Julia Dunagan Now in its 11th year, Pilgrimage Festival, held on September 27th and 28th, once again transformed The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, TN, into a sun-soaked celebration of sound, soul, and southern hospitality. With perfect weather, three stages of nonstop music, and the kind of small-town charm that sets it apart from bigger festivals, Pilgrimage Festival 2025 was a weekend where connection and comfort all met under the Tennessee sun.
The Atmosphere at Pilgrimage Festival
Families spread out on blankets and lawn chairs, kids danced with popsicles in hand, and friends shared local bites and craft cocktails between sets. With three main stages (Midnight Sun, Gold Record Road, and Americana Triangle), the festival’s layout made it easy to drift from one vibe to another. Each corner of the grounds offered something unique: photo nooks, artisan markets, and booths showcasing Franklin’s creative spirit.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
But what most come for is the music, and this year’s lineup struck a perfect balance between legacy acts, local heroes, and rising voices. Headliners John Mayer and Kings of Leon anchored the weekend with timeless performances, while Turnpike Troubadours, Grace Potter, and Father John Misty brought depth and variety across genres. Newer favorites like The Heavy Heavy, Maggie Rose, and American Aquarium added fresh layers of soul, blues, and indie grit. Between the Americana Music Triangle’s roots-driven sets and the main stages’ polished energy, every corner of Harlinsdale Farm offered something for every kind of listener – from alt-rock fans to country storytellers.
DAY 1
Colony House
Franklin’s own Colony House brought an undeniable sense of joy to their hometown set. There may have been bigger names on the lineup, but no artist seemed more excited to see the crowd than Colony House was to see theirs. Their infectious energy and genuine gratitude made it impossible not to root for them.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Turnpike Troubadours
Turnpike Troubadours brought their signature mix of country and roots rock to the stage. Every note was steeped in storytelling and tradition, their performance radiating a lived-in authenticity and comfort that drew everyone into their orbit. They had the crowd dancing, clapping, and fully present in the moment.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sam Barber
There’s something about Sam Barber that draws people in and keeps them there. One fan arrived early just to claim a front-row spot, saying they first saw him at the Ryman and had been hooked ever since. Barber’s sincerity and grounded presence have built a following that feels more like family than fandom. His Pilgrimage Festival set carried that same quiet magic: simple, soulful, and real.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Kings of Leon
As night settled over Franklin on day 1, Kings of Leon (includes brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill and their cousin Matthew Followill) turned the festival into a homecoming celebration. The Followills played with the ease of seasoned pros but the emotion of locals who still remember where it all started. Their set balanced power with vulnerability, a reminder that even after years of global stages, there’s nothing quite like coming home and being with family.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
DAY 2
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Better Than Ezra
Few bands embody 90s alt-rock nostalgia quite like Better Than Ezra. Their set was a pure celebration of catchy and familiar songs that made them icons of their era. Their mix of charm and tongue-in-cheek humor had the crowd singing, smiling, and remembering why those songs have never left the soundtrack of our lives.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Young the Giant
Young the Giant delivered one of the weekend’s most moving sets. As they introduced their new song “Ships Passing,” the moment felt like a quiet truth unfolding: the space between perfection and mistakes is exactly where art lives. Their performance carried that balance beautifully — honest, human, and breathtakingly alive. This was hands down my favorite set of the entire festival.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sam Fender
Making his first-ever appearance in Tennessee, Sam Fender brought a surge of energy and heart to the Gold Record Road stage. His sharp, passionate performance quickly won over the crowd, but it was the moment he invited a fan onstage to play guitar that truly sealed it. Genuine, unfiltered, and full of heart, it was the kind of moment that reminds you why live music still matters.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
John Mayer
Closing the weekend, John Mayer delivered a performance that was equal parts musicianship and soul. With his signature guitar work and easy command of the stage, he created an atmosphere that felt both electric and intimate. The crowd was lively, waving signs and calling out requests, and Mayer met them with smiles and playful banter. Beneath the jokes and guitar flourishes lay a performer who clearly loved the moment and the people who made it feel alive.
Photos by Julia Dunagan Photography. All images © 2025 Copyright Julia Dunagan Photography. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Final Thoughts on Pilgrimage Festival
Pilgrimage Festival 2025 delivered more than great music – it delivered heart and soul. Between the family-friendly energy, curated vendors, and a lineup that spanned generations and genres, this 11th year reminded everyone why Franklin continues to host one of Tennessee’s most beloved festivals. It’s more than a weekend of music; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the magic of a perfect fall day in the South.
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