Pickin' on the Square 2025
For over three decades the Town of Franklin, NC has hosted this FREE event at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin from mid-May through mid-October.
Pickin' on the Square 2025 will be held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from May 10 to October 11, 2025 at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin. This years dates are:
• May 10, 2025
• May 24, 2025
• June 14, 2025
• June 28, 2025
• July 12, 2025
• July 26, 2025
• August 9, 2025
• August 23, 2025
• September 13, 2025
• September 27, 2025
• October 11, 2025
Pickin' on the Square begins at 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting) and features live musical entertainment each week. From bluegrass to country and oldies to rock 'n' roll, bring your lawn chair for a great evening of family entertainment during Pickin' on the Square.
Come early and enjoy one of our great restaurants. Food vendors also available.
Call for Bands
The Town of Franklin is seeking applications from area bands interested in performing for the Pickin’ on the Square 2025.
This is a paid performance opportunity and all submissions will be considered for inclusion in the event. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2025. Bands selected will be contacted after April 1, 2025.
2025 CONCERT DATES
All Pickin’ on the Square concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and end between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE:
• Week 1: Saturday, May 10, 2025
• Week 2: Saturday, May 24, 2025
• Week 3: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Week 4: Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Week 5: Saturday, July 12, 2025
• Week 6: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Week 7: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Week 8: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Week 9: Saturday, September 13, 2025
• Week 10: Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Week 11: Saturday, October 11, 2025
APPLICATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for consideration, bands or musicians must:
• Have enough material to fill at least a 45-minute set each hour
• Provide their own on-stage instruments and amplification
Preference may be given to bands or musicians who:
• Have a direct tie to Western North Carolina or Macon County
• Perform original music
• Have not performed at Pickin’ on the Square within the last 5 years
VIEW OR DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS
Band Application for 2025 Pickin’ on the Square » (PDF)
Food Vendor Application for 2025 Pickin’ on the Square » (PDF)
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What happens in the event of rain or thunderstorms?
A: In the event of bad weather, an announcement concerning cancellation of Pickin' on the Square will be posted our Franklin Events Facebook Page (click or tap here). If you haven't already, be sure to follow us there!
Q: Are food vendors available?
A: Yes. There are food vendors scheduled for each evening that Pickin' on the Square is held. This season's scheduled vendors are in the process of being booked and will be listed very soon. You can also come early and enjoy one of the great restaurants in Downtown Franklin. This information is also posted on our Franklin Events Facebook Page.
Q: Can we bring coolers?
A: Yes. Coolers are allowed; however, alcoholic beverages must be in social district cups with the proper dated stickers. Outside alcohol is not allowed.