Main Street Festival 2027

What it is

A two-day street fair that fills Main Street with more than 150 arts and crafts booths, food from 30-plus vendors and three stages of music and dance, plus the Heritage Foundation’s PetZone. Organizers count well over 100,000 visitors.

When it runs

In 2026 it ran from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The Heritage Foundation has not posted 2027’s dates; the city’s rule gives the fourth full weekend in April.

Where to park

There is no street parking inside the festival, and downtown parking is limited. In 2026 Franklin Transit ran a $1-each-way shuttle from The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on both days and from Franklin High School’s south lot on Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, with the last one 15 minutes before closing. No pets except service animals, no strollers that do not fold and no food or drink on the shuttle. Accessible parking is in the 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue garages.

What it costs

Free to attend. The money goes on food, drink and the vendors’ goods, and the park-and-ride shuttle is $1 each way.

The history

The first festival was held on April 29, 1984, organized by the new Downtown Franklin Association with groups including the Heritage Foundation, and it drew about 15,000 people. The Heritage Foundation produces it now and called 2026’s the 42nd; Visit Franklin numbered the same festival the 41st.

Open spaces in the garages, now →