Get ready for an exciting month in Franklin, NC with our May 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. This month, our calendar is packed with captivating musical performances, immersive classes, and dynamic workshops.
Join us to explore the rich tapestry of activities that make our little mountain community a vibrant place to live and visit. Keep this guide handy and make the most of the wonderful opportunities awaiting you in Franklin this May! If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter to not miss a beat!
Music & Performances
Local Songwriter Showcase – Yonder – Sunday May 5 @ 4 – 5:30pm
Join Yonder on the lawn this Sunday, May 5th at 4 PM for a delightful afternoon of music featuring four of Franklin, NC’s finest songwriters: Eric Hendrix, David Lloyd, Al Acortino, and Charley Simmons. Experience the unique “in-the-round” format, where each artist will share their songs and the stories behind them. This event is family-friendly and dog-friendly! Our store will remain open until 6 PM for all your beverage and snack needs, but feel free to bring your own. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket. A suggested donation of $20 per guest is greatly appreciated, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the artists.
Pickin’ On The Square – Downtown Franklin – May 11th @ 6pm
Join your neighbors every 2nd and 4th Saturday from May 11th through October 12th for Pickin’ on the Square, held at the Gazebo in Downtown Franklin, NC. This beloved FREE event, a staple for over thirty years, kicks off at 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting) and offers a lively mix of musical genres, from bluegrass and country to rock ‘n’ roll and oldies. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for an evening of outstanding family entertainment. Arrive early to dine at one of our excellent local restaurants or grab a bite from the food vendors on site. Don’t miss these nights of fun and music at Pickin’ on the Square!
Brothers of the Heart – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – May 13 @ 7:30pm
Brothers Of the Heart is a fan favorite! Featuring Jimmy Fortune, Ben Isaacs, Bradley Walker, and Mike Rogers, has evolved from a gathering of award-winning talents into a nationally acclaimed band. This exceptional group reinterprets beloved classics from country, gospel, and pop genres, with hits like “Ring of Fire,” “Desperado,” and “Precious Memories.” Known for their flawless arrangements and harmonious vocals, Brothers Of the Heart delivers a performance that truly celebrates the sheer pleasure of great music. Don’t miss the chance to experience their compelling show that resonates with audiences everywhere.
Tickets: $32-$56 On Sale now!
Zoe & Cloyd – Summer Concert Series at Cowee School – May 18 @ 6pm
Experience an unforgettable evening of original and traditional bluegrass and klezmer music with award-winning duo Natalya Zoe Weinstein and John Cloyd Miller from Asheville, NC. Known for their innovative “klezgrass”, this talented pair brings a unique and soulful sound to the stage. Join us for a night of expertly crafted melodies that promise to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to see these dynamic performers live in concert! Also check out the calendar for the rest of the summer’s great shows at Cowee School!
Tickets $20/adults, $10/kids. Available at CoweeSchool.org, at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce or at the door.
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 7pm 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!
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.
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
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
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.
Beginner Wire Wrapping Class with Barbara Rizzo – Uptown Gallery – May 7 @ 11am – 4pm
Join artist Barbara Rizzo for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn about wire, tools, and terminology needed to craft your own ring and cabochon pendant. The workshop fee includes all necessary materials such as wire, beads, cabochons, and tools for a $35 materials fee. Participants are required to bring their own magnifying devices. The class costs $45 for members and $55 for non-members. For more information or to address any questions, please contact Barbara at brdesigns14@gmail.com
A Special Sunday Class: Create your own Hanging Basket – Winding Stair Farm – May 12 @ 1pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day by crafting a beautiful hanging basket at our special class, perfect as a heartfelt gift or a personal treat. Join us to learn the essentials of basket design and plant selection, guided by our in-house expert, Maria, with over 18 years of experience. This hands-on workshop allows you to create a unique floral arrangement and includes a care guide to ensure your blooms thrive. Opt for a memorable experience by signing up for two sessions, making it a perfect day out with loved ones.
$85 per person class fee includes woven basket with coco coir layer, soil needs and up to 5 annual plants from our selection.
Beginner Wire Wrapping Class with Barbara Rizzo – Uptown Gallery – May 24 @ 12 – 5pm
If you can’t make the first class on the 7th or just love it so much to do it again, here’s your second opportunity! Join artist Barbara Rizzo for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn about wire, tools, and terminology needed to craft your own ring and cabochon pendant. The workshop fee includes all necessary materials such as wire, beads, cabochons, and tools for a $35 materials fee. Participants are required to bring their own magnifying devices. The class costs $45 for members and $55 for non-members. For more information or to address any questions, please contact Barbara at brdesigns14@gmail.com
Book & Garden Club Events
Book Club – A Novel Escape – May 2 @ 6:30pm
On the first Tuesday 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 – May 16 @ 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!
The Natural History of the Theaceae: A Rare North American Plant Family – Winding Stair Nursery – May 19 @ 2pm
Join Brent Martin, executive director of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy and co-owner of Alarka Expeditions, for a fascinating presentation on the Franklin tree, named after Benjamin Franklin. Discover its history, from William Bartram’s 1770s discovery to its extinction in the wild in the early 1800s, and learn about its thriving presence in southern Appalachia today. Martin will also share insights on propagating Franklinia and other species like Stewartia ovata and malacodendron, with specimens available for purchase.
Sliding scale pricing for the presentation ($5 – $25)
Markets, Celebrations and Special May 2024 Events
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin on Phillips St & Main – May 4th @ 10am – 3:30pm
This will be the Mother’s Day market! With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin from 10am till 3:30pm. We’ll have handmade gifts for mom, face painting, homemade 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 pick up for Mom or just for yourself!
Frog Fair – FROG Headquarters – Saturday May 4 @ 10am – 4pm
Follow up your market visit with some live music, shopping, and easting for a good cause. Hosted by Friends of the Greenway, hop on over for a full lineup of local musicians, take a stroll on the Little Tennessee River Greenway, and get to know some of your neighbors.