October is finally upon us! Vibrant colors are emerging across the landscapes, and even though we see the changing of the leaves every year, it never ceases to amaze us. While you’re enjoying the beautiful scenery this month, there’s also plenty of spooky fun to be had around town. From car shows to seasonal festivals, farmers markets and stage performances, you won’t want to miss anything on our list of must-do’s!
And of course, the question of where to eat in between all of these exciting events is easily answered. Gracious Plates On Main is open 7 days a week with all of your favorite Farm-to-Table dishes, unique cocktails, and premium wines. Whether you’re dining inside or outside on our covered Main Street patio, you’ll find that our friendly service is the perfect finishing touch for any meal. And we’re committed to exceeding your expectations. Check out our list of local happenings below to see what else you’d like to do around town before or after you enjoy your next meal at Gracious Plates On Main!
Local Highlight
28th Annual PumpkinFest
Downtown Franklin
October 19 ~ 9:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin, North Carolina's 28th Annual PumpkinFest will roll into action on Saturday, October 19! People of all ages are sure to enjoy Franklin's largest street festival and celebration of autumn. Children and adults alike will have a blast taking part in traditional and some very non-traditional fall festivities including the "World Famous Pumpkin Roll" contest.
The Costume Parade and Contest is another highlight of the day. And don't miss out on over 80 vendors including mountain arts & crafts along with great food and more! PumpkinFest runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is held rain or shine in Franklin, NC.
Weekly Wine Tasting
Gracious Plates on Main
Wednesday Evenings ~ 5:30-7:30pm
Every Wednesday, Gracious Plates On Main welcomes a guest Sommelier from a different wine distributor and offers a guided wine tasting at individual tables throughout dinner service. Joining Wine Club and attending the tastings are both free.
Macon County Farmers Market
Downtown Franklin Gazebo
Saturdays ~ 9:00am-2:00pm
The Macon County Farmers Market is downtown by the Gazebo on Saturdays, May through November. The market features local growers, bakers, and makers, as well as family-friendly educational activities. Gracious Plates On Main is a proud sponsor of the live music at the market from local and regional artists.
Watercolor Wednesdays with Maryellen Tully
Uptown Gallery
Wednesdays ~ 4:15-6:00pm
Join fellow artists of this translucent medium in a step
by step approach of delightful seasonal subject matter.
All levels are welcome. These classes are led by instructor
Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also
welcome!!! Materials list is available.
Class fee $30members/$40nonmembers
Materials fee: $20.00 if not provided by student.
Email, mtully1001@gmail.com to RSVP
Thursday Painters - FREE
Uptown Gallery
Thursdays ~ 10:00am-2:00pm
Join MCAA Member Artists at the Uptown Gallery from 10am-2pm every Thursday for a fun time! Bring a bagged lunch and your art project that you would like to work on. Bring your own art materials, as this is a free and open to the public event. Contact Pat Mennenger at 28734pm@gmail.com for any questions.
Trivia
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub
Wednesday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub hosts Trivia every Wednesday evening, and the proceeds from the fun always go to a local nonprofit chosen by the winning team! They offer a full espresso bar, an array of craft beers, and fresh baked goods.
The Franklin Gem & Mineral Society
Educational Offerings
Various Dates
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Society is dedicated to sharing and promoting cultural, educational, and scientific interests in rocks, minerals, fossils, and the lapidary arts. This nonprofit offers youth education and activities through the JUNIOR ROCKHOUNDS for students, ages 7 through 17. The society also offers adult education, including field trips and classes. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday from 12:00-4:00pm.
Echoes of the Past Historic Ghost Tours
Downtown Franklin
Various Dates
Listen for “Echoes of the Past” and learn about the local legends of downtown Franklin, NC. Experience our histories and mysteries on an immersive walking tour through one of the most historically diverse and haunted places in America. From stories of pre-Columbian explorers to the Civil War to modern day, each one hour ghost tour is appropriate for all ages.
Yarn & Fiber Classes
Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Various dates
Silver Threads & Golden Needles is a friendly and fiber obsessed yarn shop located in the Historic Downtown shopping area of Franklin, North Carolina. Whether you are a local or taking a vacation in the Smoky Mountains, we are your one stop destination for all things yarn and fiber!
Book Club
A Novel Escape
October 3 ~ 6:30pm
On the first Thursday of every month, A Novel Escape hosts Book Club. It’s a fun group that delves into a variety of different genres, with each month’s book selected by popular vote. And to make it even better, each month’s chosen book is 15% at the bookstore!
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
October 5 ~ 9:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.
Mountain High Music, Craft, & Car Show
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
October 12 ~ 10:00am
Enjoy a day of live entertainment, crafts, classic cars, food, and more at the fourth annual Mountain High Music, Craft and Car Show. Outdoor entertainment, craft vendors, and the car show are free admission and begin at 10am. Food vendors/ trucks will be on site and concessions will be available all day in the theater lobby. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the entire day in front of the outdoor stage. Entertainment acts & times TBD. Event Time 10am to 4pm.
*Additional special entertainment throughout the day including demonstrations, clogging and more.Presented in conjunction with the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
October 12 ~ 10:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.
Silent Book Club
A Novel Escape
October 17 ~ 6:30pm
Join us for an hour once a month and read silently amongst your fellow book lovers! There will be a "settle-in" period from 6:30-7pm, silent reading from 7-8pm, and a short exclusive shopping period from 8-8:30pm. Bring your pillow, blanket, or any other items to help you feel comfy while reading. Don't forget your book!
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
October 25 & 26 ~ 7:00pm
Early on a September morning, the villagers of Sleepy Hollow await their new schoolmaster. When Ichabod finally arrives, his priggish correctness casts a pall over the gossipy, prank-playing townsfolk. Soon enough, though, his genteel manners and his hymn singing impress the ladies, including Katrina Van Tassel, the town belle. The menfolk are less thrilled, especially Brom Bones, Katrina’s beau, and he begins plotting to rid himself of his unwelcome rival. Matters come to a head during the Van Tassel’s Halloween party, after which the superstitious Ichabod is accosted on his lonely ride home by a fiendish apparition, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. The next morning, Ichabod has disappeared, leaving behind only a song in the wind. Thus, a new legend is born.
The show is approximately one hour in length. Although appropriate for all ages, some scenes may be frightening to younger children. The show is presented by the Overlook Theatre Company.
General Admission Tickets: $14 In Advance, $17 Day Of Event.
Monster Mash
Downtown Franklin
October 26 ~ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join the Streets of Franklin in downtown for a day of spooky fun for the whole family! There will be food trucks, a DJ, trunk or treat, games, and much more as you stroll up and down Main Street. So dress in your best Halloween costume or attire, and be sure to keep an eye out for the famous Witches Walk!
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
October 26 ~ 10:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.