Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024: Your Complete Guide
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, taking place on September 28 and 29, 2024, in Franklin, Tennessee, is a celebration of music, art, culture, and community. Held at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, this family-friendly event has become a must-attend for locals and visitors alike, offering a diverse mix of performances, cultural activities, and delicious food.
Beyond the festivities, the Pilgrimage Foundation, the festival’s charitable arm, is dedicated to giving back to the community by providing grants to local nonprofits focused on arts, education, and culture. Through these efforts, the festival fosters a lasting connection with the community, ensuring its impact extends far beyond the event itself.
From the variety of stages showcasing top-tier talent to family-friendly areas and unique cultural experiences, the festival promises something for everyone. Read on for more details about the festival’s history, and what to expect, including tips on accommodations, transportation, and how to make the most of your time at this remarkable event.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival: Ten Years of Music, Artisans, and Family Fun
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, founded by musician and local resident Kevin Griffin, was inspired by the beauty of The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennessee. Envisioning the park as a perfect venue, Griffin, along with partners W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan, sought to create a festival that blends Franklin’s rich musical history with the spirit of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Now in its tenth year, Pilgrimage has become known for its diverse lineup and cultural experiences, featuring local artisans, food vendors, makers, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Pilgrimage Festival 2024 Lineup: A Diverse Musical Experience
The 2024 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival lineup is one of the most exciting and varied in the festival’s history. Headlining the event are some of the most iconic names in music, including Dave Matthews Band, known for their intricate musicianship and energetic live performances that have garnered a dedicated following over the decades. Joining them is Hozier, whose soulful voice and powerful lyrics have made hits like Take Me to Church resonate deeply with fans worldwide. Lukas Nelson, with his rootsy blend of rock, country, and Americana, brings a rich musical heritage to the lineup.
But the excitement doesn’t stop with the headliners. The festival also showcases a variety of artists, reflecting a commitment to diversity in sound and style. For instance, Allison Russell, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, brings an emotional, genre-blending approach to her music, which draws on folk, soul, and jazz influences.
Fans of emerging talent will be thrilled by the inclusion of artists like Grammy-nominated Noah Kahan, who has quickly become a standout in the music scene with his deeply honest and relatable lyrics that resonate with a global audience. Known for his unique blend of Folk, Americana, and Rock, Kahan’s rise to fame includes a Double Platinum hit, Stick Season, and a sold-out tour.
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith adds to this dynamic mix. The 25-year-old artist has already captivated audiences worldwide with his relatable lyrics and infectious melodies, amassing 90 million global streams. His growing success is driven by the power of his songs, amplified by a dedicated social media following, making him another must-see artist at this year’s festival.
What makes this lineup particularly special is its reflection of the festival’s broader ethos—one that values musical diversity and seeks to create a space where various genres and generations of artists can come together. Whether you’re a fan of rock, alternative, folk, or soul, Pilgrimage Festival’s 2024 lineup promises to deliver a weekend of unforgettable performances and musical exploration. Click here to view the entire lineup and create your personalized Pilgrimage Festival 2024 schedule.
The Stages at Pilgrimage Festival 2024: Where Music Meets Culture in Franklin, TN
The 2024 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is set to feature performances across several distinctive stages, each offering a unique atmosphere and musical experience that reflects the rich heritage of the festival’s location at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun stage is the heart of the Pilgrimage Festival, known for closing each day with unforgettable performances by some of the biggest names in music. Located in the largest field and natural amphitheater of The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, this stage is surrounded by food and beverage outlets, Maker Village, and VIP Village, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and trees. Named after the legendary Champion Tennessee Walker stallion buried at Harlinsdale, the Midnight Sun stage has hosted iconic artists like Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, and Justin Timberlake, making it the prime spot for soaking up music and sun with friends and family.
Gold Record Road
Gold Record Road is another major stage set in a natural amphitheater, offering a lineup of national headliners over the festival’s two days. This stage draws inspiration from the historic Gold Record Road, a famed route connecting New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta, and Nashville, which passes right by The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
Americana Music Triangle
The Americana Music Triangle stage offers an immersive, historical experience that celebrates the roots of American music, focusing on the rich cultural region between New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. Set within a large revival-style tent, designed with the help of Meghan Aileen and Mike Wolfe of American Pickers, the stage features unique artifacts and installations that capture the essence of gospel, soul, rock and roll, bluegrass, and country. Surrounding the stage are booths from partner cities and states within the Americana Music Triangle, showcasing the living history of American music through curios, instruments, and more. This stage not only hosts live performances but also serves as a cultural hub for those eager to explore the origins of the music they love.
