Summer is nearly here and with it brings all the great events, festivals, and community gatherings that Franklin is known for! Plan your transition from spring to summer with our June 2024 Events Calendar! Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a creative soul, or just looking for some family-friendly fun, Franklin has something for everyone.
Join us as we celebrate life in our wonderful little mountain town. Keep this guide handy and make the most of the wonderful opportunities awaiting you in Franklin this June! If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter to not miss a beat!
Music & Performances
The Nashville Celts – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – June 7 @ 7:30pm
Top Irish and Scottish musicians have united with the finest Nashville players to create the fiery new sound and energy of The Nashville Celts. Described as Americana Irish music, The Nashville Celts combine Irish music instruments such as uilleann pipes, Irish whistle, and bodhran with American folk instruments ie. 5 string Banjo, mandolin, and dobro. The Nashville Celts also blend their keen American pop songwriting skills with traditional Irish reel instrumental breaks.
When asked about their musical style, leader of the group Ric Blair says, “I wanted to assemble not only great musicians from both sides of the pond but also great songwriters to form The Nashville Celts and I think we’ve done that. Irish music was a huge influence towards the development of American Bluegrass, Country and pop music. So, our goal was to bring the music back full circle, but to also combine the emotion of ancient Irish instruments with the pop sensibility of American music.”
The Nashville Celts pack concert halls around the world including The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, The Lincoln Center, and Performing Arts Centers, Theaters and large Casinos across the country; including multiple appearances on NPR, WSM Radio, PBS shows like Music City Roots and The Bluegrass Underground. Later this year they are set to appear on the Woodsong’s Old Time Radio Hour which also airs on PBS. Blair credits much of their success to their exposure on PBS. The group has shared the stage with Vince Gill, Cathy Jordan, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of Altan, Ricky Skaggs, Tim O’Brien, Patty Loveless, just to name a few.
Grains of Sand Band: Beach. Soul. Motown. – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – June 14 @ 7:30pm
The Grains of Sand Band are a diversified seven piece show band that plays your favorite Soul, Beach and Motown music from the 60’s, 70’s with just a splash from the 50’s. Sing along to favorite classic tunes as the band takes you on a stroll down memory lane. A definite fan favorite!
Comedian Henry Cho: From Here to There Tour 2024 – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – June 29 @ 7:30pm
On February 11, comedian Henry Cho was inducted as the 229th member of The Grand Ole Opry. This prestigious honor has not been extended to a comedian since 1973. Henry’s TV credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co- producer and co-writer of “The Henry Cho Show” on GAC. Henry’s one hour Comedy Central Special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” Was also on Netflix. Henry can also be heard daily on Sirrus, XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora. Some of Henry’s film credits include Universal’s McHale’s Navy with Tom Arnold and David Allen Greer; Say It Isn’t So with Heather Graham and Sally Field; and Material Girls with Hilary Duff and Angelica Houston produced by Madonna. Henry was the keynote entertainer for The 59th Annual Radio & Television Correspondents’ Dinner and has worked extensively with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Reba and many others. Henry’s clean comedy is so versatile that he can headline Vegas and then tour with Michael W. Smith.
Henry filmed the Faith-based Indy film “Saving Faith” in which he co-starred and also co-producer was released by Lions Gate. He has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film by the International Christian Film Festival. Henry recently completed filming a Hallmark movie “The Farmer and the Belle- Saving Santaland”.
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
Taste of Scotland Festival – Downtown & Macon County Fairgrounds – June 14-16
The Taste of Scotland Festival will take place on Father’s Day Weekend. It all starts with a Celtic Parade downtown by the Gazebo on Friday evening. Then you’ll find an array of activities and demonstrations at the Macon County Fairgrounds starting first thing Saturday morning. The fun will include Highland Games, Scottish foods, music and Bagpipers, dancing, ax throwing, Border Collie and falconry demonstrations, and so much more! This annual event is sure to provide loads of fun memories for folks of all ages, so add it to your calendar.
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
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 is $30 members / $40 non-members. Materials fee is $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.
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.
Book & Garden Club Events
Book Club – A Novel Escape – June 6 @ 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 – June 20 @ 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, Celebrations and Special June 2024 Events
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin – June 1 @ 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.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin – June 15 @ 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 – June 22 @ 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.