12 Fall Activities in Franklin and Williamson County You Shouldn’t Miss
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and community festivals like PumpkinFest, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, and Wine Down Main Street are some of the best-loved fall traditions in Franklin and Williamson County. Every year, these events bring neighbors and visitors together to celebrate with food, music, and family fun.
But autumn here doesn’t stop with the big gatherings; there are also scenic drives, cozy nights, distillery tastings, and creative workshops that capture the spirit of fall. Here are twelve local experiences that highlight the season while celebrating Franklin’s culture, creativity, and community.
1. Leaf Peeping by the Back Roads
Skip the main highways and take a scenic drive along Williamson County’s most picturesque routes. Old Hillsboro Road and Leipers Creek Road wind through rolling hills, tree-lined stretches, and classic Southern barns, making them two of the best places to see fall color. Stop for coffee at The RedByrd Coffee Shop or pick up snacks at Davis General Store in Leiper’s Fork. If you want to stretch your legs, Timberland Park off the Natchez Trace Parkway offers peaceful trails surrounded by autumn leaves.
For a deeper look at where to experience the best seasonal colors, explore Where to See Beautiful Fall Foliage in Franklin, TN, and Williamson County, which highlights some of the area’s most stunning routes and hidden spots.
2. Drink in the Season
Fall is an ideal time to explore Williamson County’s growing distillery scene. Leiper’s Fork Distillery offers small-batch Tennessee whiskey made with local ingredients, and their tasting room captures the area’s rustic charm. In downtown Franklin, the new Leiper’s Fork Distillery House of Spirits brings craft cocktails and curated whiskey flights to Main Street, while Stable Reserve offers small-batch bourbons and craft spirits just down the street. Company Distilling in Thompson’s Station combines tastings with a cocktail bar, outdoor patio, and events. Each location offers its own take on Tennessee spirits, making this season perfect for exploring and sipping your way through the county.
For more places to raise a glass, Speakeasies, Spirits, and Cocktails: 10 Franklin Bars You Can’t Miss showcases area favorites where drinks and lively atmospheres make the cooler evenings even better.
3. Cozy Nights, Local Stories
As the days cool down, indoor escapes become more appealing. Local bookstores like Landmark Booksellers in downtown Franklin and Ghostlight Books in Spring Hill offer selections perfect for fall reading. The Williamson County Public Library in Franklin also hosts author talks, book clubs, and sales throughout the year. Ask a librarian for autumn picks: mysteries, memoirs, or Southern fiction all make great fireside reads.
If you want to combine your love of books with culture, check out Williamson County Library Launches Free Discovery Passes with Library Card, which introduces new ways to connect with history and art.
4. Franklin After Dark
Explore Franklin by moonlight this season. Franklin Walking Tours leads guided strolls through downtown’s storied streets, and for the first time ever, guests can step inside Cherry Manor, known as one of Franklin’s most “active” haunted sites. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary hosts lantern-lit hikes that bring the woods to life after dark, while Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory in Brentwood invites visitors to explore the night sky during its public telescope nights. Prefer entertainment to the supernatural? Catch a late-night movie or concert at The Franklin Theatre, where the historic venue keeps downtown lively well into the evening.
Learn more about FearFest at The Franklin Theatre: A Month of Movies for Spooky Season, part of the theatre’s fall lineup and one of Franklin’s most popular traditions.
5. Fall for the Arts
From gallery nights to hands-on workshops, fall is a great time to embrace the arts. The Downtown Franklin Art Crawl features local artists and music in downtown galleries. In Leiper’s Fork, The Copper Fox Gallery offers demonstrations, artist talks, jewelry trunk shows, and more. You’ll also find David Arms Gallery inside a historic barn, showcasing paintings and home goods, and Leiper’s Creek Gallery, which represents regional and national artists in a range of styles.
For a guide to the area’s creative spaces, Art Galleries in Franklin and Williamson County, TN: An Art Gallery Guide offers a closer look at where to find inspiring exhibits year-round.
6. Porch Weather
Few seasons offer porch weather quite like fall, when cooler temperatures and colorful leaves make dining outdoors especially appealing. Local restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating include Frothy Monkey and Culaccino in downtown Franklin, as well as Scout’s Pub in Westhaven. These are just a few of the many patios across Franklin and Williamson County where you can enjoy a crisp autumn meal outdoors.
