Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival brought back the healing power of music to Middle Tennessee this past weekend (September 25 & 26), as the two-day 200-acre event welcomed a crowd of 25K to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, TN. Locally the first music festival of its magnitude in two years, The Tennessean deemed its comeback a “triumphant return” that’s now firmly placed “Franklin on map as a music destination.”
Led by “marquee-worthy performances” according to The Tennessean with back-to-back headliners both nights, Maren Morris and The Black Keys kicked off the festival on Saturday (9/25), as Cage The Elephant and Dave Matthews Band capped the party on Sunday (9/26). More than 50+ standout acts in total appeared across five stages – Midnight Sun Stage, Gold Record Road Stage, Simple Truth X Shady Grove Stage, Lil’ Pilgrims Family Stage, and Americana Music Triangle Experience (AMTE) – with American Songwriter hailing, “Live music is back and possibly better than before.” Paste Magazine’s Paste Studio on the Road: Pilgrimage Music Festival was also on-site livestreaming special backstage appearances. Watch multi-song performances from billed acts Hailey Whitters, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, Jamestown Revival, and Wax Owls.
“All the stars aligned for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival this year. We were blessed with a full crowd, brilliant weather, and one of the best lineups that we've ever had. It truly seemed like every artist was giving their absolute best, knowing just how meaningful it was to finally be able to bring music lovers together,” shares event co-producer W. Brandt Wood. “People were smiling, kids were dancing, and the music was rocking. We wanted to give everyone a transcendent experience that truly brought joy, and the crowds really came out in mass to celebrate as one community. We're already counting down until next year!”
As spotted in PEOPLE's Star Tracks and with American Songwriter stating, “We can’t wait for next year’s,” rave reviews keep stacking up from the 2021 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival:
“The attention to detail at the Pilgrimage Music Festival is what truly sets this festival apart. Whether it’s the perfectly staggered showtimes or food truck circle – the venue is a pop-up community ready for a weekend of events.” – American Songwriter
“Maren Morris, The Black Keys and More Bring It Home at Pilgrimage” – Nashville Scene
“Pilgrimage returned, and Music City finally got back to big festival business.”
– The Tennessean
“Pilgrimage Festival showcases best of community in return” – Williamson Herald
Helmed by co-producers Wood, Better Than Ezra frontman and Franklin resident Kevin Griffin, and Michael Whelan, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is committed not only to boosting tourism in Williamson County, but continuing to be a driving force in supporting the local community as well. A portion of every ticket sale will be donated to benefit members of the music industry in need through their direct partnership with the Recording Academy’s nonprofit MusiCares, in addition to Friends of Franklin Parks for capital projects at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
A true celebration of art, culture, and diverse music, the Williamson Herald further praised, “Inside the festival grounds – the mood felt like a respite from the world outside.” Also offering the best regional food, drinks, and crafts, over 35 artisanal vendors were hosted in the Makers Village, plus more than 50 food and beverage partners between the Farm to Turntable Food Truck Park and Wicked Weed Brew Hall.
Check out additional photos from Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival here.
