Williamson, Inc.

BEST Fest Fundraising Gala
2023-12-15 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, 37064
BEST Fest benefit concert, now in its third year, is our organization’s annual fundraising gala that includes a seated dinner, drinks, an optional bourbon tasting, an incredible silent auction, entertaining live auction and live music by artists connected in some way to the community of individuals living with blindness. This year’s lineup includes singer/songwriter Steven McMorran and special guests.
Tickets for BEST Fest 2023 are now on sale. Seating will be available for up to 300 people.

The Best Thing About Christmas 2023 Tour
2023-12-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Wiliamson County Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Avenue, Franklin, TN, 37064
Now in our third straight year after a debut in 2021, we are embarking on our first ever Tour, this time across our home state of Tennessee. It’s almost like Christmas morning for us thinking about the chance to be in the room with each of you as we travel first to Cookeville, then Harriman, on to Franklin, and finally finishing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. We have recruited a super-talented and passionate cast…hailing from both right here in Tennessee and also from as far away as California and Florida. We are boldly bringing to you this message of hope, of redemption, of grit, and most of all the true meaning of Christmas… inspiring us to live to be an instrument in God’s hands to help and lift those around us. We can’t wait to welcome you to our living room in Music City as we answer the question “What is The Best Thing About Christmas?”
Tuesday, December 12th at 7pm
Wednesday, December 13th at 7pm

The Best Thing About Christmas
2023-12-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Williamson County Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Avenue, Franklin, TN, 37064

Franklin Tomorrow's FrankTalks: 2023 Year In Review
2023-12-11 09:00 - 10:30 | First Presbyterian Church, 101 Legends Club Lane, Franklin, 37069
Join Franklin Tomorrow as we hear a 2023 Year in Review in business, government, real estate & culture Dec. 11 at our FrankTalks lecture, set for First Presbyterian Church, 101 Legends Club Lane, Franklin, Tenn.
Offering their look back at 2023 will be Williamson Inc. CEO Matt Largen, Franklin Mayor Dr. Ken Moore, 2023 Williamson County Association of REALTORS President Kathie Moore, and Heritage Foundation of Williamson County CEO Bari Beasley.
FrankTalks is presented monthly by Renasant Bank with support from our sustaining partners, Williamson Health and Atmos Energy. Additionally, Lyon Leadership Group, the local McDonald’s franchisee, provides coffee for the event.
FrankTalks starts at 9 a.m. with a 30-minute coffee social, followed by the hour-long program at 9:30 a.m.

Nashville Spartans Hockey
2023-12-09 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-12-08 19:30 - 22:30 | Gary Force Acura Ice Rink, 7235 Haley Industrial Drive, Nolensville, TN, 37135, United States
Join us for an adrenaline-pumping hockey showdown as the Nashville Spartans hit the ice to face off against the Decatur Blaze, in an action-packed USPHL (United States Premier Hockey League) game!

A Frozen Adventure Winter Ballet Performance
2023-12-09 16:00 - 18:00 | College Grove Astitorium, 861 Horton Highway, College Grove
Join the Rhythm & Spirit Dance Program and get ready to be transported to the snowy kingdom of Arendelle, where an extraordinary holiday adventure unfolds. In this heartwarming tale, Anna and Elsa discover that their family lacks holiday traditions of their own. Determined to save Christmas and create unforgettable memories, Olaf embarks on a merry mission to find the very best traditions. Through captivating dance routines and breathtaking choreography, our talented dancers bring the story to life. This event is the perfect way to kick off the Holiday Season with the whole family!
Performance (date/time/location): Saturday, December 9th at 4:00pm at the College Grove Artsitorium (861 Horton Highway)
Tickets: Will go on sale November 1st; $10.00/person (use early bird code “WinterBallet” for $3 off each ticket effective until November 24th).
Purchase Tickets: Link coming soon!
For more information, please contact Brittney Williams at Brittney.Williams@williamsoncounty-tn.gov

A Charles Dickens Victorian Tea
2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Williamson County Enrichment Center, 110 Everbright Ave, Franklin, 37064
Taste traditional Victorian Christmas teas, finger foods and scrumptious desserts while delving into the characters and meaning behind the famed A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol, probably the most popular piece of fiction that Charles Dickens ever wrote, was published in 1843. Charles Dickens, through the voice of Ebenezer Scrooge, reminds us that a little kindness towards our fellow neighbor can go a long way. The House Master will delve into the characters and meaning behind A Christmas Carol while tasting traditional Victorian Christmas teas, finger foods and scrumptious desserts while beautiful music sets the atmosphere for this charming tradition. We also have a special kids’ plate so little ones can join in the experience.
Experience is open to all ages and each participant is required to register. Children ages 3 & under are free with a paid adult.
For questions, contact Amber Morris at Amber.Morris@WilliamsonCounty-tn.gov.

