🐝 Hakuna Matata

BNA Breaks Record, NYE Tickets, & More

August 20, 2025

Your guide to staying connected in Franklin, TN

Good day Franklin.

Fall is near as we’re about 30 days out from the Autumnal Equinox, which sounds more like a band you’d hear at Pilgrimage than a calendar event. But if you measure the start of fall by the release of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, you won’t have to wait that long… PSL season kicks off next Tuesday, August 26.

The weather seems to be getting the memo too. Next week we’ll see temps dip about 10 degrees, getting us closer to that first taste of crisp air. And speaking of tastes of fall, college football is finally back. This weekend is “Week 0” — a small appetizer before the full slate of games hits in Week 1.

Highlights
🐝 BNA Breaks Record
🐝 Factory Releases NYE Party Tickets
🐝 Director of Lion King at Franklin Theatre

Let’s get to it.

- Beau

Nashville International Airport Breaks Records
It’s been a banner year for BNA. The airport welcomed a record 24.7 million passengers over the past fiscal year, a 4.2% jump from last year, as Nashville’s reputation as both a booming city and travel destination continues to rise.

June 2025 went down as the busiest month in airport history with 2.4 million travelers, and June 22 set the single-day record with 110,000 passengers moving through the terminal.

BNA is also going global in a bigger way, adding new international routes to Iceland and Ireland this spring. That brings its reach to 114 nonstop destinations, the most ever.

To keep pace with this rapid growth, the airport is investing $3 billion in its New Horizon expansion project, which is set for completion in 2029. Once finished, BNA will be ready to accommodate 40 million annual passengers, ensuring the city stays connected and competitive on the national stage.

NYE at The Factory!
It’s never too early to start making New Year’s Eve Plans! Early bird tickets are now on sale for The Factory at Franklin's ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring live music, heavy appetizers, trivia and a champagne toast to ring in 2026 inside Liberty Hall on December 31, 2025.

The Smoking Section Band, Nashville’s premier 17-piece party band, will headline the night, bringing powerhouse vocals, horn-driven soul, funk and nonstop energy. But the party doesn’t stop there — guests will enjoy trivia from Challenge Entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuvres, bartenders serving up cocktails at a full cash bar and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Seating is open so guests can mingle and move freely throughout the evening.

“We love creating experiences that bring people together, and with The Smoking Section Band helping us ring in 2026, this will be one for the books," said Bill Simmons, Managing Director of The Factory. "Whether you’re a longtime fan or ready to experience the band for the first time, join us as we turn Liberty Hall into the best party in town."

The celebration begins at 8 p.m. on December 31 and continues through 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $125 per person, but early birds can save $20 by purchasing their tickets before 11 a.m. on September 1. Visit factoryatfranklin.com today to lock in your spot at The Factory's biggest party of the year.

Luxury Private Bartending Service
Cocktail Carriage specializes in crafting luxury bespoke private bar experiences. They offer full event customization, tailoring every detail of their beverage service to your unique vision and theme. Take advantage of their free event consultations to design a personalized menu that perfectly complements your occasion. Additionally, they provide live music options through partnerships with local Nashville artists, enhancing your event's atmosphere. Inquire about your private event now through their website or email.

I’ll turn it over to the team behind Cocktail Carriage to share a little more.

About Us
The foundation of Cocktail Carriage is a shared passion for the art of mixology, cultivated over the past decade. Our story begins with Rob Watson, a dedicated whiskey aficionado who imparted his extensive knowledge and discerning palate to his sons, Matt and Mitch. This cultivated passion guided Matt and Mitch into key leadership roles within the cocktail industry. Matt served as the General Manager for an esteemed cocktail lounge in Cleveland, while Mitch assumed management of a prominent cocktail themed nightclub in Nashville. Their collective experience in these demanding environments allowed them to refine their craft and deepen their commitment to exceptional service.

Uniting their expertise, the Watson family founded COCKTAIL CARRIAGE LLC with a clear vision: to deliver a premier mobile bartending service. We believe that a meticulously crafted cocktail, paired with genuine hospitality, serves as a catalyst for connection and creates truly memorable occasions. Our commitment is to provide a fully customizable and sophisticated beverage experience, ensuring an unforgettable event for our clients and their guests.

