The Franklin Cultural District offers an abundance of theater performance opportunities for the 2022 - 2023 season. The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX launched its season with The Sound of Music and next week showcases The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Dean College opened its season with The Importance of Being Ernest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People and next week presents All Shook Up. This week, Franklin High School presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.

There are many opportunities to support our local theaters ... all located in Franklin's Cultural District. Follow the links for ticket and performance information.



Cultural Wednesdays are shared through a partnership with FranklinMatters/FranklinNews 

CINDERELLA

Franklin High School Theatre Company

Franklin High School

Friday, November 11 at 7 pm;  November 12 at 2 pm; November 18 at 7 pm; and, November 19 at 7 pm.  Enjoy Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella presented by the Franklin High School Theatre Company. Select this link for ticket information and purchase. See you at Franklin High School, located at 218 Oak Street. 

Escape into Fiction Bookstore

Books and more!

Escape into Fiction Bookstore offers a place for community groups to meet, FAA Art Gallery, Storytime, Book Club, Poetry, and ... an excellent selection of books!

Wednesday, November 9 - Franklin Newcomers & Friends Meeting at 7:00 pm

Thursday, November 10 - Franklin Art Association Gallery Reception, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Wednesday, November 16 - SEPAC Meeting and Bookclub, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Later in the month ...

• November 17 - St. Mary's Catholic Women's Club Meeting, 7:00 pm
• November 19 - Thankful Story Time!!, 10:30 am - 11:00 am
• November 22 - PT Color Market Classes; [email protected] for information
• November 26 - Small Business Saturday!!
• November 29 - November Book Club, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• November 30 - Poetry for the People, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Located at 12 Main Street. Select Bookstore for more information.

Movie Night

at the Franklin Senior Center

Thursday, November 10, the Senior Center is holding Dinner and a Movie Night, Featuring the film, DOG. The menu includes Hot Dogs, Beans, and Brown Bread, $3.00/person, call the Senior Center to register by November 9. Select Movie Night for more information. Senior Center, located at 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Franklin Art Association

A Gallery Showing

Thursday, November 10. The Franklin Art Association invites the greater Franklin community to its Opening Reception, at 7:00 pm in the Gallery at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. All are welcome! Select FAA for more information. Escape into Fiction Bookstore is located at 12 Main Street.

La Cantina - Weekend at the Winery

La Cantina Winery offers music performances, as well as delicious wines.

• Thursday, November 10, David Penza, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
• Saturday, November 12, Michael Rivalis, guitarist, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
•  Select La Cantina for more information. La Cantina Winery, 357 Union Street.

Thursday, November 10, Scott the Magician, 1:00 pm. at Franklin Library. It's a half day for Franklin Public Schools so join us as we welcome Scott the Magician with a family magic show featuring comedy & surprises.

Beginning November 1, and continuing through December 31, Kids and families can have fun and read a variety of books with chances to win prizes at Franklin Public Library!! Select Library for more information. Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street.

Lifelong Community Learning ...

Wine Labels Truths & Lies

Thursday, November 10, Lifelong Community Learning, in partnership with Franklin Liquors, is presenting a one-night workshop on Thursday, November 10 from 7:00-8:30 pm at Franklin Liquors. This sit-down tasting/education class will explain all the truths and lies on a wine label. Knowing this information will help you get more value for your money when shopping for wines. For more information or to register click here.

67 Degrees Brewing

in the Taproom

Saturday, November 12, 67 Degrees Brewing, Scott Magill, Solo Acoustic, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ... Plus Thee Taco Dude, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Select 67 Degrees for more information.

Dennis Sardella

Second Sunday Speaker Series

at the Historical Museum

Sunday, November 13, Join us at 1:00 pm at the Historical Museum for Dennis Sardella' presentation on Byzantine and Russian Icons. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Admission is always free. The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. Select Museum for more information.

Franklin Agway

Urban Farm Store

Ongoing ... Part of culture and the arts is awareness of the environment. Franklin Agway, a Cultural District Partner, sells products that do not add extra plastics to the environment. They offer Common Good products, Bee's Wax reusable wraps, and Franklin's first Refillery ... all are alternatives to plastic packaging. Select Franklin Agway for more information. Located at 157 Cottage St. Look for the Ladybug from the Ladybug Trail!

Feminine Divine

A collection of powerful energy…

Ongoing Art Exhibit with Artist Amy Adams. Feminine Divine shares a glimpse into a world of spirituality, earth balance, inner strength and life energy. In this collection, I invite you to seek the emotions and hidden messages found while discovering purpose. View art work at First Universalist Society of Franklin, during functioning hours,  262 Chestnut St.

