Fall is officially here, and there are plenty of autumnal events planned around Williamson County in the coming weeks.
Make sure to put these in your calendar.
Porchfest
October 2-3
The Westhaven Foundation’s 10th annual Porchfest has an exciting two-night event planned for Oct. 2 and 3, as country music star Walker Hayes will perform on the first night with Ben Calhoun & CITIZEN WAY slated for the second.
The evening shows will be at the Westhaven Town Center, and the event supports The Westhaven Foundation’s Excellence in Education programs and Leiper’s Fork Helping Hands.
For Saturday’s Evening with Walker Hayes, open general admission seating on the lawn will include access to beer, wine and cocktails for purchase, and there’s also a VIP experience that includes exclusive access to the Coal Town Public House with buffet dinner, hors d’oeuvres, viewing from the porch, private bar and three cocktails. General admission tickets are $60, and the VIP experience is $160. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 7 p.m.
Sunday’s Evening with Ben Calhoun & CITIZEN WAY will start at 5:30 p.m., and a donation of $15 is requested.
Of course, the evening events aren’t the only things going on during Porchfest. On Saturday, musical acts will be stationed around the community’s parks and on porches.
Visit www.westhavenporchfest.org for more information for a map of Saturday’s performances.
St. Paul’s Blessing of the Animals
October 3
The 26th Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will be Sunday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. in the church courtyard at 510 West Main St. in Franklin.
A menagerie of creatures great and small will attend to celebrate God’s creation. All animals attending will be blessed and given a St. Francis medal.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets, and if your pet is sick or if you have lost a pet family member this past year, their name can be included in the prayers in the service. Send information to monna@stpaulsfranklin.com. Include your pet’s name, type of animal, whether sick or has died, and your name.
Tayla Lynn
Heal Humphreys County Hosted by Tayla Lynn
October 11
The Franklin Theatre will partner with Franklin native and granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, Tayla Lynn, and other talented guests and performers to support the survivors of the devastating August flooding in Humphreys County, Tennessee.
On Monday, Oct. 11, Lynn will bring together comedian Josh Wolf, podcast host Caroline Hobby and Conway Twitty’s grandson, Tre Twitty, for the Heal Humphreys County concert, an evening of hope, healing and fundraising.
Tickets to the Heal Humphreys County concert at The Franklin Theatre are now available at www.franklintheatre.com, by calling 615-538-2076 or at the box office.
Button Ball
October 23
Davis House, a local nonprofit that offers forensic interviewing and therapy services to children who have alleged abuse and trauma, will hold its black-tie fundraiser event, Button Ball, on Oct. 23 at the Homestead Mansion in Thompson’s Station.
Highly decorated Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman will be the keynote speaker. She’ll bring her experience with leadership and advocacy to speak up for the Davis House cause.
NewsChannel 5’s Rhori Johnson will emcee the event, bluegrass band Kentucky Calling will provide the entertainment and Flavor Catering & Special will provide a meal of coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin, roasted brussels sprouts, sweet potato grits and more.
Tickets for the Button Ball are available at www.davishousecac.org/buttonball2021.
Music Country Grand Prix
October 23
Benefiting Saddle Up!, the Music Country Grand Prix is a premier equestrian jumping competition featuring top riders and horses from across the nation competing for a $50,000 prize. Since its inception, this event has raised more than $2,000,000 to support Saddle Up!
Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. with the race at 2. For tickets and more information, go to www.musiccountrygrandprix.com.
Mercy’s Fall Dinner
October 29
Mercy Community Healthcare’s 2021 Fall Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 29, from 5”30-8:30 p.m. at Saint Philip Catholic Church in Franklin.
Proceeds will go to Mercy’s mental health services.
Tickets and sponsorships can be found at www.falldinner.givesmart.com.
Pumpkinfest is annually dubbed the largest fall festival in Middle Tennessee.
PumpkinFest
October 30
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 36th annual PumpkinFest, presented by FirstBank, will return to downtown Franklin on Saturday, Oct. 30.
PumpkinFest, to be held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. this year, invites families to enjoy a full day of autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, outstanding arts and crafts and, of course, talented extreme pumpkin carvers who always draw a crowd.
For more information, visit www.events.WilliamsonHeritage.org/PumpkinFest.
Wine Down Main Street
November 6
Downtown Franklin’s streets will be closed to traffic on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 7-10 p.m. as wines, beers and spirits, provided by Lipman Brothers, are poured in the charming shops, food samplings are provided by area restaurants and local musicians entertain thousands of attendees along the way.
Wine Down Main Street benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee and has raised more than $2.1 million since its inception.
Advance tickets may be purchased at www.WineDownMainStreet.com. Tickets are also sold in the shops along Main Street.
The wine flows at Wine Down Main Street in Franklin.
