Justin Timberlake has been announced as one of this year’s performers at the Pilgrimage Music and Arts Festival.
The two-day event, held at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, highlights some of the biggest names in music, while also celebrating the area’s food and culture.
“It’s starting to become what we’ve always wanted it to be, which is a part of the fabric of the community, something we all have a stake in, we all have an investment in that we grow up with and we’re proud of," Kevin Griffin, co-founder of the festival and member of the band Better Than Ezra, said.
This year’s dates have been set for September 23-24.
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder is also on this year’s lineup, in addition to Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Fitz & The Tantrums, Gary Clark Jr., Mavis Staples, and Walk the Moon.
Festival organizers have always enlisted local artists to perform at the festival as well, celebrating Middle Tennessee's musical talents. One of those acts is The Shadowboxers.
“There’s so much music all the time, but a lot of it is kind of compartmentalized," Adam Hoffman, member of Teh Shadowboxers, explained. "Indie rock has it’s own thing, country has it’s thing, pop has it’s thing, and Pilgrimage seems like a really cool way to bridge that and really like get the entire community at one event and really celebrate all the different types of music in this city.”
While music lovers expressed excitement over the announced lineup, local officials in Williamson County also voiced their excitement, both as fans of music, and knowing what the festival will bring into the community.
“You line up someone like Justin Timberlake who has a global presence, and he’s bring that presence to Franklin, Tennessee? It’s a dream come true," Ellie Chin, Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau President, said, explaining that the festival will bring plenty of visitors to the area. “They get to eat in our unique restaurants and do a little bit of shopping and stay in our hotels and really experience what Franklin has to offer for visitors.”
in 2016, 26% of festival-goers were from out of state.
Tickets are on sale, and organizers said they expect the festival to sell out prior to the gates opening on September 23. For more information, visit pilgrimagefestival.com.
