Illustration of a fall festival scene (PumpkinFest)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

PumpkinFest

PumpkinFest returns to Downtown Franklin for a spectacular two-day celebration of autumn. This expansive festival features over 140 arts and crafts vendors, more than 30 food and beverage options, and continuous live entertainment across three stages. Families can enjoy the dedicated KidZone, while everyone can participate in the beloved pet and people costume contests. Explore Autumn Alley and the scarecrow crawl for added festive fun.

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What to Expect

Middle Tennessee's largest family fall festival, now two days.

Event Details

Duration

Saturday: 8 hours, Sunday: 6 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Franklin

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN

Food & Drink

Over 30 food and beverage vendors, including a Whiskey Lounge and Beer Garden.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, and individuals looking for a festive fall experience.

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, autumnal, lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate (rain or shine, but may close for high winds/storms)

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Park & Ride shuttle service available from Harlinsdale Farm and Franklin High School. Handicap accessible parking in 2nd and 4th Avenue garages. Limited downtown parking.
  • Accessibility: Handicap accessible parking is available in the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages or via Franklin Transit’s Park & Ride service.
  • Pets: Pet-friendly with leash and waste bag requirements. No pets allowed on transit vehicles.

Tips & Advice

  • Utilize the Park & Ride shuttle service to avoid downtown parking challenges and enjoy a convenient $1 ride each way.
  • Check the schedule for specific times for the popular pet and people costume contests to participate or spectate.
  • Download the festival map in advance to easily locate your favorite vendors, food stalls, and entertainment stages.
  • Take advantage of the downtown merchants' specials and treats as part of the 'Scarecrow Crawl' for added shopping fun.
  • Consider visiting The Franklin Theatre for cartoon screenings during the festival for a unique indoor activity.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Expanded to two full days
  • Pet & People Costume Contests
  • Whiskey Lounge by Leipers Fork Distillery
  • Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus
  • Scarecrow Crawl with merchant discounts

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for PumpkinFest?

PumpkinFest takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11 AM to 5 PM.

How can I get to the festival?

The easiest way is to use the Park & Ride shuttle service from Harlinsdale Farm or Franklin High School. Limited downtown parking is also available.

Are pets allowed at PumpkinFest?

Yes, the festival is pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle vehicles.

What kind of vendors can I expect?

You'll find over 140 arts and crafts vendors showcasing unique items, and more than 30 food and beverage vendors offering a variety of seasonal treats.

Is there entertainment at the festival?

Absolutely! There will be continuous live entertainment on the Main Stage, Acoustic Stage, and Road Show Stage throughout the weekend.

Tags

halloween festivalfamily friendlyfall festivalpumpkin festivalstreet faircostume contestfood truckslive entertainmentcommunity eventarts crafts

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team