Fall Family Fun in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
Looking for fall family fun in Franklin and Williamson County? This season, the area is packed with autumn festivities perfect for all ages. From the iconic PumpkinFest in downtown Franklin, brimming with seasonal crafts and entertainment, to local farmers markets offering fresh produce and handmade goods, the fall charm is everywhere. Families can also enjoy outdoor adventures at farms, take part in community festivals, and explore a variety of activities designed to celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking for pumpkin patches, live music, or hands-on activities, there’s no shortage of options to make the most of fall in Franklin. Here are our top picks for the best fall activities in the area.
39th Annual Pumpkinfest
The 39th Annual PumpkinFest returns to downtown Franklin on Saturday, October 26th, from 10 am to 6 pm. This highly anticipated event takes over Main Street and its side avenues, offering a full day of fun for all ages. Festival-goers can explore over 140 arts and crafts vendors, browse seasonal and specialty items, and enjoy treats from 30+ food and beverage vendors. The KidZone offers plenty of children’s activities, games, and crafts.
Entertainment will be a key feature of the event, with live performances on the Main Stage, presented by School of Rock, the Lipscomb University Acoustic Stage, and Buskers Corner. Visitors can also partake in the Pumpkin Experience, whiskey tasting at the Whiskey Lounge by Leiper’s Fork Distillery, and relax in the Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus. For those who love dressing up, the Pet and People Costume Contests will add even more excitement. Additionally, Autumn Alley will be filled with fall-themed festivities, and the Scarecrow Crawl offers a chance to explore downtown merchants, enjoy discounts, and win a movie ticket to The Franklin Theatre. • Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Family Day at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
Franklin Parks’ Family Day, sponsored by Friends of Franklin Parks, offers free, fun family-friendly activities to celebrate the park’s 20th anniversary and the 225th year of the founding of Franklin. On November 2nd, from 10 am to 2 pm, attendees can enjoy miniature train rides, hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Additional highlights include cane pole fishing in the pond and the Touch-a-Tractor area, where kids can explore and sit on large tractors and operate small excavators. Equestrian events will take place in the Tractor Supply Arena, and food from local vendors will be available for purchase throughout the day. This year’s event also features special performances by the Gary Sinise Foundation’s LT. Dan Band and their opening act, Five For Fighting. • The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, 239 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Fear Fest at The Franklin Theatre
Fear Fest at The Franklin Theatre is the ultimate Halloween movie experience for film lovers in Franklin, TN. Fear Fest creates a nostalgic atmosphere with eerie decorations inside The Franklin Theatre that enhance the Halloween experience. The lineup offers something for every type of viewer, from family-friendly films like Hocus Pocus and Casper to iconic horror classics such as Halloween and The Shining.
The Franklin Theatre’s Fear Fest is perfect for families looking to introduce their children to Halloween classics, or for horror buffs eager to revisit some of the greatest films in the genre. Whether you prefer lighthearted seasonal fun or a truly thrilling scare, the festival’s range of films makes it a top fall activity for movie fans. The event runs on select days from Friday, October 4th to Thursday, October 31st. • The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Gentry Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Gentry Farm’s Fall Festival is a beloved autumn tradition in Franklin, Tennessee, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Running on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through October 28th, with additional Fall Break days on October 7th, 10th, and 11th, this working farm provides fun experiences like exploring the indoor maze, grain barn, tire swings, and the designated kids’ play area, complete with a tractor playground. Guests can also enjoy wagon rides, mini-farm putt-putt, a labyrinth, and nature trails to take in the scenic countryside, along with the opportunity to see animals up close. Pumpkins are available for purchase, making the farm an ideal destination for family-friendly fall fun. • 1974 New Hwy 96 W, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Cooper Trooper Foundation Pumpkin Patch
The Cooper Trooper Foundation Pumpkin Patch is an annual event that raises funds to support families affected by childhood cancer. With 100% of profits going directly to the cause, the patch offers a kid-friendly atmosphere where visitors can purchase pumpkins and take advantage of fun photo opportunities. There is no entry fee, and the patch accepts major credit cards and contactless payments for pumpkin purchases, while donations can be made via cash or check. The pumpkin patch runs from Saturday, October 12th to Tuesday, October 31st. Volunteers play a key role in making this event possible, and those interested can sign up through the Cooper Trooper website. • Corner of Cool Springs Blvd and Mallory Lane, Franklin, TN •
Pull-Tight Players Youth Actors Guild Teen Specialty Make-up Master Class
