As the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, Franklin, NC, is gearing up for another season of vibrant community events and celebrations. Our September 2024 Events Calendar is packed with exciting activities that capture the essence of fall in our charming mountain town. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a fan of local crafts, or simply looking to enjoy the seasonal festivities, there’s something for everyone this September.
Join us as we welcome the fall season with a variety of events, from harvest festivals to scenic hikes. This guide will help you make the most of the opportunities awaiting you in Franklin this month. Stay connected and informed by signing up for our newsletter—don’t miss a moment of the autumnal excitement!
Music & Performances
Who Wants To Be A Star Talent Competition – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – September 21 @ 7:00 pm
Over twenty acts will be selected for this exciting evening of talent, fun, entertainment, and laughs where a GRAND PRIZE OF $1,000.00 WILL BE GIVEN TO THE 1ST PLACE WINNER! Scoring will be based upon 50% audience votes and 50% guest judges votes. Bring your family and friends to cheer on your favorite act! Performances include singing, dancing, comedy, bands, variety, and more! All proceeds will benefit the Ministry of Missions. Please visit www.innoflastresort.org for more information about the presenter of this event.
Departure: The Journey Tribute Band – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – September 7 @ 7:30 pm
A fan-favorite returns! After more than a decade and a half together, Departure has become the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. Departure replicates the look, sound, and feel of the original 80’s rock super group. The five band members are from the original line-up and have been together from the very beginning. These veteran musicians have developed amazing on-stage chemistry and pride themselves on giving their audience an incredible high-energy, qualitative stage show from start to finish. Departure plays all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves and was voted “Best Local Entertainer” for 2011, 2012, and 2014 by Gwinnett Magazine. Performing approximately one hundred shows annually, Departure brings the very best of Journey to audiences of all ages.
John Schneider – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts – September 28 @ 7:30 pm
Known to all for his indelible role as “Bo Duke” on The Dukes of Hazzard, John Schneider’s acting career has endured far beyond the day of Dukes. Stand-out roles as “Jonathan Kent” on Smallville, “Jim Cryer” on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, and recurring roles on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Nip/ Tuck, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Dancing with the Stars have combined to a long and enduring career.
As an independent filmmaker, John combines his multi-faceted talents to write, direct, and star in 13 films at his independent studio in Louisiana, including Christmas Cars (2019), Stand On It (2020), and Poker Run (2021), and To Die For. John has also had roles in a series of cross-generational smashes including Smokey and the Bandit (Burt Reynolds) to Felicity: An American Girl Adventure (Shailene Woodley) and Sydney White (Amanda Bynes) preceded Lifetime’s 2021 holiday hit, Christmas In Tune in which he co-starred with country superstar, Reba McEntire with five #1 singles on the Billboard Country chart, John’s talent as a singer songwriter continues to accompany his multi-faceted acting career. He also has over 20 albums to his credit, including his most recent two, Southern Ways and Recycling Grace. John’s vocal prowess and passionate delivery create an authentic and intimate connection with his audiences.
At the age of 23, John became a co-founder of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which has since raised more than $8 billion for children’s medical research. He continues serving CMN today.
Presented with special guest, Cody McCarver.
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!
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!
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
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 $30members/$40nonmembers 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.
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 – September 5 @ 6:30 pm
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% off at the bookstore!
Silent Book Club – A Novel Escape – September 19 @ 6:30 pm
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 6:30-7 pm, silent reading from 7-8 pm, and a short exclusive shopping period from 8-8:30 pm. 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-1:00 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 – September 7 @ 9:00 am
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 are 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 – September 14 @ 10:00 am
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 are 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 – September 28 @ 10:00 am
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 are 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.
Sanctuary Village will also continue hosting an open house at the Blue Ridge home located at 49 Village Circle East in Franklin. From 1-4pm each Saturday, please join us for a tour of the home and available homesites. The community development is coming along and neighbors are coming together to enjoy time in the community. More information here. We look forward to meeting you!