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. Dive into the warmth and excitement of the season with our July 2024 Events Calendar! 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 July. Don’t miss out on any of the fun – sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest happenings!
Featured Event
🎆 Independence Day Celebration – Downtown Franklin – July 4 & 5 🎆
The Town of Franklin, North Carolina invites you to join us for our Independence Day Parade & Celebration on Thursday, July 4th beginning at 11:00 a.m. Franklin hosts one of the few July 4th parades that visitors and locals alike can actually participate in! If you would like to be part of the parade, be in the lower parking lot of Town Hall at 10:30am for lineup. Entrants can walk, drive or ride and are encouraged to don red, white, and blue. The same applies for pets. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE! Just come join in the fun! The Parade will travel down Main Street and disband at First Citizens Bank. Following the parade, the Town of Franklin will be serving free cold watermelon as long as it lasts! Plus there will be FREE inflatables for kids, a water feature from Franklin Fire & Rescue and lots of great food and snacks.
Our celebration of Independence Day continues on Friday, July 5th, with a special afternoon and evening of live music, great food, and concluding with “Fireworks Over Franklin”. Activities get underway at 5:00 p.m.
Music & Performances
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – June 12, 13, 19, 20 @ 7:00pm
“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine! You and your dreamcoat, ahead of your time!” One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.
Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.
This magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles and is appropriate for all audiences and groups. Joseph is performed hundreds of times a year by schools across North America, the U.K. and around the world by kids and adults to joyous acclaim.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
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 6pm 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 7-10pm 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
Franklin High School Cheerleading Squad – Community Day of Giving – Gracious Plates On Main – July 18 @ 11:0am-9:00pm
Gracious Plates On Main will be hosting a Community Day of Giving to benefit the Franklin High School Cheerleading Squad on Thursday, July 18. Small Plates will be BOGO 1/2 off from 4-6PM and they’ll have their 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.
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 Wine Club and attending the tastings are both free.
Arts & Crafts Events
Macon County Farmers Market – Downtown Franklin Gazebo – Saturdays @ 9:00am-2:00pm
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.
Watercolor Wednesdays with Maryellen Tully – Uptown Gallery – Wednesdays @ 4:15-6:00pm
Join fellow artists of this translucent medium in a step by step approach of delightful seasonal subject matter. All levels welcome. These classes are led by instructor Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also welcomed!!! Materials list is available. Class fee $30members/$40nonmembers. Materials fee: $20.00 if not provided by student. Email, mtully1001@gmail.com to RSVP
Thursday Painters – FREE – Uptown Gallery – Thursdays @ 10:00am-2:00pm
Join MCAA Member Artists at the Uptown Gallery from 10am-2pm 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 – June 11 @ 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 – July 18 @ 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 – July 6 @ 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.
Phillips Street Market – Downtown Franklin – July 13 @ 1:00pm
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.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin – July 20 @ 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.
Phillips Street Market – Downtown Franklin – July 27 @ 1:00pm
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.