As Middle Tennessee’s premier music festival entered its second decade, Pilgrimage Festival welcomed over 27,000 attendees to Franklin’s historic Park at Harlinsdale Farm in September 2025. The two-day celebration of roots music, set against the backdrop of rolling Tennessee hills and the scenic Harpeth River, demonstrated substantial growth from previous years when daily attendance hovered around 15,000.
John Mayer, performing with his full band, headlined the festival’s 11th installment, while Nashville’s own Kings of Leon closed out the first day with their signature rock sound. This lineup continued the festival’s tradition of blending top Americana, country, rock, and folk performers, following in the footsteps of past headliners like Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, and Dave Matthews Band.
Pilgrimage maintains its musical heritage by showcasing rock legends alongside country and folk stars on Tennessee’s historic grounds.
Co-founded by Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra in 2015, Pilgrimage has evolved into a cultural institution for Middle Tennessee, overcoming challenges including a COVID-related cancellation in 2020. The festival’s family-friendly approach was evident in its continued policy of free admission for children under 7, contributing to the multigenerational crowd spread across blankets and low-backed chairs throughout the venue.
Multiple stages accommodated simultaneous performances, while designated “no chair” zones allowed for dancing near the main stages. Security measures included bag checks and wristband scanning for those wishing to re-enter the grounds, ensuring both safety and convenience for festivalgoers.
Beyond the music, the event showcased regional food vendors, crafts, and partnerships with local nonprofits, amplifying its economic impact on Franklin’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Many artists leveraged the festival as an opportunity to boost their merchandise sales alongside their performances, creating additional revenue streams beyond ticket proceeds. Visit Franklin representatives highlighted how the festival generates significant publicity both domestically and internationally, attracting journalists from as far away as Germany. Artists utilized the festival as a platform to connect with fans through social media engagement, sharing behind-the-scenes content that extended the event’s reach beyond physical attendees. Accessible options for attendees with disabilities and clear signage throughout the grounds reflected organizers’ attention to inclusivity.
Since its inaugural event featuring Wilco, Willie Nelson, and Weezer, Pilgrimage has consistently expanded its footprint while maintaining its core celebration of Americana’s broad appeal. The festival’s sunny weather conditions provided the perfect backdrop for fans to relax on blankets while enjoying performances across the grounds.
The festival’s sustained growth over eleven years suggests that the appetite for authentic roots music remains strong in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