Collectively, these stages create an enriching environment where attendees can enjoy a variety of musical performances, explore cultural exhibits, and engage with the rich history that influences the festival’s eclectic lineup. Whether you’re drawn to the big-name acts on the Midnight Sun stage or the historical depth of the Americana Music Triangle, the Pilgrimage Festival offers a stage and a vibe for everyone.
Family-Friendly Fun at Pilgrimage Festival 2024: Franklin Fun Farm
The Franklin Fun Farm at Pilgrimage Festival 2024 is a family-friendly oasis packed with exciting activities for kids of all ages. At the heart of it all, the Performance Tent offers live entertainment, featuring local youth bands, aerialists, balancing acts, a Bubble Party, and a Magic Show. The Electric Lounge is a cool hangout spot for older kids, complete with DJ Mixing Stations, Oculus VR adventures, and complimentary henna tattoos. Little ones can enjoy storytime and crafts at the Book Nook & Craft Corner, courtesy of Williamson County Library. For those seeking adventure, there’s a life-size Pilgrimage Maze with a viewing platform and a Knockerball Arena for bouncy fun. Parents can unwind in the shaded Parents’ Retreat, equipped with nursing stations and a toddler play area. Other highlights at the Franklin Fun Farm include the Bach to Rock tent, where smaller kids can enjoy interactive musical fun and create their own instruments to take home, as well as classic activities like face painting.
Your Pilgrimage Festival 2024 Guide: Tickets, Transportation, and More
To make the most of your time at Pilgrimage Festival 2024, planning ahead is essential. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tickets and Passes: The festival offers several ticket options, including single-day and weekend passes, as well as VIP packages that provide access to exclusive areas and premium amenities. It’s advisable to purchase tickets early, as the festival often sells out, especially the VIP passes.
- Getting There: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is conveniently located in Franklin, Tennessee, just a short drive from Nashville. Parking at the Pilgrimage Festival is limited, so walking, biking, or using rideshare is recommended if you do not purchase a parking pass. Expect heavy traffic during peak hours. For rideshare and taxis, the drop-off/pick-up area is on 1st Ave S. at Ligon Field.
- What to Bring: The festival takes place outdoors, so it’s important to come prepared. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be on your feet for much of the day. Late September weather can be unpredictable, so layering is a good idea. Don’t forget sun protection—bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Staying hydrated is crucial, so bring a refillable water bottle, as the festival provides water stations where you can refill for free.
- Seating and Viewing: If you plan to sit during performances, consider bringing a blanket or a small, foldable chair. A designated standing/dancing zone will be marked in front of the main stages and chairs and blankets are allowed outside of this zone and in most other areas of the park. To ensure clear views for everyone, only low-backed chairs under 30 inches are permitted.
Where to Stay for Pilgrimage Festival 2024: Top Nearby Accommodations
Pilgrimage Festival 2024 offers travel packages that include hotel accommodations at select locations such as Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, Aloft Nashville Franklin, and the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville. These packages also come with exclusive perks like shuttle services to and from the festival, VIP access, and more.
In addition to these options, several other hotels in the Franklin area are convenient to the festival grounds. The Harpeth Hotel, in downtown Franklin, is a boutique hotel that combines Southern charm with modern luxury, offering easy access to the town’s historic sites, shops, and restaurants. For a more tranquil retreat, Southall Farm & Inn provides a luxurious escape on 325 acres of rolling hills just outside of Franklin that emphasizes sustainability and farm-to-table dining.
For those seeking a more rustic and secluded stay, Cabin Creek Rentals offers charming cabin accommodations nestled in the peaceful woods, providing a cozy and tranquil retreat just a short drive from the festival.
These are just a few of the unique places you can stay while visiting Franklin for the Pilgrimage Festival 2024. For a broader selection of accommodations that capture the essence of this charming town, explore our guide to unique local stays.
Pilgrimage Festival 2024 Experience: Music, Culture, and Community in Franklin, Tennessee
As the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival enters its 10th year, it continues to blend music, culture, and community in a truly unique way. With a diverse lineup, engaging cultural activities, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. Whether you’re a local or visiting Franklin, the festival’s rich heritage and vibrant energy promise to leave you with lasting memories. Prepare, immerse yourself, and enjoy everything this extraordinary event has to offer!
