The Franklin Theatre Nominated for ACM Theater of the Year at 61st Academy of Country Music Awards
Historic Franklin, Tennessee venue earns prestigious nomination alongside Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry House
FRANKLIN, TN — The Franklin Theatre, the beloved 89-year-old performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee, has been officially nominated for Theater of the Year at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. The nomination, announced April 13, 2026, places The Franklin Theatre among an elite group of nominees that includes the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana, Indiana, and the State Theatre in Portland, Maine.
“This nomination is a reflection of the dedication and hard work from our staff, incredible artists who have graced our stage and the community that has supported us for nearly nine decades. To be recognized alongside venues as iconic as the Ryman Auditorium is something we will never take for granted. This belongs to Franklin.”
— Eric Dilts, Managing Director of The Franklin Theatre
Originally built in 1937, The Franklin Theatre underwent a meticulous restoration and reopened in 2011 as a cornerstone of the Williamson County arts community. Since its reopening, the venue has hosted hundreds of acclaimed country, Americana, bluegrass, and roots music artists, earning a reputation as one of the most intimate and acoustically distinguished rooms in the region. With a capacity of approximately 300 seats, the theatre offers performers and audiences alike an unparalleled connection rarely found in today’s music landscape.
The ACM Theater of the Year nomination represents one of the most significant recognitions a performing arts venue can receive in the country music industry. Presented annually by the Academy of Country Music, the award honors venues that demonstrate exceptional commitment to live performance, artist relations, and the fan experience. The Franklin Theatre’s nomination reflects both the quality of its programming and its enduring importance to the Nashville-area music ecosystem.
“One of my absolute favorite venues to play at… Always elite, always great, always the best.”
— Monty Criswell, 2-time Grammy Nominee and CMA Award Winner
“I have had the honor and privilege of playing the Franklin Theatre, and I have seen a lot of shows there over the years. It is a wonderful, magical, historic place. (The Franklin Theatre) makes sure that every event is memorable for the performers and for the audience. I love it there.”
— Rafe Van Hoy, Grammy Award Winner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee
Final round voting for the 61st ACM Awards is open now through Monday, April 20, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET. ACM professional members may cast their vote at acmcountry.com.
About The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre is a historic performing arts venue located at 419 Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee. Originally constructed in 1937, the theatre was restored and reopened in 2011 as a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to presenting world-class live music and entertainment to the greater Nashville community. Known for its warm acoustics, intimate atmosphere, and beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture, The Franklin Theatre has welcomed hundreds of acclaimed artists across country, Americana, bluegrass, folk, jazz, and beyond. The theatre is operated by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
