We love Summer Nights in Franklin, Ky., and we celebrate in a big way with a free concert series in our downtown every Friday night during the summer. Join us and bring your family and friends to sit under the stars and enjoy live performances by some of the hottest bands in the area.
The series of free Friday night concerts, hosted by the Franklin-Simpson Renaissance and sponsors Franklin Bank and Trust Co., Franklin Precision Industry, Inc., Kentucky Downs, The Debbie Johnson Team – Keller Williams First Choice Realty, Harman and Franklin-Simpson Tourism, continue through the end of August.
“Our beautiful downtown courtyard is the perfect setting for our free concert series.” said Amy Ellis, Executive Director of Franklin-Simpson Renaissance. “Bring a lawn chair, grab a bite of food from one of our street vendors or area restaurants and sit back and relax to some great music. It is a family-friendly environment that offers something for everyone of all ages.”
The concerts are held on the lawn of the historic Simpson County Courthouse beginning at 7 p.m. and wrapping up at 9 p.m. Lawn chair rental is available.
“Come to Franklin a little early and shop with some of our downtown merchants,” Ellis said. “Most of the shops will be open until the concerts begin. We have some great shops offering local art, furniture, clothing, antiques, sporting goods, jewelry and much more. We have eight boutique clothing stores downtown, several specialty shops, a frozen yogurt shop, a coffee shop, a donut shop and two restaurants.”
On the last Friday of June, July and August, vendors set up in the street at 6 p.m. for the Mini Market, which is held in conjunction with the concert series. The Mini Market feature booths from the Farmer’s Market, vintage items, clothing, home décor and art. Go to fsrenaissance.org to obtain a vendor application.
“We wanted to provide a space for pop-up shops,” Ellis said. “The market is a friendly place for a small business to test the waters and see how potential customers respond to their product.”
The Summer Nights Concerts are: Bueler’s Day Off on June 28, Black Widow Band on July 5, JD Shelburne on July 12, C4 on July 19, The Sidewinders on July 26, Tyrone Dunn & Kinfoke on August 2, Andy and the Rockers on August 9, The Get Down on August 23 and Casey James on August 30.
There are several events planned to coincide with the concert schedule this summer. Simpson County will celebrate its 200th anniversary this year, and the Firecracker 200 Kiddie Parade will be held on Friday, July 5 at 6 p.m. prior to the Black Widow concert. Registration is on site and begins at 5:30 p.m. Broadway the Clown will lead the parade of children age infant to third grade as they “parade” around the historic courthouse. Only people-powered vehicle (bikes, tricycles and wagons) are allowed. Entry is free!
The Frozen Spoon 2nd Annual Touch a Truck will be held on July 12 during the JD Shelburne concert. Children of all ages are encouraged to come and touch, climb or sit in tractors, fire trucks, police cars, and other vehicles that will line College Street.
The Franklin-Simpson Farmers Market Hometown Harvest Dinner will be July 19. This fundraising event will be held in conjunction with the C4 concert.
The F-S Chamber of Commerce will host the Garden Spot ½ Mile Kids Moo Run on August 9 before Andy and The Rockers play. The Moo Run is a kick off event for the Garden Spot 5K Run on Saturday morning.
Franklin Movie Nights will be at dark on the Courthouse lawn on Saturday nights this summer! The movies are free to the public. The schedule is: July 13 – Incredibles 2 (Special Abilities Night – Free Ice Cream); July 20 – The Lion King (Disney Throw Back – Free Hot Dogs); August 3 – Captain Marvel (Teen Night); August 17 – The Greatest Showman (Girls Night Out); August 31 – Wreck It Ralph 2 (Free Popcorn).
For more information on the Summer Nights Concerts go to fsrenaissance.org or call 270-586-8482.
