Experience Like a Local

A lot of folks visiting Franklin want to experience life like a local.
Here’s a list of what locals like to do when the weekend comes and it’s time to play.

Dinner and A Show

Franklin is home to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class entertainment venue that brings in popular artists across many genres of music, Broadway Productions, and more. Dine at one of Franklin’s many fine restaurants beforehand and it’s a full evening of food and entertainment. You can purchase tickets to all of the shows at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center and grab a copy of our Visitors Guide for a list of local restaurants. If you’re visiting on a weekend, the weekly free concert series, Pickin’ on the Square happens every other Saturday night from Memorial Day through Mid-October with live music, food vendors, and lots of visitors and locals enjoying a fun night with friends and family.  Check out our calendar of events for Pickin’ dates.

Festivals and Events

There’s always something happening on the weekends here in Franklin. Our Calendar of Events is a great place to find local festivals like Mountain High Music, Craft & Car Show,  Gem Shows, The Taste of Scotland Festival, Appalachian Heritage Festival, Franklin Folk Festival, and more. You can almost always find a festival or fun event on our community calendar or come by the Chamber & Welcome Center at 98 Hyatt Road, Franklin NC 28734, and see what we have posted on our events board!

Shop, Drink and Eat

Visit the Franklin Farmer’s Market  Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 noon on Palmer Street downtown is a great place to get ahold of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly baked goods, fresh cut meats, flowers and more. Grab some fresh goodies to take on a picnic or if you want to cook fresh, then the Farmer’s Market is your first stop. If you’re looking for someone else to do the cooking, be sure to grab a copy of our visitor guide to explore the many palate pleasing spots to eat like a local. Work up a hearty appetite as you embark on a shopping adventure that will take you all around the Franklin area. Let your mood set your destination, whether you’re out for some fun antiquing, or maybe you’re in the market for some fresh new clothing, art work, jewelry, or some outdoor active wear. Stop by one or both of our Craft Breweries, The Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. on the west end of Main Street and Currahee Brewing Co. on the east end of downtown Franklin. Many times, you can catch food trucks there cooking up some fresh eats along with entertainment on the weekends all year long.

Get Outside

Many folks in our local community like to get outside and get involved. So that means a lot more than just taking a hike or going for a bike ride. Many local organizations will have fund raising events or fun activities planned for kids and families too, to get together for a good cause. Whether it be a 5K Fun Run or a donation collection – there’s lots to get out and experience. Then of course, you HAVE to get on a trail or take a waterfall journey that will take you to places of natural beauty and wonder. If your a hard core hiker or more of a walker, don’t worry, we’ve got your trail and information on it!.