As the 11th year Pilgrimage Festival returns to the 230-acre farm in Franklin Tennessee soon, we are counting down the days to this year’s event. The headlining acts for the festival will be Kings of Leon on Saturday the 27th, and John Mayer on Sunday the 28th, setting the stage for an incredible weekend.
Complete Lineup:
John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours, Young The Giant, Father John Misty, Sam Barber, Sam Fender, Grace Potter, Better Than Ezra, Colony House, Sam Grisman, Maggie Rose, The Heavy Heavy, American Aquarium, Taylor Hunnicutt, Eddie 9V, Angel White, very gently, Ben Chapman’s Peach Jam featuring JD Clayton & Meg McRee, Sam Grisman Project featuring Vince Herman & Lindsay Lou, Will McFarlane, Cristina Vane
While we get ready for this year’s festival, here are five artists beyond the headlining attractions that we’re looking forward to.
The Heavy Heavy
When: Sunday the 28th, 3:15 – 4:00 pm
Stage: Gold Record Road
Recommended Tracks: “Go Down River”, “One Of A Kind”, “Texas Sun”
Similar Artists: St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Band of Horses, Michigander
UK-based band The Heavy Heavy return to the US after sold out shows in New York City and Chicago opening for bands like Black Pumas and Band of Horses. They’ve earned comparisons to the likes of Jefferson Airplane and Fleetwood Mac. There are limited opportunities to see them while they’re in the US and the only show they’ll be playing in Tennessee will be at Pilgrimage so you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
Sam Fender
When: Sunday the 28th, 7:15 – 8:15 pm
Stage: Gold Record Road
Recommended Tracks: “People Watching”, “Seventeen Going Under”, “Hypersonic Missiles”
Similar Artists: Inhaler, Fontaines D.C., The Wombats
Britain’s Sam Fender will be the final act on the Gold Record Road stage on Sunday the 28th. With his third album, People Watching released in February of 2025, Sam continues to build on his brand of British heartland rock. Sam will be heading to Canada and Australia following his Pilgrimage appearance so catch him while you can!
Maggie Rose
When: Saturday the 27th, 2:30 – 3:15 pm
Stage: Midnight Sun
Recommended Tracks: “No One Gets Out Alive”, “Change the Whole Thing”, “Sting”
Similar Artists: Katie Pruitt, Caitlyn Smith, Brandy Clark
Maggie Rose has been nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at this year’s Americana Music Awards along with her 2025 GRAMMY nomination for Best Americana Album. Having played the Grand Ole Opry over 100 times as well as many other performances at notable venues around the nation, Maggie is a loved member of the Nashville community and sure to put on a great performance at the Pilgrimage festival.
Sam Grisman Project
When: Sunday the 28th, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, 3:50 – 5:20 pm, 5:45 – 7:15 pm
Stage: Midnight Sun (2:30 – 3:15 pm), Americana Music Triangle (3:50 – 5:20 pm, 5:45 – 7:15 pm)
Recommended Tracks: “Catfish John”, “Stealin’”, “New Speedway Boogie”
Similar Artists: Cabinet, Jeff Austin, Peter Rowan
Sam Grisman, son of David Grisman, formed the Sam Grisman Project as a tribute to honor the legacy of his father and close friend Jerry Garcia. Playing a mix of their music Sam heard as it was created in the 90’s as well as the Sam Grisman Project’s own original music inspired by their influence, there will be a few opportunities to catch the Sam Grisman Project at Pilgrimage. On Sunday the 28th, the group’s first set will be on the Midnight Sun stage. The following two sets on that same day will feature Vince Herman and Lindsay Lou joining the group on the Americana Music Triangle stage.
Colony House
When: Saturday the 27th, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Stage: Gold Record Road
Recommended Tracks: “Cannonballers”, “Original Material”, “You Know It”
Similar Artists: The Black Keys, COIN, Walk The Moon
Colony House will be returning to their hometown Franklin, Tennessee for the Pilgrimage festival. Since 2014, Colony House has created their legacy in the alt rock world that continues to grow. You won’t want to miss the energetic live show they are sure to bring to their hometown fans.
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