Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Dance at Franklin’s Pilgrimage Music Festival

The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is back mightier than ever this weekend at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee after a COVID-19 hiatus last year. Featuring an all-star lineup with acts like Maren Morris, Valerie June, Dave Matthews, and The Black Keys, the cultural end of the ante just got upped with 35+ artisanal vendors, and over 50 food and beverage partners to amuse all of the senses. From within the festival to nearby Franklin hotspots, here are a few local favorites for a mission in the key of good taste.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Music City Brisket fire it up for those seeking a little extra smoke, along with Giffords Bacon for good measure. While The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden boasts some of the best burgers in these parts, Daddy’s Dogs will also be in the house for, well, you know, balance. Banh Mi and Roll Factory and Chivanda present a couple of local options for global flavors. And, for the sweet side of such a journey, Hattie Jane’s Creamery is a very fine cherry on this two-day sundae.

Tennessee-based chain Hardee’s makes its debut on the 200-acre property with a food truck featuring a special biscuit menu created exclusively for Pilgrimage. And, for a whole fleet of food trucks, including some of the aforementioned, head to the Farm to Turntable Food Truck Park featuring area favorites such as Blue Monkey Shaved Ice and The Grilled Cheeserie.

The Wicked Weed Brew Hall features eight of the Asheville, NC-based Wicked Weed Brewing’s most popular and seasonal beers, plus several local and regional beers on draft. Also, sports fans have no need to fret. Wicked Weed has your back with NCAA and NFL programming on LED screens available all weekend long.

Washington wines by the glass or bottle, produced by House of Smith, with ViNO CasaSmith, K Vintners, and Substance Collections, along with craft cocktails made with the festival’s spirit partners, including Deep Eddy Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, George Dickel, and the recently-released Dickel Bourbon. Bud Light Seltzers, and Michelob Ultra also will be on the ready.

In addition to the on-site offerings, just across the street local favorites inside The Factory at Franklin such as Mojo’s Tacos, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Five Daughters Bakery, and Franklin. Juice Co are on standby while, perhaps, you await your rideshare. (Allow plenty of time for this part of the journey, as your patience just may be tested.)

The highway into downtown Franklin will be partially closed to cars, allowing for easy walking into downtown where an array of restaurants about one-half of a mile from the festival welcome you. Culaccino Italian Restaurant is the newest hotspot in town. Just make sure to snag a reservation. Music fan favorites Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, and Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor will be hosting special live music after Pilgrimage on Saturday night.

If you still haven’t booked a room for the weekend, finding a place to hang your hat for the weekend nearby may prove challenging. Head on up Franklin Road into Brentwood where the new AC Hotels Marriott opened just a few weeks ago on Maryland Way in the heart of the Hill Center where numerous options to refuel are well within walking distance.