Wine Down Main Street, the annual fundraiser that fills historic downtown Franklin with wine tastings and live music, returns for its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. along Main Street, where more than 20 local shops will host wines from around the world. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, which serves youth ages 5 to 18 in Davidson and Williamson counties.
Organizers expect more than 2,000 guests, according to the BGCMT event page.
The 25th anniversary features a VIP Experience at The Franklin Theatre, running from 6 to 9 p.m. with premium wine selections and food pairings inside one of Franklin's most recognized venues. VIP and Premium VIP ticket holders can check in at registration tents outside the theater starting at 5:45 p.m.
"This year's event is especially meaningful as we celebrate 25 years of Wine Down Main Street and the incredible community that has made its success possible," Denise Carothers, chief development officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, said in a Tuesday, Sept. 22, statement.
Carothers said the event has brought people together for a quarter-century to support young people across Middle Tennessee.
General admission tickets include a souvenir wine glass and access to wine, beer and food tastings. Tickets range from $75 to $200, according to a FranklinIs event listing. Designated driver tickets are available for $50 at ticket booths at 4th & Main and Franklin Square on the night of the event.
Three stages will feature live music throughout the evening. Elecoustic Soul, a Nashville-based funk and soul band led by singer Angelyse Stanford, plays the Main Stage. R&B vocalist DALONA performs on the Franklin Public Square Stage. Piano vocalist Braunzie Gurl, who blends jazz, soul and country, takes the VIP Stage.
Food tastings come from 11 vendors, including Puckett's, Superica, The Optimist Nashville, Waldo's Chicken & Beer and Triple Crown Bakery. Twenty shops along Main Street will pour wines and stay open for browsing.
The event is presented by BancCard, with Nashville distributor Lipman Brothers as the official wine sponsor. The fundraiser had raised more than $2.1 million through its 20th anniversary in 2021, according to the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce.
The event is rain or shine, open to guests 21 and older only. No children, babies or pets are permitted. Parking is available at public garages on Second Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South. Tickets can be purchased online through the event website or in person at the Franklin Boys & Girls Club at 129 W. Fowlkes St., Suite 1000.