Smart Women: Smart&Savvy!
2023-12-07 11:30 - 13:00 | The Sapphire Suite, 1201 Liberty Pike, Suite 229, Franklin, 37067
First Citizens National Bank presents the Smart Women program. Smart Women’s goal is to help women to bridge the financial literacy gap through education!
FREE Community Event! Light Lunch will be provided!

19 Miles to Music Row
2023-12-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Main Campus at First United Methodist Church, 120 Aldersgate Way, Franklin, 37069
It’s an all-hits December with 19 Miles partnering with Pump House Records bringing you some of the most recognized hit songs as recorded by Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Steven Tyler, Joe Nichols, Faith Hill, Ronnie Dunn and many more.
Entry is always free at 19 Miles, but in December you can choose to give back by bringing a toy to donate to the Graceworks Manger. For shopping suggestions for The Manger visit https://www.graceworkstn.org/events/manger/.

Santa & Carolers at The Factory at Franklin!
2023-12-04 18:00 - 2023-12-09 21:00
Celebrate the holidays with Santa at The Factory at Franklin this Saturday! He’ll be waiting in our huge rocking chair next to our giant Christmas Tree in the Grand Hall. Plus, we’ll be joined throughout the day by carolers from our local schools. Don’t forget your camera to capture these sweet family memories!
SANTA – 1:30pm-3:30pm
Winstead Elementary 10am-10:30am
Poplar Grove Elementary 11am-11:30am
Centennial H.S. 12pm-12:30pm
Ravenwood H.S. 1pm-1:30pm

Brentwood Tree Lighting Celebration
2023-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | John P. Holt Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, 37027
The Brentwood City Commission kicks off the holiday season each December with the annual tree lighting ceremony. This popular event, featuring ASL interpreters, includes:
• Treats in the Brentwood Room: Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the library will provide visitors with cookies in the Brentwood Room. A holiday photobooth will also be available, and the room will include a Hanukkah display and a Santas Around the World display.
• Live Music in the Lobby: The Williamson County Youth Quartet will perform live holiday music throughout the evening.
• Hot Chocolate: The Friends of the Brentwood Library will have a hot chocolate tent outside the library.
• Polar Express Storytimes: At 5 and 6 p.m., the library will host readings of “The Polar Express” in the Friend’s Gathering Room. The story times are free, but everyone attending must have a ticket. Tickets were available at the Children’s Desk, beginning on Nov. 13, and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Bells will be handed out at the end of each story time.
• The Tree Lighting: The annual tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m. on the library’s front lawn. The Brentwood High School Choir will perform at the tree lighting.

Williamson County Community Band
2023-12-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Williamson County Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Avenue, Franklin, TN, 37064
Williamson County Community Band
Sunday, December 3 at 3:00pm
Williamson County Enrichment Center
FREE Admission!

Nashville Spartans Hockey
2023-12-02 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-12-01 19:30 - 22:30 | Gary Force Acura Ice Rink, 7235 Haley Industrial Drive, Nolensville, TN, 37135, United States
Join us for an adrenaline-pumping hockey showdown as the Nashville Spartans hit the ice to face off against the Dells Ducks, in an action-packed USPHL (United States Premier Hockey League) game!

Williamson County Community Chorus
2023-12-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Franklin First Presbyterian Church, 101 Legends Club Lane, Franklin, 37069
Williamson County Community Chorus
Saturday, December 2 at 4:00pm and 7pm
Franklin First Presbyterian Church
FREE Admission!

WCAC - Deck the Howls! 2023
2023-12-02 15:00 - 17:30, 2023-12-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Williamson County Animal Center, 1006 Grisby Hayes Court, Franklin, 37064
Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) is partnering with dozens of other pet shelters across the country to paw-ticipate in a national howliday and gives back to our furry friends!
Children (ages 4-12) will have the opportunity to read to shelter pets, decorate cookies, create an ornament, and visit with Santa. For Deck the Howls, children are invited to share the holiday spirit with adoptable pets by cozying up in their favorite pajamas and reading holiday stories provided by the Franklin Public library to furry friends. The children benefit by practicing their reading skills in front of a non-judgmental audience and developing empathy to help make compassionate, responsible choices when interacting with animals in the future. There will also be an opportunity to decorate cookies, create an ornament, take part in animal trivia for prizes and meet the big man himself, Santa!
The animals benefit by learning how to relax around visitors, leading to quicker adoptions. Space is limited, reserve your child’s spot today!
For more information on registration, please contact Evan Smith at Evan.Smith@williamsoncounty-tn.gov . For more information about class details, please contact Penny Adams at Penny.Adams@williamsoncounty-tn.gov.

Brentwood Morning With Santa
2023-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | John P. Holt Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, 37027
On the first Saturday in December, Santa Claus will make a special visit to the John P. Holt Brentwood Library. Local children are encouraged to meet St. Nick, have their photo taken, and give him their Christmas wish list. Passes are needed for this free event, and they’ll be available at the Children’s Service Desk, beginning Monday, Nov. 13.

