Every September brings with it countless festivals in Tennessee, and one of my absolute favorites is Pilgrimage Music Festival in the impossibly charming town of Franklin. While other music festivals in Tennessee like Bonnaroo and CMA Fest are in the camp of “you’ve got to go at least once,” Pilgrimage reigns as one I would return to every year if I could make it work. Here’s why.
The post was last updated in August 2025.
The origins of Pilgrimage
Franklin’s musical roots run deep, and resident and Better than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin wanted to create something locally that embodied the region’s deep well of singer-songwriters while also showing off its pastoral farmland.
As it turns out, a century-old horse farm, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm—which is now owned by the City of Franklin and boasts a dog park, fishing pond, soft track and equestrian trails—was the ideal spot to launch such an undertaking.
It’s also located just a mile from downtown Franklin and directly across from the Factory, a mixed-use facility in an old hosiery that has gotten a serious upgrade over the past few years, as has Pilgrimage itself. The first year I attended back in 2015, there were maybe 8,000 attendees. The busiest Pilgrimage I ever attended was when Justin Timberlake was headlining, and it was quite a scene with at least four time the attendance numbers.
But the beauty of this laid-back event is that while you can see A-list acts like Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile on the main stage, you’ll see great talent no matter the time slot or size of the stage. I’ve seen everyone from Lucie Silvas and Brothers Osborne to Keith Urban and Lauren Daigle at Pilgrimage.
This year, Pilgrimage Festival features John Mayer, Grace Potter, Kings of Leon, Father John Misty and several other country, rock, pop, bluegrass, and Americana acts scheduled on the two main stages and in the Americana Music Triangle tent over the course of two days.
Where to stay in Franklin for Pilgrimage Festival
Harlinsdale Farm, the host venue of Pilgrimage, is conveniently located a straight one-mile shot from downtown Franklin. If it were me, I would try and book a vacation rental in downtown Franklin or grab a room at the Harpeth Hotel, a boutique Curio Collection by Hilton property that’s walkable to not only Pilgrimage but everything in the historic heart of the city.
If you can’t find a downtown Airbnb or VRBO or get a room at the Harpeth, here are some other places to stay near the farm, many of which are pet-friendly hotels:
What to expect at Pilgrimage Music Festival
The festival is extremely chill and just easy compared to bigger music festivals like Bonnaroo. At this stage in my 40s festival-going career, the more manageable, the more likely I am to leave my home. I love, too, that Pilgrimage ends promptly at 11pm each night; no staying up till 3am for this grandma.
Parking for Pilgrimage
Parking for any festival can be a headache, but there are free parking lots in downtown Franklin, as well as street spots if you can nab them, that are just a 15-minute walk to Pilgrimage. There are cops directing traffic everywhere, and it’s very pedestrian-friendly to walk from downtown Franklin to the farm. The are also, of course, paid lots closer to the festival grounds. Here’s Pilgrimage’s official parking map:
If you’re driving in, I could not plan on coming via Liberty Pike during prime festival arrival hours (11am to 7pm). Instead, I’d try to sneaky-foot into Franklin a back way and park downtown, then walk. For those staying close enough to the farm, you can bike to the venue. There is both bike parking and a bike valet on site at Pilgrimage.
What to wear to Pilgrimage
While sure, you’re always going to get your fashion influencers wearing their cowgirl best, this festival takes place in late September, which we locals begrudgingly call second summer here in Tennessee. It’s usually hot hot HOT, and you’ll want to layer up in quick-drying material to fight the heat during the day then stave off the incoming cool at night.
What to pack for Pilgrimage
Bring an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and either lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Local food and drink also feature prominently at this Franklin festival, so be sure and peruse the food vendors and drink offerings.
The VIP experience
We’ve been to Pilgrimage as media, general admission and VIP. Obviously, if you get the chance to go VIP, take it—you’ll get special access directly in front of the stage, not to mention access to food vendors and sponsor tents like George Dickel, as well as the possibility of running into some of your favorite talent. One thing to note, though, is while drinks used to be free with a VIP pass, you now have to pay for them outside of the daily happy hour where VIPs can enjoy comped cocktails, so you’ll have to decide whether the VIP pass is worth it for you.
Staying in Franklin longer?
Here are some tips and things to do in Franklin to extend your weekend:
What other questions do you have about Pilgrimage Festival for me? Are you going this year? Have you been in the past? Do you love it as much as we do?
