09/26/2023

SOLD-OUT 2023 PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL PACKS OUT THE PARK AT HARLINSDALE FARM

Keeping the momentum red-hot at Day 2, the Midnight Sun stage was packed-out by 3 p.m., with a “spirited crowd” (The Tennessean) that filled the atmosphere. Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats put their “heart and soul” into their headlining performance as The Tennessean praised. Sunday was filled with surprise appearances starting with Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin sitting in with Tigirlily Gold for a fun performance of their co-penned song, “Shoot Tequila.”

More major highlights from this day included Dierks Bentley’s pop-up at Charlie Worsham’s set for “Things I Can’t Control,” and Nashville-based producer/songwriter of The Cadillac ThreeJaren Johnson appeared on stage “bringing the audience to their feet for the toe-tapping ‘Kiss Like You Dance,’” according to Billboard. The guest appearances didn’t stop there, though. Worsham brought fellow-festival performer, singer-songwriter Ian Munsick for “How I Learned to Pray” and, as Billboard praises, a “stripped-down, still-churning version” of the Garth Brooks classic “Callin' Baton Rouge.” 

Sunday night headliner Zach Bryan “surprises fans with a parade of guests” (Rolling Stone) starting off with an appearance from The War & Treaty, who also graced the Midnight Sun stage earlier in the day, to perform their collaboration “Hey Driver.” Noah Kahan hit the stage with Bryan to perform their song “Sarah’s Place” from Bryan’s surprise EP Boys Of Faith, that landed Friday (9/22). And The Lumineers and Bryan both returned for an encore Sunday night for their never-performed recent duet “Spotless.” Bryan even stopped the show to bring a fan on stage to sing and play guitar during his popular hit “Heading South.” The fan revealed his name to be Johnny.

Rolling Stone captured exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of artists on and off the stage. Go backstage at Pilgrimage Festival here. While PEOPLE brought to life all the Western-Country influences in their stellar Pilgrimage x Stetson Spirit photo booth. Check out the PEOPLE gallery here

Makers Village celebrated the weekend with tons of festivalgoers eager to peruse and shop. While the Franklin Fun Farm delighted all the little ones, captivating their attention with stellar acts such as high-flying aerialists on Saturday. The Beer Hall was the go-to spot for all football fanatics to watch their teams live on huge LED screens. And fans who missed out on the epic sold-out weekend tuned into Pilgrimage Festival’s social media for all the live updates, garnering over a MILLION views for the festival’s Instagram page, just this weekend. 

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is produced by Better Than Ezra front man Kevin GriffinW. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan and has established itself as a leader in the music and arts festival business. Beyond the music, the festival creates a space for community to join together and celebrate. Coming to a close on its ninth year, check out a recap from Day 1 here and Day 2 here 
Pilgrimage Festival would like to thank all sponsors who helped make the event possible: Gibson, Beaulieu Vineyard, Bud Light, Crescent 9, Deep Eddy Vodka, Dunkin’, George Dickel Bourbon, High West Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, National Seating & Mobility, NÜTRL, Stetson Spirit, Tractor Supply Company, Vanderbilt Health, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Williamson Health.