THE LION KING JR.

7:33 pm | Tuesday, Jun 19th

Tickets available for June 29-July 1

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department’s award-winning children’s theatre group, the Star Bright Players, presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 29-July 1. Watch the African savannah come to life as Simba, Rafiki and friends journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this coming of age tale. The talented all-youth cast will take you along on a fantastical romp through this colorful production.

Performances of The Lion King Jr. are Friday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Academy Park, 112 Everbright Ave. in Franklin, TN. Tickets are $10 and are on sale at the door or online at www.academyparktn.wcparksandrec.com. Advance purchase is suggested. For more information, call (615) 786-0186, ext. 2518.

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

iD Tech Camps held at Vanderbilt

9:30 pm | Friday, Jun 8th

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Ages 7-18 learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, print 3D characters, work with AI, and more. Your child can make friends as they master new tech skills, and join a community of 350,000 iD Tech alumni.

This summer, your child can explore a prestigious campus, make friends as they master new tech skills, and join a community of 350,000 alumni. At iD Tech Camps, students ages 7-17 learn to code, design video games, produce videos, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, model and print 3D characters, work with AI and machine learning, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more!

The top universities on the planet-Stanford, MIT, Caltech-have trusted and hosted our programs for over 19 years, inspiring students to dream BIG.

Want to learn from an energetic Stanford computer science major? A virtual reality guru from MIT? A game developer who wants to share her lifelong passion? We’ve bet our reputation on recruiting the top instructors in the country. Our 8:1 student-to-instructor average ensures customized learning with the smallest class sizes, leading to “a-ha moments” and awesome outcomes. iD Tech summer courses are inclusive of every skill level and learning style.

Today, every career, from art to engineering to social work, requires a strong foundation in tech. With a focus on skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, our courses pave the way for bright futures in any field. Whether your child dreams of working at Facebook or Google, launching their own startup, or founding a nonprofit, their long-term skill development pathway starts here.

iD Tech also offers all-girls tech camps and teen-only academies.

Get started today at www.idtech.com or call (888) 709-8324 for personalized course recommendations.

iD Tech Camps & Academies

iD Tech is the world’s #1 summer STEM program for ages 7-17, held at 150+ prestigious locations nationwide. With world-class instructors and innovative courses in coding, game development, robotics, and design, iD Tech programs instill in-demand skills that embolden students to shape the future.

Held at 150+ Locations Nationwide Including Stanford, MIT, and More!

Nashville, TN, 37235

Phone: 1-888-709-TECH

Main Street Festival

11:00 am | Sunday, Apr 29th

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Festivals in Downtown Franklin, TN

The Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival returns to downtown Franklin, TN in April 28-29, 2018 (10:00 – 6:00 Saturday and 11:00 – 5:00 Sunday).

The free spring celebration, which is one of the largest events in the Southeast, is expected to draw a crowd of thousands for a fun-filled weekend of music, arts and crafts, food and children’s activities.

Main Street Festival

10:00 am | Saturday, Apr 28th

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Festivals Franklin, TN

The Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival returns to downtown Franklin, TN in April 28-29, 2018 (10:00 – 6:00 Saturday and 11:00 – 5:00 Sunday).

Registration Open for Summer Activities

4:52 pm | Thursday, Apr 12th

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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Lights, Camera, action! Spotlight on theatre camps

This summer, Williamson County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) is offering five different theatre camp options for kids ages 3 to 17. From Disney favorites to Broadway classics, these theatre camps will give kids a chance to sing, dance and act.

WCPR is also offering over 250 other camps, including art, science, technology, dance, day camp, Boredom Buster field trips for ages 6 to 15 and JEAPS (Junior Excursion Adventure Programs) for adventurous 11 to 15 year olds. Camps will be offered at several locations throughout the county. The complete Summer Activity Guide and registration are available at www.wcparksandrec.com. Plan your summer now, and make sure you don’t miss any of the fun!

Disney Favorites Performing Arts Camp

With catchy tunes and dances from Disney favorites like Mary Poppins, Snow White and Jungle Book to the latest favorites like Frozen and Moana, these one-week camps will have kids singing and dancing through musical numbers. Daily instruction will lead up to a Friday showcase performance for parents and friends. Two camps will be offered for ages 3 to 6: June 4-8 at the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. or July 16-20 at the Performing Arts Center at Academy Park, 112 Everbright Ave. in Franklin, TN. In addition, a camp for ages 7-17 will be held June 25-29 at the Performing Arts Center. Each camp is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the fee is $200. To register, go to www.wcparksandrec.com.

