Good morning, Franklin.

PumpkinFest returns on Saturday, Oct.

25 in downtown Franklin as its 40th anniversary celebration with 140 vendors, three live music stages, a people costume contest at 12:30 p.m., and a pet costume contest at 4 p.m.—the event is hosted by the Heritage Foundation and is expected to draw about 100,000 attendees while boosting local business. Franklin Transit will offer shuttles from The Park at Harlinsdale Farm for $1 per ride to help manage limited parking.

AAA said Tennessee gas prices fell three cents last week to $2.68 per gallon, which is 10 cents lower than a month ago and 11 cents lower than a year ago.

Lower crude oil prices and reduced demand helped drive the drop (national averages are near $3.03), affecting local drivers.

Jordan Elementary started a Best Buddies chapter that aims to end social and physical isolation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (dozens of students and families gathered on October 2 for the inaugural meeting).

The Williamson County school board voted 11-1 on the first reading of a revised wireless communication device policy affecting high schools.

If approved in second reading on Nov. 17, the policy will take effect in August 2026 — delaying implementation for further review.

WCS stakeholders have until October 30 to complete a short survey on student achievement as part of the annual TISA Accountability Report required by law.

The survey seeks feedback from families, students and staff (input that will shape the district's academic goals).

Page Middle School in Franklin is presenting Dare to Dream Jr., a musical revue where students perform songs from Disney films such as Tangled, The Lion King, Toy Story, The Princess and the Frog, and Encanto, with shows on October 23 at 7 p.m., October 24 at 7 p.m., and October 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale online with premium seating priced at $17.82 and standard seating at $14.70.

Paris Baguette will open soon in Franklin's McEwen Northside—its first local location—and serve a bakery café that blends French baking traditions with South Korean flavors through its pastries, cakes and artisan breads.

The café will join upscale eateries and retailers in Block E, a district that opened in September.

Page High girls golf team captured the TSSAA Class AA Girls Golf State Championship for the second year in a row.

The team — coached by Jamie Eickhoff and featuring players such as Brooke Bennett, Shashe Ekker, Stella Edwards and Elizabeth McCann — showed strong performance in the second round with Bennett placing third and Ekker tied for fifth.

WCS student athletes won two team state titles and two individual state titles at the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association cross country championships.

Woodland Middle won the Class AAA Boys title (its fourth consecutive win) while Legacy Middle took the Class AA Boys championship and individual winners Scotlyn Szabo from Sunset and Asher Salmons from Heritage clinched their titles (each earning an individual state crown).

The middle school girls soccer season ended as two Williamson County schools competed in the state tournament—Hillsboro finished as the TMSAA Class A runner up while Grassland secured third in Class AA after defeating Page Middle in the district championship game.

The Drifters Live

7-11 p.m. — The Franklin Theatre — Tickets available — Experience timeless Rock and Roll performed by the legendary Drifters on their latest tour.

PumpkinFest 2025

1-6 p.m. — Mellow Mushroom Franklin — Free entry — Celebrate autumn at Middle Tennessee's largest fall festival with food, music, and fun for all ages.

Babies & Bumps Nashville 2025

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Franklin Marriott Cool Springs — Admission required — The essential gathering for new and expecting parents featuring exhibitors, expert seminars, and fantastic giveaways!

Concert for Cumberland Heights

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Ryman Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy heartfelt tunes from The Warren Brothers at this benefit concert.

Children's Reading with Julie Wentz

11 AM – 1 PM — Landmark Booksellers — Free admission — Enjoy a festive storytime featuring a heartwarming holiday tale perfect for young readers.

Trillia Newbell Book Signing

6-8 p.m. — Landmark Booksellers — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of 'Behold, the Lamb of God Has…' with author Trillia Newbell in an engaging evening of literature.

An Evening with Michael J. Tinker

6-8 p.m. — Landmark Booksellers — Free to attend — Experience a musical journey through life and faith with engaging songs for all ages.

Girls' Night Out Fundraiser 2025

5:30-9:00 p.m. — Liberty Hall — Support a great cause — Enjoy an evening of shopping and fellowship to help women experiencing loss this holiday season.

Jonathan Jackson's Solo Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Franklin Theatre — $TBA — Experience the first solo concert of Jonathan Jackson, celebrated star of Nashville, showcasing his new music.

Grand Ole Opry 100 Celebration

7-8 p.m. — Grand Ole Opry — Cost varies — Celebrate 100 years of country music with superstars and legends in a dynamic show experience.