The Pull-Tight Players Youth Actors Guild Teen Specialty Make-up Master Class is a unique opportunity for young theater enthusiasts to learn the art of stage makeup. On Saturday, October 19th, makeup artist Ashley Culpepper returns to lead this hands-on workshop, designed for teens aged 13-18. The class focuses on creating realistic makeup effects such as wounds, scars, and wrinkles, which are ideal for theatrical productions or Halloween costumes. • 112 2nd Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Broken Wheel Festival
Celebrate fall with a day of music, arts, and the charm of Nolensville at the Broken Wheel Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 3 pm to 10 pm, this event offers live performances, food trucks, locally crafted beer, bounce houses, games for kids, and even princess appearances. Nolensville’s premier music and arts festival will feature 8 Track, a lively 70s and 80s cover band, and the South’s top Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
By attending, you’ll also be supporting Round Up for Nolensville, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to residents in times of need. It’s a great way to enjoy the fall season while giving back to the community. • Mill Creek Brewing Co., 2008 Johnson Industrial Blvd, Nolensville, TN 37135 •
Mistletoe Farm Alpacas
If you’ve never visited Mistletoe Farm Alpacas in Franklin, TN now is the time to go! After 20 years, this beloved alpaca farm is closing its doors for good. From October 15th to December 15th, visitors can explore the farm, enjoy guided tours, and learn all about these fascinating animals. Both kids and adults will love the opportunity to feed the alpacas and snap memorable photos in the beautiful fall setting. This unique, hands-on experience is not only fun and educational but also a perfect way to make lasting family memories before Mistletoe Farm Alpacas bids farewell. • 4212 Crowder Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Farmers Markets
As the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall sweep through Franklin and Williamson County, local farmers markets become even more inviting. These markets are the perfect place to celebrate the season, offering everything from fresh autumn produce to handmade goods. Whether you’re in search of pumpkins, squash, or artisan crafts, these markets provide a festive atmosphere where families can gather and enjoy the best of fall. Here’s a guide to top farmers markets in the area this season.
Factory Farmers Market
The Factory Farmers Market is a must-visit spot this fall for those looking to savor the season’s best produce and handcrafted goods in Franklin, TN. Held every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7:30 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm at The Factory at Franklin, the market offers seasonal favorites like pumpkins, squash, apples, and hearty root vegetables. Visitors can enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere while shopping for fresh meats, dairy, honey, baked goods, and unique crafts made by artisans. • 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Five Points Franklin Market
The Five Points Franklin Market is a celebration of local farmers, bakers, woodworkers, and crafters. Held from May through December on select Thursdays, the market emphasizes a producer-focused approach, meaning all vendors personally grow, make, or bake their offerings. Mark your calendars for the Fall Fest Market, scheduled for Thursday, October 17th from 4 pm to 8 pm. • 100 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Franklin Farmers Market
As fall arrives, the Franklin Farmers Market comes alive with seasonal offerings like pumpkins, squash, and apples. Established in 2002, the market provides a farm-to-table experience with over 70 farms. It’s the perfect spot to shop for fresh produce and handmade goods like pottery and jewelry.
In 2025, the market will relocate to its new home at the intersection of Mack Hatcher Parkway and Franklin Road on the campus of Franklin First United Methodist Church. Currently, the market is held in the rear parking lot of The Factory at Franklin and operates every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. • 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Westhaven Farmers Market
The Westhaven Farmers Market offers a variety of autumn produce like pumpkins and seasonal baked goods. Held every Wednesday from May through October, from 4 pm to 7 pm, the market also features local artisans, live music, and food trucks, creating a festive and vibrant community atmosphere. • 191 Front St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Nolensville Farmers Market
The Nolensville Farmers Market is a must-visit this fall for its fresh seasonal produce, including pumpkins, apples, and more. In addition to farm-fresh offerings, independent makers showcase handmade goods, from pottery to textiles. The market runs on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm. • 7260 Nolensville Rd, Nolensville, TN 37135 •
Embrace Fall in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
With so many ways to enjoy the fall season, Franklin and Williamson County provide endless opportunities for family fun. Whether you’re visiting a pumpkin patch, taking a scenic farm tour, or exploring local farmers markets, there’s no shortage of activities that celebrate the charm and beauty of autumn. Make the most of the season by experiencing the best that Franklin has to offer this autumn!
Looking to soak in more of fall’s beauty?
Don’t miss out on the breathtaking autumn colors around Franklin and Williamson County. From scenic parks and nature trails to historic sites and more, Where to See Beautiful Fall Foliage in Franklin, TN, and Williamson County highlights the best spots to experience stunning fall foliage.
