with stories, songs and gifts. But beware, a few jealous villains are upset about not being invited and might try to crash the party.
Come dressed as your favorite hero or princess and join in the opening parade, festivities and a dance party finale. This event will take place outdoors. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit near the elevated stage. Concessions will be available for purchase. In the event of rain, this event will be moved indoors. Please watch the theatre website for updates and information. Presented by The Overlook Theatre Company
80z Nation – Downtown Franklin – August 3 @ 8:00pm
Pull out your 80s pageant gear, and take a trip up the mountain for the 10th year of Totally Awesome 80’s Party (featuring 80z Nation). Brought to you by 80’s Flashback Weekend: Always The First Weekend Of August where 80z Nation will be back again bringing you the best 80s tunes from the decade that never dies! So dust off those pumps and moon walk better than Michael Jackson in a Billie Jean Video sweating your leg warmers straight off so that you have to peel them off after the night of dancing.
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
Dirty Dave hosts 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
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.
Mountain City Playhouse – Community Day of Giving – Gracious Plates On Main – August 15 @ 11:0am-9:00pm
We are proud to announce that we’ll be hosting a Community Day of Giving to benefit the Mountain City Playhouse Learning Enrichment Center on Thursday, August 15. Small Plates will be BOGO 1/2 off from 4-6PM and we’ll have our Fish & Chips Special! 10% of all sales from the day will go directly to the nonprofit. So come out and eat for a good cause.
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 of delightful seasonal subject matter. All levels are welcome. These classes are led by an instructor Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also welcomed!!! 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 – August 1 @ 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 – August 15 @ 6:30pm
Here’s something new for 2024 – Silent Book Club! 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 and Special June 2024 Events
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin – August 3 @ 9:00am
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 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-1:00 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.
Phillips Street Market – Downtown Franklin – August 10 & 24 @ 10:00am
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 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.
Sanctuary Village will also continue hosting an open house at the Blue Ridge home located at 49 Village Circle East in Franklin. From 1-4pm each Saturday, please join us for a tour of the home and available homesites. The community development is coming along and neighbors are coming together to enjoy time in the community. More information here. We look forward to meeting you!