Don’t miss out on what’s happening in Franklin, NC with our March 2024 Events Calendar! This is your ultimate guide to discovering the vibrant music scene, engaging classes, interactive workshops, and an array of entertaining activities in Franklin. Stay updated with us and dive into the fun that awaits you in our lively community.
Music & Performances
The Swingin’ Medallions – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – March 2 at 7:30pm
The Swingin’ Medallions have been making music since the early 1960’s, with roots being panted from listening to the early rhythm and blues acts of the south. The music most often associated with the band is beach, frat rock, R&B, or shaggin’. After a few years of touring colleges from the Carolinas to the Louisiana Bayou, John McElrath took the group to Arthur Smith’s Studio in Charlotte North Carolina, to record “Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love)”. The song became a million seller in 1966, and has been a party classic for college students for decades. “She Drives Me Out Of My Mind” and “Hey, Hey, Baby” were top 40 hits in 1966 and 1967, but “Double Shot” remains the signature song of the Swingin’ Medallions.
The members of the Swingin’ Medallions have changed over the past thirty years, but the style of the band has always included around eight members with at least a four piece horn section. The high energy party style stage performance of the first Medallions has been passed down to the band that performs today.The present Medallions stage show has coined them the name “The Party Band of the South.”
Alice In Wonderland: The Musical – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – March 15 & 16 at Various times
When Alice is stuck with her sister in a dull and boring park, magic ensues when she follows a very energetic (and late) white rabbit racing to his next destination. Little does Alice know that this one simple act, will send her falling down the rabbit hole to a magical land filled with crazy creatures, sinister sidekicks and a loud-mouthed Queen of Hearts who is determined that everyone should lose their head (both literally and figuratively). Up is down, large is small and nothing makes sense, much to Alice’s frustration, while attempting to make her way back home- and in the process discovers that even in the most simple of experiences and treasures, a true Wonderland can be found.
Filled with fun songs, creative storytelling and a little theatrical magic, Alice In Wonderland brings an exciting twist to the classic book written by Lewis Carroll. Approximately one hour in length. Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company.
Jeremy Camp – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – March 21 at 7:30pm
Between 2002 and 2023, Jeremy has released twelve albums, five of them RIAA- certified as Gold. He has sold over 6 million albums with 43 #1 singles across all formats. His music has earned him numerous awards and nominations across the Christian and secular music industries, including five GMA Dove Awards, Grammy nomination, three American Music Award nominations, and four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards. Camp was named Billboard’s #2 Christian artist of the decade as well. Outside of music, in 2020 Jeremy had an international theatrical movie release called “I Still Believe” which hit #1 in the box office opening weekend. The film depicted his life story of love and loss of his first wife after a battle with cancer. Camp has always written songs about his experiences and continues to write from the deep places of his heart.
Jeremy Camp VIP Experience – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – March 21 at 9:00pm
A limited number of post-show Meet & Greet tickets are available! Fans who purchase the VIP Meet & Greet will be able to take a post-show photo with Jeremy Camp. Admission to the performance is not included with the VIP Meet & Greet ticket. This is a separate upgrade that must be purchased in advance, in addition to a show ticket.
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
Community Day of Giving – Magnolia Mission – Gracious Plates On Main – March 6 at 11:00am-9:00pm
Gracious Plates On Main will be hosting a Community Day of Giving to benefit Magnolia Mission on Wednesday, March 6. All Wine will be 1/2 Off and 10% of all sales from the day will go directly to the nonprofit. So come out and eat for a good cause. Make your Reservation now.
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
Introduction to Collage: A Green Apple – Uptown Gallery – March 9 at 10:00am
Join Cheryl Harris for a single class lasting approximately 2-3 hours. An 8×8 cradled panel that has been prepared for painting and collaging will be provided for each student. The class includes painting the background of the panel, tracing the image provided on to the panel and underpainting the image before collaging. A variety of stenciled papers will be provided for students to select for their project. Students will learn to select and tear papers used in the collage along with applying the papers to the panel using professional grade adhesive. Upon completion varnish will be applied to the finished projects. Each student will leave with a finished project.
Class fee: $35 members $45 non-members. Must pay in advance to register. $20 supply fee due at class. Materials required and whether provided by instructor or student:
Supplies included: 8×8 cradled panel prepared with sealant and gesso, a variety of stenciled papers to use in the collage, gel medium adhesive, varnish, paint. All supplies are professional grade.
Contact Cheryl Harris at stuff4cheryl@yahoo.com with any questions.
Youth Art Month Reception – Uptown Gallery – March 9 at 3:00pm
Free and open to the public: Join Uptown Gallery as they celebrate the talents of Macon County Schools K-12 students with their Youth Art Month exhibit. This event organizers will be serving light refreshments. Artwork will be on display for the month of March, but come to support these young artists at the reception. Contact the Uptown Gallery at franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com with any questions.
Spring Ornaments (Heart or Circle) with Carol Lynn Johnson – Uptown Gallery – March 11 at 12:00pm
Class Project: Spring Ornaments (heart or circle – your choice). Class fee : $80 MCAA members/$90 non members (includes instruction, all materials and 1 kiln firing). Location: artist’s home studio
Join Fused Glass artist Carol Lynn Johnson for an introduction of and experience in glass fusion. In this class you’ll learn about glass safety, the different types of fusible glass, project design and you will create 3 spring ornaments. Email cljohnson0632@gmail.com to preregister as space is limited.
Garden Stakes Glass Class with Carol Lynn Johnson – Uptown Gallery – March 16 at 12:00pm
Class Project: Garden Stakes. Class fee: $80 MCAA members/$90 non members (includes instruction, all materials and 2 kiln firings). Location: artist’s home studio
Join Fused Glass artist Carol Lynn Johnson for an introduction of and experience in glass fusion. In this class you’ll learn about glass safety, the different types of fusible glass, project design and you will create 2 garden stakes. Preregister by email to cljohnson0632@gmail.com, as space is limited.
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 and Garden Club Events
Book Club – A Novel Escape – March 7 at 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 – March 21 at 6:30pm
Here’s something new for 2024 – Silent Book Club! Join A Novel Escape bookstore 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 March 2024 Events
Anniversary Event – Winding Stair Farm & Nursery – March 23 at 11:00am
Visit Winding Stair Farm & Nursery for their special Anniversary event! There will be sales, local vendors, educational activities, and more.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – The Gem & Mineral Society and Museum – March 23 at 11:00am
Over 35 vendors will be located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin from 11am till 5pm. They will 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 to see what goodies you can take home.
Women’s History Sculpture Unveiling & Downtown Celebration – Women’s History Park & Main Street Downtown – March 23 at 11:00am
On March 23, 2024 the Women’s History Trail will be unveiling a new sculpture, located in the new Women’s History Park between the two bridges over the Little Tennessee River. The Town Council approved the name of the park at their meeting on February 5th. The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County is donating the sculpture to the town. The sculpture, created by nationally renowned sculptor Wesley Wofford, represents three of Macon County’s diverse women – a Cherokee woman (Na-ka Rebecca Morris), an African American slave (Salley), and a pioneer woman (Timoxena Siler Sloan) – whose lives and cultures intersected in the early days of Macon County. These historical women are all connected by a specific piece of property that was on the Little Tennessee River across from the Nikwasi Mound.
There will be live music at the Gazebo starting at 12 noon and Main Street Merchants will be providing special displays and sales to celebrate the occasion.
Read about other great things going on in Franklin and the Sanctuary Village in our Blog.