The Red Wheel at The Factory

The Red Wheel at The Factory is an in-the-round songwriter series held in Turner Theater at The Factory at Franklin, offering an intimate front-row experience with some of the country’s most accomplished songwriters. Inspired by Franklin’s industrial heritage and named after the red oven dial used by Magic Chef when the building operated as a factory, the series blends music, storytelling, and history in a unique setting.

Performances run throughout the summer, with genre-specific showcases held on select evenings. Thursdays feature bluegrass, Fridays and Saturdays focus on country, folk, and Americana, and Sundays highlight gospel. 

The custom stage and reimagined seating create an up-close atmosphere for guests, who can also enjoy table service, curated offerings from Greys Fine Cheeses, and signature spirits from Nashville Barrel Co. The lineup has included acclaimed artists such as Rhett Akins, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Tony Arata, and Trent Harmon, with surprise guests often taking the stage. Seating is limited to 200 per show, and advance reservations are recommended.