Pilgrimage Music Festival Cancels 2026 Event, Plans for 2027 Return

The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, held annually in September at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, will not take place in 2026. Organizers announced the cancellation on March 25, 2026, stating that the festival would take a year off but is committed to returning in 2027. The announcement emphasized a desire to enhance the festival experience, promising "new sights, new sounds, new surprises" upon its return.

The Tennessean

Founded in 2015 by Franklin resident and musician Kevin Griffin, along with producer Brandt Wood and visual artist Michael Whelan, the Pilgrimage Festival was designed to celebrate the diverse musical heritage of the region. Inspired by the spirit of New Orleans' Jazz Fest, the festival aimed to showcase a variety of genres, including country, pop, rock, indie, Southern gospel, blues, and bluegrass, alongside local artisans and food vendors. The festival has become a significant cultural event in Franklin, attracting attendees from across the region.

The Tennessean

The festival has faced several challenges in its history, including severe weather in 2018 that significantly disrupted the event and the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the 2020 festival. Despite these setbacks, the festival successfully celebrated its 11th year in 2025, demonstrating resilience and a strong community following.

The Tennessean

While the specific reasons for the 2026 cancellation were not disclosed, the festival organizers expressed optimism about the future. They stated, "This move will allow us to bring you the best festival experience. We can’t wait to see you next year!" The Tennessean has reached out for further clarification regarding the cancellation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Tennessean

As of now, there have been no public criticisms or opposition regarding the festival's decision to cancel the 2026 event. However, the community's response to the announcement remains to be seen, particularly among local businesses and attendees who rely on the festival for economic and cultural engagement.

The Tennessean

Looking ahead, the Pilgrimage Festival is set to return in 2027, with organizers promising enhancements to the festival experience. The anticipation for the next event may lead to increased interest and participation, as the festival aims to build on its previous successes and address any challenges faced in the past.

The Tennessean

• “New sights, new sounds, new surprises! This move will allow us to bring you the best festival experience. We can’t wait to see you next year!” — Pilgrimage Festival Organizers

The Tennessean

• “We wanted to bring something amazing with that kind of spirit that's like Jazz Fest in New Orleans that celebrated all the music of the region — the country, the pop, the rock, the indie, the Southern gospel, the blues, bluegrass — but also the artisans, you know, the makers in Middle Tennessee, and then all the amazing food.” — Kevin Griffin, Festival Founder

The Tennessean