A Christmas Carol the Musical
2023-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Williamson County Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Avenue, Franklin, TN, 37064
The Star Bright Players Fall 2023 production is A Christmas Carol the Musical, the spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story by Broadway heavy hitters Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. We are thrilled to be offering this holiday classic to our community! Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
Friday, December 1st at 7pm
Saturday, December 2nd at 2pm
Saturday, December 2nd at 7pm
Sunday, December 3rd at 2pm
Friday, December 8th at 7pm
Saturday, December 9th at 7pm

Anniversary Programming at Carter House and Carnton
2023-11-30 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-11-30 08:00 - 17:00 | The Carter House and Carnton, 1140 Columbia Ave and 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, 37064
The Trust commemorates the Battles of Spring Hill and Franklin and their role in the American story every year. This year, join the Battle of Franklin Trust at all three historic sites to experience the commemorations in a new way. Normal tours will occur throughout the day, but the sites remain open in the evening for special anniversary programming.
We will walk guests through each home in small groups. This will allow for a more personal chance to better understand what happened at each site. Your opportunity to visit Rippa Villa and learn about the fateful events there will be on November 29 from 5 to 7 pm. On November 30, also from 5 – 7 pm, you can visit Carter House and Carnton and experience the story of the Battle of Franklin, its cost, and its long-term impact. Both events are free and open to the public.

Marshmallow Hike at Owl’s Hill
2023-11-25 09:30 - 13:00 | Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, 545 Beech Creek Rd S, Brentwood, TN, 37027, United States
Join us for a Marshmallow Hike this winter!
November 25
December 21 , 22, 23 and 27, 28, 29, 30
January 6, 13 & 20
Hikes begin PROMPTLY at 9:30 am, 11 am & 1 pm.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your departure time.
Cost: $11/person
Ages 2 and under FREE
Are you looking for something to do with the family during the holidays or an excuse to get out of the house by yourself? How does a nice hike in the winter woods followed by hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows sound? Come by Owl’s Hill for our annual Marshmallow and Hot Chocolate Hikes. Hikes last approximately 30-60 minutes, with two difficulty levels to choose from.

FiftyForward Friends Memory Cafe
2023-11-21 12:30 - 14:00
The Memory Café’ was created for individuals with dementia and their caregivers so that they might have regular, enjoyable social interaction with others in similar circumstances. Memory Cafes will be held the third Monday of each month at the FiftyForward Martin Center in conjuction with the preplanned, enriching activities.

Sunday Swing Featuring 5 Points Swing Band
2023-11-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Wiliamson County Performing Arts Center, 112 Everbright Avenue, Franklin, TN, 37064
Put on your dancing shoes and join us at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center for Sunday Swing on Sunday, November 19th, 2023, featuring Middle Tennessee’s premier big band, 5 Points Swing, under the direction of Chuck Hamilton. Each ticket includes a complimentary dance lesson at 2:30pm, followed by dancing accompanied by the 5 Points Swing Band from 3:00-5:00pm. Dance floor provided.
Advance online purchase is recommended.
Accessible seating is available upon request. Call (615) 786-0186 ex. 2524 or email wcpactn@williamsoncounty-tn.gov.

The Factory at Franklin’s Turner Theater Open House
2023-11-18 18:00 - 21:00
You’re invited to an open house for the new Turner Theater! On Saturday, November 18th, The Factory at Franklin will reintroduce one of Franklin’s favorite venues with a night of drinks, bites, and community.
Be the first to see a film in the new theater as we premier a short documentary that follows Calvin and Marilyn LeHew’s journey to save The Factory from demolition and transform it into one of Franklin’s favorite gathering spots. As an homage to the LeHews’ storied history in Franklin, we’ll be serving food inspired by their well-known restaurants! Catered by Suzette Lane, guests can enjoy familiar, crowd-favorite recipes from Choices, Stoveworks, and Miss Daisys, all while sipping on a complimentary drink (or two!) from our new bar, The Skylight. Stick around after the film for a private Q&A session with Calvin and Marilyn themselves!
Tickets are limited, so reserve yours today! We hope to see you soon!
Questions? Reach out to us at 615-791-1777.

Lantern Hike at Owl's Hill
2023-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, 545 Beech Creek Rd S, Brentwood, TN, 37027, United States
Friday, November 17
6 – 8 pm
Cost: $18 / person
Ages 12+. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Gate opens 30 minutes before program start. Program begins promptly at noted time. No late entires. No exceptions.
Pack dinner and arrive early to picnic on the grounds. We are a pack-in/pack-out facility – please plan to take your trash with you.
Come along on a nightime adventure! We’ll explore the woods at night by lantern light, listen for the sounds of nocturnal animals and share stories about the history of Owl’s Hill.
This program is for adventurers who are looking for a longer hike than our typical evening programs. The route is 1.5 miles of moderately challenging natural surface trail. Participants can expect moderate uphill and downhill hiking as well as areas of uneven terrain. Once the hike departs, participants are expected to stay with the group for the duration of the hike.
Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking are strongly recommended.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, participants are not permitted to carry additional sources of light (headlamps, flashlights, etc). Lanterns will be provided.
