The question is asked ... What is Franklin's Cultural District? Franklin's Cultural District is a specific, walkable area in downtown Franklin beginning around Ruggles Street and traveling through the center of town to Franklin High School. It is the area where most of Franklin's arts and culture events happen and where most arts and culture businesses and organizations are located.

We hope you enjoy the Cultural Wednesdays newsletter and participate in some of the activities happening this week and in the future.

Celebrate Arts and Culture ... Celebrate Franklin!

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, John LoPresti, Roberta Trahan

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Cultural Wednesdays is a partnership with Franklin Matters/Franklin.news. The last full week of August is here and arts and culture continue to engage the greater Franklin community.

• The Farmers Market continues to make Fridays come alive on the Town Common (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm). This Friday, August 26, Halley Elwell will perform between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Her performance is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural Council.

Elsewhere in the Cultural District and Beyond this week ... 

• Franklin Public Library
• Wednesday, August 24, the third Read with Riley! therapy dog and his human friend, Ally at 4:00 pm.
• Saturday, August 27, the Library celebrates Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party! 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. 
• La Cantina Winery has three opportunities to enjoy live music:
• Kendo on Thursday, August 25, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm; 
• Patrick Durkin on Friday, August 26, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm;
• South Street Six on Saturday, August 27, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
• 67 Degrees Brewing hosts David Pensa, solo acoustic guitar, on Friday, August 26, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Raina's Plate Food Truck will be there from 4:30 pm to  8:00 pm ... or until sold out. Raina's Plate is a specialty hot-dog pop-up!
• Escape into Fiction 
• Welcomes Author Susan K, Hamilton and her book launch for "Stone Heart", on Tuesday, August 30, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• Hosts Poetry Open Mic Night on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:00 pm. Coordinators, April Rock and Jamele Adams, will help guide the evening. All are welcome.

Select the Cultural Wednesdays link for information about these and other events/performances during the upcoming week: Cultural Wednesdays Arts Happen Here!

Note: Events subject to change

Escape into Fiction

Thursday, September 1, Escape into Fiction is "celebrating our amazing education system" with a special Educators Night from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Educators will receive 20% off their purchases! Select Escape to learn more about this educators' opportunity.

Franklin Cultural Council

FY23 Grant Applications will open on September 1st with a deadline of October 15. This grant opportunity is focused on programs that support Arts, Humanities, Civics, History and Interpretive Sciences. To learn more about this grant opportunity select FCC Grant.

If you have questions, you can email the FCC: franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com.

Open House at Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Franklin School for the Performing Arts has two Open Houses planned for September: September 10, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and September 19, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Visit the School, meet faculty and staff, and learn about the programs offered. For additional information, select FSPA.

Franklin Cultural Festival!

The Franklin Cultural Council is hosting the annual  FCC Cultural Festival on September 10, 12 noon to 6:00 pm on the Town Common. The festival will feature music performances, visual art, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a wonderful opportunity to gather and celebrate arts and culture in Franklin's Cultural District. Select Cultural Council to learn more about the Festival and to volunteer.

Blood Drive at THE BLACK BOX

Tuesday, September 13, Franklin Performing Arts Company is partnering with the American Red Cross on a Blood Drive at THE BLACK BOX. Select the link above to sign up to be a donor. This event is sponsored by Comprehensive Wealth Planners at Dean Bank. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Welcome Fall 

FDP Harvest Festival happens on October 1, 12 noon to 5:00 pm on Main Street. There will be vendor booths sponsored by businesses, organizations and community groups, giveaways, activities for children, music performances, food and more.

Save the Date ... October 1. There is a rain date of October 2. Select FDP for information.

The Sound of Music

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents its fall musical, The Sound of Music, on October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 - at THE BLACK BOX.  

Select TBB for ticket information and to learn about the 2022 - 2023 theater season at THE BLACK BOX.

Theater at Dean College

Dean College is pleased to announce that its 2022 - 2023 School of the Arts Theatre Season begins with multi-night performances of "The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People". Performances take place on the Main Stage October 20 - 22 at 7:30 pm and October 22 - 23 at 2:00 pm. Select Dean Theatre for ticketing information and to learn more about this performance and the 2022 - 2023 Season.

The Franklin Cultural District partners with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, and the Town of Franklin to promote arts and culture in Franklin.

Franklin's Cultural District Committee engages, promotes, celebrates, and collaborates with Franklin's artists and creatives, as well as organizations, institutions and businesses. 

Franklin Cultural District Committee:

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

                                Pandora Carlucci, John Lo Presti, and Roberta Trahan.