Broadway Musical Theatre Camp

“Give my regards to Broadway” is the theme of this summer performing arts camp, designed for theatre loving kids (ages 7 to 17) to develop their confidence, character and presentation skills through ensemble performance. No experience is required. On Friday, students will perform for friends and family. This five-day camp will offer two sessions: June 11-15 at the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. or July 23-27 at the Performing Arts Center at Academy Park, 112 Everbright Ave. in Franklin. Each camp is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the fee is $200. To register, go to www.wcparksandrec.com.

General Summer Day Camp 2018 – This is a nine-week program, May 29 to July 27, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (no camp 5/28 and 7/4) for children 5 to 12 years of age. Two camp sites will be offered: the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. and Walnut Grove Elementary School, 326 Stable Rd. in Franklin. On-line registration is now open at www.wcparksandrec.com (ends April 30 or when sites are full). In-person registration is by appointment only April 30-May 4 and May 7-11 at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Call (615) 790-5719, ext. 2044 to schedule. See the Summer Activity Guide at www.wcparksandrec.com for more camp details as well as information on financial aid.

JEAPS and Boredom Busters – JEAPS is for adventurous 11 to 15 year olds. There are ten trips to choose from, including canoeing, rafting, Soar Adventure Tower, Treetop Adventure, Nashville Airsoft, Holiday World amusement park, the Crag, Extreme Escape and a beach party at Deer Run Camp. Boredom Busters are day trips for ages 6-15, including the Breakout Games, bowling, Madame Tussauds™ at Opry Mills, skating, the Nashville Zoo, Beech Bend Amusement Park and more. All trips leave from the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. To view a list of planned trips, before and after care options and registration information, go to the Summer Activity Guide at www.wcparksandrec.com.

Art/Science/Technology and Theatre Camps – Register now for Williamson County Parks and Recreation’s summer camps. Choose from art, science, computer, Star Wars Jedi, Dinoworld, Little Scholars, and more. Camps will take place at: the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road; the Fairview Recreation Complex, 2714 Fairview Blvd.; the Longview Recreation Center, 2909 Commonwealth Drive in Spring Hill; and the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. To view a list of camps and a link to on-line registration, go to www.wcparksandrec.com.

Rhythm & Spirit Dance, Cheer & Tumbling Camps – Registration is now underway for Williamson County Parks and Recreation’s summer Rhythm & Spirit camps for kids ages 3 to 15. Camps include Ballerina Prep, My Doll & Me Princess Dance, Trolls and Broadway Dance at: the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road; the Fairview Recreation Complex, 2714 Fairview Blvd.; the Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Drive; and the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. Camp weeks: June 4-7, June 11-14, June 18-21, July 7-12, July 16-19, or July 23-26. To view a list, go to the Summer Activity Guide at www.wcparksandrec.com.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For program registration, pass purchasing or additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook; following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or Instagram at @willcoparksandrec or on Pinterest or YouTube.

The Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival Returns to Downtown Franklin, TN April 28-29

9:37 pm | Monday, Apr 9th

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Main Street Festival in Franklin, TN, Downtown Franklin restaurants, shopping, kids activities and family events.

FRANKLIN, TN — Spring is back, and so is the Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival, presented by First Tennessee Bank. The free popular spring celebration returns April 28-29, 2018, to downtown Franklin and is expected to draw a crowd of about 130,000 to historic Main Street for a fun-filled weekend of music, arts and crafts, food, and a fun filled kid’s zone.

“We’re very excited to present The Heritage Foundation’s 35^th Annual Main Street Festival,” said Heritage Foundation Director of Festivals & Events Teryl O’Connor. “Main Street Festival is one of Franklin’s favorite spring traditions and we are thrilled to showcase our beautiful historic district and Main Street. We are so grateful to First Tennessee Bank for their longstanding support of The Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival. We would not be able to produce free street festivals in Franklin without the generous support of our sponsors.”

This year, live music will take place in three areas: The GUITAR CENTER STAGE on the Public Square, Music Corner located inside the Mantra Beer Tent and the music stage on the corner of First Avenue and Main Street. A performance schedule is available on the Main Street Festival event page at www.williamsonheritage.org. We are excited to announce the “Wannabeatles” tribute band and the “Faithfully” tribute band will be performing on the Guitar Center Stage located on the public square Saturday. Please check our website for performance times.