Creative Corner Art Studio

Open in Historic Downtown Franklin

Ongoing ... A new art studio has opened in downtown Franklin in Depot Plaza, Creative Corner Art Studio. Their Mission is: Create-Peace-Grow.

As Pablo Picasso famously said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” While some subscribe to this thought whole-heartedly and turn to different forms of creative self-expression, supporting an inner balance allows one’s emotions to be put back in line. Finding balance and inner peace. Come explore the world of art and how art can allow you to find balance in your life through self-expressionism.

They offer classes for children and adults, as well as hosting private events, birthday parties and Paint & Sip nights for the community. For more information or to register contact Amy at: [email protected]

All Shook Up 

Dean College Theater

Beginning Wednesday, November 16, 17 & 18 at 7:30 pm, November 19 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm, November 20 at 2:00 pm. All Shook Up. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this heart-warming tale is underscored by music from the Elvis Presley songbook, and talks about following dreams, love, and the power of music in a 1950s Midwestern town. Dean College, located in the Cultural District. Select Dean for more information.

The Curious Incident of the Dog

in the Night-Time

Franklin Performing Arts Company 

Opening Friday, November 18 & 19 at 7:30 pm and November 20 at 2:00 pm. The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at THE BLACK BOX, a small, regional equity theater, located in the Cultural District. Select TBB for more information. 

Quilting, Sewing and more

at Emma's Quilt Cupboard & Sewing Center

Friday, November 18,  Cuddle trunk show/lecture from 11-12:30 and the Scarf Class after that. Cuddle is a really soft fabric that many are using for baby quilts as well as adult throw quilts. It is a very versatile product.

The last Tuesday of the month, the American Sewing Guild, "Advancing Sewing as an art and Life Skill", meets at Emma's Quilt Cupboard from 6:00-8:30 pm. They are always looking for new members. It's a wonderful group of women who have a love of sewing and actively educate their members on various techniques and projects. Select Emma's for more information. Located at 319 E. Central St.

Fairmount Fruit Farm

Winter Farmer's Market

Saturday, November 19 and more, Fairmount Fruit Farm will be hosting a Winter Farmer's Market in their Greenhouses. The Winter Market will operate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on November 19; December 3 and 17; January 14 and 28; February 11 and 25; March 11 and 25; and, April 1. They have 31 vendors listed on their website. Lots of opportunities to shop local and support farmers, artisans and crafters. Fairmount Fruit Farm is located at 887 Lincoln Street. Select Fairmount for more information.

Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

All welcome!

Sunday, November 20, The Franklin Interfaith Council will be holding its annual Thanksgiving Service at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. Rev. Bev Waring of the First Universalist Society will be preaching. Offerings made at this service will go to the Interfaith Fuel Fund. The service begins at 7:00 pm. All are welcome.

If you would like to participate in the Interfaith Choir, please contact Mary Diehl ([email protected]) for more information.

Santa StoryWalk

at DelCarte Reservation

Friday, November 25, Santa StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation! The featured book is Waiting for Snow by Marsha Diane Arnold. The walk will be followed by cookies and cocoa. Yum! Gather at 10:30 am. Select Library for more information.

Thinking December ... As the end of the year draws near, here are some wonderful performance opportunities. More information follows in the next Cultural Wednesday newsletter.

December 1 & 3 - Dean College presents New Thespian Showcase

December 2 & 3 - Dean College presents New Dancer Showcase

December 3 & 4 - FPAC presents The Nutcracker

December 9 - Dean College presents Faculty Dance Works

December 17 & 18 - FPAC presents 'Tis the Season

Mass Cultural Council Grants

Grant Opportunities

Grant opportunities continue to be available through the Mass Cultural Council. Here are two grants to explore. 

•  Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) - 

CFF Provides Capital Grants, Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants and Systems Replacement Grants to nonprofit cultural organizations, in recognition of their profound economic impact on communities across Massachusetts. Select Facilities Fund for more information.

• Festivals and Projects - These funds help with public programming efforts. Select Festivals to learn about eligibility and the application process. 

Franklin's Cultural District Committee (FCDC) engages, promotes, celebrates, and collaborates with Franklin's artists and creatives, as well as organizations, institutions, and businesses. 

The Franklin Cultural District Committee partners with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, and the Town of Franklin to promote arts and culture in Franklin.

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, John LoPresti, 

Roberta Trahan