The fifth annual Pilgrimage Festival is expected to be yet another fabulous family-friendly event Sept. 21 – 22 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. Today, the festival announces the much anticipated lineup and it includes many favorites: Keith Urban, Foo Fighters Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Head and the Heart, +LIVE+, Jenny Lewis, Lauren Daigle, Phosphorescent, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, Better Than Ezra and more!
This festival has seen its fair share of weather, too. From incredibly hot days to torrential downpours to even cancellations of the rest of the festival due to dangerous thunderstorms. So, it's safe to say you should prepare and plan for anything. Especially when coming with kids. Because, as you may or may not know, ages 10 and younger get in FREE (when accompanied by an adult Pilgrimage Pass).
With so much going on, a few standout things are at the forefront of the festival concerning families: Ralph’s World returns with his impressive performances along with Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers, School of Rock, The Farmer and Adele and more! Maybe Kevin (of Better Than Ezra fame) will rock out on the stage with Ralph's World again. A parent can only hope, right?
New this year: The festival adds a few additional community charity partners: BrightStone, GraceWorks Ministries, High Hopes Development Center and Mercy Community Healthcare.
PLAN AHEAD: TIPS FOR THIS YEAR
- Pack a blanket and camping chairs for kids.
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Purchase glow sticks ahead of time to bring with you.
- Don't forget the flashlight — the trek back to the car at night is really dark in most spots.
- Bring enough cash to avoid the onsite ATM fees! Because outside food is prohibited, make sure you have the funds to fuel your family from the vendors and food trucks. It gets pricey!
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Pack sunscreen — better yet, put on a layer of it before you leave the house and dose up on it while at the festival.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizers are a must! Kids get sweaty and sticky and the portable potties run out of water at the hand-washing station.
- You can bring bug spray, but after being there every year, I've never seen a problem with the insects.
- Go ahead and splurge on the parking pass … it's worth it!
- Bring a football, bouncy ball, frisbee or other toys to play with as there's ample room for it and time between sets.