Come join us for “Worship on the Square” on the Guitar Center Stage at the Public Square. Worship will begin at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 29^th.

DARK HORSE INSTITUTE and the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County are pleased to announce the first annual Battle of the Bands at this year’s Main Street Festival. This will be held from Noon until 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 29, 2018. Guests will enjoy performances by the best high school-aged contemporary musicians in Williamson County as they compete for more than $10,000.00 in prizes.

The centerpiece of Main Street Festival is the juried arts and crafts show featuring more than 150 artisans and crafters with handmade wares. Vendors will feature jewelry, pottery, furniture, woodworking, leatherwork, photography and more from First to Fifth Avenues and 3^rd Avenue South. No street festival is complete without food. This year, more than twenty-five vendors will offer an international assortment of food including original corn roast, barbeque, Greek food, Mexican cuisine, Italian ice and old fashioned soda. You can find wonderful food options on Third Avenue North, Fourth Avenue North/South and the Public Square. And as always, kettle corn, hot dogs, and funnel cakes will be offered. The Mantra beer garden located down Fourth Avenue South will feature a variety of beer along with Next Gen offering up some refreshing Sangria.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association, and their missions, respectively: to protect and preserve the architectural, geographical and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County, and to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of Downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation.

Main Street Festival activities will run Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the event call 615-591-8500 or email Teryl O’Connor at toconnor@williamsonheritage.org.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION OPEN

11:06 pm | Friday, Jan 5th

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Leagues at Robert A. Ring Indoor Arena in Franklin

Registration for the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department’s Spring 2018 NFL Youth Flag Football program at the Robert A. Ring Indoor Soccer Arena, 1878 Downs Blvd. in Franklin, TN is now open. All registration is on-line at www.wcparksandrec.com.

The non-contact indoor league is for boys and girls ages 7-13. The league will have four age divisions: 5-6 (#10634), 7-8 (#10633), 9-10 (#10635), and 11-13 (#10636). Age is as of August 31, 2017, and a copy of a birth certificate must be provided. A mandatory draft will take place on Friday, March 2 at the Indoor Arena at Crockett Park, 1485 Volunteer Pkwy. in Brentwood. Games are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday Thursday or Friday nights, March 19 – May 17.

Space is limited in the league, and the registration fee is $85 per player. Registration ends February 21. For more information about youth flag football, contact Hunter at (615) 786-0200, ext. 2415 or HunterE@williamson-tn.org.

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE PLANNED

5:02 pm | Monday, Dec 18th

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At the Franklin Recreation Complex

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department proudly a father/daughter dance on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Registration for this event is now open at www.wcparksandrec.com (#10884).

This will be a special night for girls 4 to 12 years of age and their dad, grandfather, uncle or other special person. Couples are encouraged to dress up and dance the night away! Each girl gets her own tiara and a commemorative photo. This event is $18 per couple and $6 for each additional girl. Sponsored by Party City.

Dickens of a Christmas

11:00 am | Sunday, Dec 10th

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The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County – Dickens of a Christmas

Join us for the largest outdoor Christmas festival in Middle Tennessee!

Step back in time with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County when Dickens of a Christmas returns to Franklin’s Main Street December 9-10, 2017.

The 33rd annual free street festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop. Some 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim Cratchit with his parents from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.

As more attention is turned toward downtown Franklin in both the local and national press, we encourage festival goers to dress in Victorian costume and to add to the ambiance as they stroll the streets.

This year’s event will reprise a crowd favorite from last year: it WILL snow at Dickens of a Christmas! Come decked out in holiday style to capture that perfect family picture.

Producing Dickens of a Christmas is just one of the many activities of The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County. Since 1967 the non-profit group has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources; in short, saving the places that matter.

Dickens of a Christmas

10:00 am | Saturday, Dec 9th

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The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County – Dickens of a Christmas

Join us for the largest outdoor Christmas festival in Middle Tennessee!

Step back in time with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County when Dickens of a Christmas returns to Franklin’s Main Street December 9-10, 2017.

This year’s event will reprise a crowd favorite from last year: it WILL snow at Dickens of a Christmas! Come decked out in holiday style to capture that perfect family picture.