Pickin’ on the Square (pictured above) is this Saturday, May 25 at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin. Music starts at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. On for May 25 is The Rusty String Band (Bluegrass/Gospel); June 8 – Paradise 56 (Oldies). Food vendors onsite.
We’ll Sing in the Summer benefit concert for ‘80s Flashback Weekend Sunday, May 26, 1 to 8 p.m., at Slanted Window Wines, 587 Harrison Ave., Franklin. Music by Mountain Jazz, Blue Jazz, and Generations. Raffles and other activities. 80s Flashback Weekend is now in its 10th year and is held the first weekend in August with proceeds going to Shriners Children’s in Greenville.
A Memorial Day Ceremony will be hosted by the American Legion Macon Post 108 on Monday, May 27. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 12 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial located next to the Robert C. Carpenter Building on Georgia Road. Macon Post 108 will also be hosting a light lunch with refreshments beginning at 12:30 pm at the American Legion Post, 614 West Main Street; the public is welcome.
Sesame Summer Reading Kickoff event at the Macon County Public Library on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and meet the Count from Sesame Street! There will also be a Touch-a-Truck, magic show with Professor Whizzpop, a music show with Big Bang Boom, face painting, and a free hot dog meal while supplies last. Vendors will be available to share useful information. The library is located at 149 Siler Farm Road. For more, call (828) 524-3600.
Naturalist Walk Thursday, June 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. A casual one-mile stroll on trails through a meadow, along a creek and in a mixed oak forest learning about how this space changes with the season. Meet in the living room of the library, bring a water bottle and your curiosity. Email questions to [email protected].
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. All walks are weather dependent. For the last May walk, May 29, meet at Macon County Library parking lot. Directions to each location and a bird club check list can be found at https://www.littletennessee.org /franklin-bird-club.
CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care is seeking volunteers. A variety of opportunities exist, including specialized respite support, socialization-companionship, assistance with errands, a veterans program, and more. Call (828) 274-9567.
Franklin Alcoholics Anonymous “Open Meetings” are for anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem or for anyone interested in the A.A. recovery program. In-person meetings are Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. at No Wrong Door, 102 Thomas Heights Rd.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Outreach Center, 66 Harrison Ave.; Mondays at noon, Tuesday at 8 a.m., and Thursdays at noon at St. Agnes Episcopal Church on 66 Church St. On-line meeting information can be found by visiting www.aawnc80.org, or to speak with a member of A.A. call (828) 349-4357.
Franklin Women’s Club meets the second Friday of every month at noon April through December at the Smokestack Café, 61 S. Patton Ave. For more information, contact Valerie Eldred, at (863) 221-0258.
Saturday Mid-day Music at Friends of the Greenway (FROG) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 573 E Main St., Franklin. This week’s featured musician is crooner Barry Roma singing classic love songs by Sinatra, Elvis, Johnny Mathis, and more. For information about upcoming featured musicians, email [email protected]; call (828) 369-8488; or, visit www.littletennessee.org.
T.M. Rickman Store at 251 Cowee Creek Road is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bluegrass jam session, occasional dulcimer musicians, snacks and refreshments, hand-made Appalachian items and antiques, and a step back in time history experience.
Rabies Vaccination Clinic is at Cartoogechaye School with Veterinarian Dr. Roy Lenzo, May 25 from 1-3 p.m. Shots for dogs and cats are $10 each – cash only. Please keep pets in vehicles and on leash. Sponsored by Macon County Public Health. For more information, call (828) 349-2106.
Yonder’s outdoor venue is offering upcoming events:
– May 25 at 9 a.m., Yoga on the Lawn with Ashley Russell of Gnome Holler Yoga; $10-$15 suggested donation to the instructor. Bring your own mat and towel.
– May 26 at 4 p.m., Songwriter Sundays featuring David Childers (family friendly, dog friendly); $20 suggested donation per guest.
– May 31 at 7 p.m., live music featuring Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire (Tommy Stinson of The Replacements and Guns ‘N Roses). Ticketed event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tommy-stinsons-cowboys-in-the-campfire-at-yonder-in-franklin-nc-tickets-897497708807?aff=oddtdtcreator
Bartram Trail Beer Release and Film Screening Thursday, May 30, 5–8 p.m., at Lazy Hiker Brewing.
Bartram Trail Conference at Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center May 31-June 1. Guest speakers will focus on the natural resources of the region. Conference activities include a driving tour, a Cherokee mound excursion, a fiber art workshop, and a botanical walking tour. An option on June 2 is a Little Tennessee River kayak trip and a Bartram Trail hike. To learn more specifics about the conference and to register, visit: https://blueridgebartram.org/event/join-us-at-the-2024-bartram-trail-conference-in-franklin-nc/.
Macon County Master Gardener Plant Sale is Saturday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Environmental Resource Center, Lakeside Drive, Franklin. Cash or checks only, and all proceeds go to further development of the Environmental Resource Center and other educational programs.
Kids Fishing Day in Highlands, Saturday, June 1, 7:30 am. to 12 p.m. at Cliffside Lake in Highlands; open to youth ages 15 years old and younger. A limited amount of fishing gear is available to borrow, so youth are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear. The basics of fishing will be taught. Register at this site: https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/kids-fishing-day/.
Macon County Schools STEM Summer Camp Programs will take place June 17-20 and June 24-27. For questions, contact [email protected] or (828) 524-3314. To register, visit www.bit.ly/Maconsummercamp.
Hot Springs Pools and Spa at 556 Highlands Road is taking vendor applications for any and all local crafters for their first monthly fair set for June 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Set-up starts at 8 a.m. 10×10 spaces available Call or email to reserve your space, (828) 559-5654; khowell @hspools.com
Karaoke with DJ Don at Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., 56 E. Main Street, Franklin.
Email calendar items to [email protected].