~ Drink The Good Stuff First ~

COCKTAIL CARRIAGE Website

Email: [email protected]

Hakuna Matata! Experience the magic of The Lion King like never before. The Franklin Theatre is hosting a special showing of the beloved Disney classic, followed by a rare opportunity to hear directly from the film’s director Roger Allers in an intimate Q&A and Meet & Greet.

The event will take place this Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11am and will be hosted by actress Leah Allers.

Roger Allers is an Oscar-nominated film director, writer, animator, storyboard artist, and Tony-nominated Broadway playwright. He is best known for directing Disney’s The Lion King (1994), the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time, and for writing the Broadway musical, The Lion King, the highest grossing musical of all time.

Get your tickets here!

Wednesday August 20th

Westhaven Farmers Market | 4 - 7pm | 1006 Westhaven Blvd
The Weekly Farmers Market will take place on Wednesdays from May through October.

Ballistic Bingo | 5 - 7pm | The Factory
A spiced up version of bingo with spontaneous activities like bar limbo, trash-can basketball, dart throwing, scavenger hunts, and more

Thursday August 21st

The Franklin Theatre Songwriters Series Presents: Brandon Will, Scotty Hasting and Doug Johnson | 6 - 7:30pm | The Franklin Theatre

Linkin Park World Tour | 7:30pm | Bridgestone Arena

Friday August 22nd

The Farm Stand at Berry Farms | 4 - 7pm | Town Center Park in Berry Farms
Produce, seasonal vegetables/fruits, beautiful florals, jarred goods, and quality meats.

The Red Wheel Songwriter Series - Pat Alger, Lance Cowan, Rafe Van Hoy | 7pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

25th Annual Main Event Vintage Vegas | 7 -10pm | The Factory
Step back in time at A Vintage Affair’s 25th Annual Main Event: Vintage Vegas, featuring live music, auctions, tastings, and fabulous food at The Factory in Franklin.

Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans Preseason Game | 7:00pm | Nissan Stadium

An Evening with C. Thomas Howell featuring ‘The Outsiders’ Screening | 8pm | The Franklin Theatre

Saturday August 23rd

The Franklin Farmers Market | 8am - 12pm | The Factory
Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers every Saturday morning

SMC and Filmmakers in Franklin Presents: The Lion King (1994) | 11am - 1pm | The Franklin Theatre

Made by Her | 6 - 9pm | 230 Franklin Rd Building 2
An evening of boutique wines, fine food, and community impact benefiting the Belle & Bottle Foundation.

The Red Wheel Songwriter Series - Don Sampson, Monty Holmes, Tony Arata | 6pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Deborah Allen | 7pm | The Franklin Theatre

Nashville SC vs Orlando City SC | 7:30pm | GEODIS Park
90s Night! Enjoy some nostalgia as we travel back to the 90s. There will be 90s inspired matchday entertainment & more.

Majestic: A Tribute to Journey | 8 - 10pm | The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory

The Red Wheel Songwriter Series - Jamie Floyd, Jamie O’Neal, & Carolyn Dawn Johnson | 8:30pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Sunday August 24th

Women’s House Tours | 6:30pm | Lotz House
Lotz House’s Kelly Kautzman leads a one-hour tour on 1860s women’s daily life and their roles during the war in Franklin.

1401 Montmorenci Pass | 5 Beds, 8 Baths | 9,194 Sq Ft

Price: $5,799,900

Days on Market: 6

Details:

🏠 Prestigious Setting – Custom Trace Construction home in the exclusive gated Cartwright Close, surrounded by rolling Tennessee hills on expansive estate lots.

🏠 Luxury Features – Elevator access to all 3 levels, glass-enclosed wine room, custom glass garage doors for indoor-outdoor living, pool, and multiple porches with stunning views.

🏠 Entertainment Ready – Second-floor suites, bunk room, and a new entertainer’s wall with ice maker, beverage fridge, quartz counters, and invisible sound system.

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Make it a great week!

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