Franklin and the residents of Western North Carolina are resilient. The tragic impacts of Hurricane Helene will leave a mark on the region for while and we encourage folks to continue helping their neighbors through the recovery and rebuilding efforts ahead. Its also important to not lose sight of what makes Western North Carolina the home we make it through community events, activities with family and friends, and life in Franklin, NC
October in Franklin is a magical time filled with the vibrant colors of fall and a calendar packed with exciting events for all ages. Whether you’re looking to explore local crafts, enjoy live music, celebrate PumpkinFest, or take in the beauty of the changing season, Franklin has something special planned for everyone.
From annual family-friendly festivals to seasonal Halloween fun, this month is all about community, celebration, and making lasting memories. Check out what’s happening in Franklin in this October 2024 events calendar and plan your perfect autumn outings in the mountains.
Popular Annual Events
28th Annual PumpkinFest – Downtown Franklin – October 19 @ 9:00am – 4:00pm
Franklin, North Carolina’s 28th Annual PumpkinFest will roll into action on Saturday, October 19! People of all ages are sure to enjoy Franklin’s largest street festival and celebration of autumn. Children and adults alike will have a blast taking part in traditional and some very non-traditional fall festivities including the “World Famous Pumpkin Roll” contest.
The Costume Parade and Contest is another highlight of the day. And don’t miss out on over 80 vendors including mountain arts & crafts, along with great food and more! PumpkinFest runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is held rain or shine in Franklin, NC.
Sanctuary Village will have a tent on Main Street just out front of the Gazeebo on the Square. Come by and say hi and grab a pumpkin to roll! In the meantime, check out highlights from last year’s PumpkinFest.
Mountain High Music, Craft, & Car Show – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – October 12 @ 10:00am
Enjoy a day of live entertainment, crafts, classic cars, food, and more at the fourth annual Mountain High Music, Craft and Car Show. Outdoor entertainment, craft vendors, and the car show are free admission and begin at 10am. Food vendors/ trucks will be on site and concessions will be available all day in the theatre lobby. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the entire day in front of the outdoor stage. Entertainment acts & times TBD. Event Time 10am to 4pm.
*Additional special entertainment throughout the day including demonstrations, clogging and more.Presented in conjunction with the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce
Music & Performances
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – October 25 & 26 @ 7:00pm
Early on a September morning, the villagers of Sleepy Hollow await their new schoolmaster. When Ichabod finally arrives, his priggish correctness casts a pall over the gossipy, prank-playing townsfolk. Soon enough, though, his genteel manners and his hymn singing impress the ladies, including Katrina Van Tassel, the town belle. The menfolk are less thrilled, especially Brom Bones, Katrina’s beau, and he begins plotting to rid himself of his unwelcome rival. Matters come to a head during the Van Tassel’s Halloween party, after which the superstitious Ichabod is accosted on his lonely ride home by a fiendish apparition, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. The next morning, Ichabod has disappeared, leaving behind only a song in the wind. Thus, a new legend is born.
The show is approximately one hour in length. Although appropriate for all ages, some scenes may be frightening to younger children. The show is presented by the Overlook Theatre Company.
General Admission Tickets: $14 In Advance, $17 Day Of Event.
Monster Mash – Downtown Franklin – October 26 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join the Streets of Franklin in downtown for a day of spooky fun for the whole family! There will be food trucks, a DJ, trunk or treat, games, and much more as you stroll up and down Main Street. So dress in your best Halloween costume or attire, and be sure to keep an eye out for the famous Witches Walk!
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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 to delightful seasonal subject matter. All levels are welcome. These classes are led by an instructor Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also welcome!!! The materials list is available. Class fee $30 members / $40 nonmembers. 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.
Book & Garden Club Events
Book Club – A Novel Escape – October 3 @ 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 – October 17 @ 6:30pm
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
Macon County Farmers Market – Downtown Franklin Gazebo – Saturdays @ 9:00 am-2:00 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.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market – Downtown Franklin – October 5 @ 9:00am
There will be over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more, and it’s 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 – October 12 & 26 @ 10:00am
There will be over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more, and it’s all locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Phillips Street Market, and see what goodies you can take home.