If you love dining outdoors, Outdoor Dining at The Factory at Franklin: Where to Eat Al Fresco shares more spots where good food and fresh air come together.
7. Autumn’s Hidden Harvest
Farmers markets in Franklin remain full of color even after summer. At the Franklin Farmers Market and the Factory Farmers Market, you’ll find seasonal produce, locally made foods, baked goods, and specialty items, along with crafts and handmade products from area artisans. Beyond the market tables, you’ll also see plenty of mums and décor, perfect for bringing a touch of autumn home.
To learn more about the vendors and what you can find, read The Factory at Franklin Farmers Market: Shop Local Every Wednesday, which celebrates the community connections and flavors found at the market.
8. Tailgate Season in Tennessee
Whether you’re watching SEC football or hosting friends at home, area businesses offer everything you need for tailgating. Pick up cheeses and other items for charcuterie from Grays Fine Cheeses and Entertaining, pastries from Perenn Bakery, or a keg from Mill Creek Brewing Co. in Nolensville. Backyard setups with fire pits and cozy blankets turn any game day into a fall celebration.
To see how sports shape the local scene, Sports in Middle Tennessee: A Guide to Pro and College Teams highlights the energy and traditions that make this area a favorite for fans.
9. Soundtrack to Fall
This time of year pairs perfectly with acoustic sets. The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor and Puckett’s in downtown Franklin, and Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork regularly host Americana, folk, and bluegrass performers. Pair your night out with dinner at a nearby restaurant or a stroll through town before catching a live music show.
For a deeper dive into the music scene, Live Music in Franklin and Williamson County, TN: Beyond the Big Stages explores the venues and local talent that keep the soundtrack to fall going strong.
10. Maker’s Season
Cooler weather is an invitation to create. Local studios and shops host workshops in pottery, woodworking, and more. Woodcraft of Nashville offers hands-on woodworking classes for all skill levels, while Third Coast Clay at The Factory has pottery painting for all ages. Williamson County Parks & Recreation also offers adult and youth art events at recreation centers across the county. These workshops make great activities for families, friend groups, or those who want to get a head start of holiday gifting.
To find even more ways to express your creativity, 5 Ways To Pursue Your Hobbies In Williamson County: Art, Music, Recreation, & More highlights opportunities to learn, practice, and play year-round.
11. Historic Sites in the Fall
The cooler months are a great time to explore Franklin’s history. Carter House, Carnton, and Rippavilla each tell a powerful story of the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin. Managed by the Battle of Franklin Trust, these historic sites offer tours and exhibits that bring the past to life, with autumn’s changing leaves adding a striking backdrop to the experience.
Lotz House, located in downtown Franklin, also offers a compelling perspective, showcasing the experiences of a family whose home stood at the center of the battle. In addition to its regular tours, Lotz House is hosting evening ghost tours on Saturday nights in September and October, giving visitors a chance to hear stories of unexplained activity inside what the Travel Channel has deemed the “Second Most Terrifying Place in America.”
Read Battle of Franklin Trust: Preserving Tennessee’s Civil War History to learn more about these landmarks and the work of the Battle of Franklin Trust in preserving Tennessee’s Civil War history.
12. Farm Fun Beyond the Patch
While pumpkin patches are a seasonal staple, local farms offer even more ways to enjoy fall. Gentry Farm in Franklin has hayrides, corn mazes, and fun family activities each October, while Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville offers apple cider and other goods. Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, a short drive from Williamson County, is known for its expansive corn maze, petting zoo, and family-friendly events. Visiting a farm in autumn gives you the chance to enjoy fresh air, produce, and traditions rooted in the land.
For a closer look at this popular destination, read Family-Friendly Fun Just Outside of Franklin: Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, Tennessee.
Fall in Love With Franklin and Williamson County
From backroad drives and harvest markets to porch dining, live music, and creative workshops, fall in Franklin and Williamson County is full of opportunities to savor the season. Whether you’re raising a glass at a distillery, wandering through galleries in Leiper’s Fork, or enjoying a crisp evening under the stars, each experience adds another layer to autumn’s character here. Alongside beloved traditions like PumpkinFest and Pilgrimage, these adventures offer fresh ways to connect with the community and experience Tennessee at its most colorful.
It’s easy to see why so many visitors and locals alike fall in love with Franklin each autumn. The blend of history, hospitality, and traditions creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, where every outing offers a chance to slow down and celebrate what makes this part of Tennessee special.
