April is here, and with it comes a fresh season of creativity, connection, and community in the Franklin Cultural District.


As we step into spring, our downtown begins to come alive with new energy—from local performances and exhibits to opportunities to explore, gather, and celebrate the arts together. In this week’s edition, we’re excited to share upcoming events, spotlight local talent, and highlight ways you can experience all that makes Franklin’s cultural community so vibrant.

Do we have plans for you!! Franklin Cultural Weekends


Follow along our stories & Instagram posts! @franklinculture


April 1 … Spring Floral Arrangement Class at Fiori and Fern, 6:00 pm. Lush & funky spring florals are in bloom! Join us in designing your very own floral arrangement to kick off the Spring. Select link for more information and ticketing. Located at 138 E. Central Street.


April 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 … The Prom at Dean College on the Main Stage. The Prom is a comedic, heartwarming musical about four Broadway stars who come together to support a high school girl in a small town who faces backlash from the school’s PTA for wanting to attend prom with her girlfriend. Select link for additional information, ticket purchase, and performance times.


April 9 … FHS Family Science Night at Franklin High School. Explore the Wonders of Bomes! 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Use Community Entrance. Free event. Accepting donations for the Franklin Food Pantry. 218 Oak Street. 


April 9 … Line Dance with Becca at La Cantina Winery, 7-8pm; open Line Dance Floor - 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. FREE. Select link for more information. 230 Cottage Street.


April 9 … Franklin Cultural District Committee monthly meeting, 7:00 pm at Historical Museum. Historical Museum 80 West Central St.


April 10 … Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX. 7-10pm. Indulge in a delicious celebration of local culinary talent showcasing fine wines, craft beer, delectable spirits, flavorful dishes, and mouth-watering desserts! Proceeds of Culinary Cabaret directly support Electric Youth, a teenage performance group backed by The Boston Show Band. THE BLACK BOX, 13 West Central Street [see more details below].


April 11 … Vance Gilbert, Circle of Friends, First Universalist Society of Franklin. 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Select link for ticket purchase and performance information. First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. 


April 12 … Second Sunday Speaker, Stephen Puleo, at Franklin Historical Museum, sponsored by Quattro Eroi Lodge, Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. All welcome. Free.


Check the following District Partners for programs & events: Children’s Museum of Franklin, Creative Corner Art Studio, Franklin Public Library, Franklin Recreation, Franklin Senior Center, and Lifelong Learning Institute.

Pour Richard’s (wine tastings) @pourrichardswinema

Total Beverage Solution (craft beer tastings) @tbsbrands

Applause @applausefranklin

Coachman’s Lodge

Intermission Café @intermissioncafe

LongHorn Steakhouse @longhornsteaks

Mykonos Greek Kitchen @mykonosgreekkitchen

Raillery Public House @raillerypub

The Caribbean Press @thecaribbeanpress

The Curry House @curry.house.franklin

…and more to come!


Proceeds support Electric Youth, FPAC’s international touring ensemble.

🎟 Tickets available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com | 508-528-3370

In case you missed it last week --> Threading Together our Creative Econ Initiatives

Call for Artists: Pop-Up Artist Series at the Franklin Farmers Market


That's right everyone, another pop up opportunity is coming your way this summer!


The Franklin Cultural District is excited to announce a Pop-Up Artist Series at the Franklin Farmers Market for the upcoming summer and fall seasons!


In partnership with the Farmers Market organizers and funded by a Franklin Cultural Council grant, this series will spotlight local artists and makers as special vendors, highlighting Franklin’s vibrant creative community and supporting the District’s ongoing pop-up and creative economy initiatives.


Click here for more program details + application process.


Franklin Festival Artwork by Sue Sheridan

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The recently released A Wreath of Franklin report highlights the town’s rich arts and cultural assets and underscores the importance of bringing creative experiences directly to the community.


Building on these insights, the Franklin Cultural District is thrilled to launch a Pop-Up Artist Series at the Franklin Farmers Market for the upcoming summer and fall seasons!



This initiative directly reflects the report’s recommendations by activating public spaces, providing opportunities for artists to showcase their work, and furthering the District’s ongoing pop-up programming and creative economy efforts.


Photo taken by Kayla Nisbet, 2025 A-Wreath-of-Franklin Pop Up Arts Market @ THE BLACK BOX THEATER

#FranklinWelcomestheWorld blending Public Art & Cultural Tourism

Call for Artist - Swag Designers | $250 Stipend per Selected Design | Submission Deadline April 20th. 

In addition to mural artists, the Franklin Cultural District is seeking creative submissions for upcoming projects, including:

  • Public art installations
  • Temporary Wayfinding-style artwork

Designers and artists are encouraged to create work that reflects:

  • Community pride
  • Global connection
  • Downtown energy
  • Franklin’s arts and culture identity

This is an opportunity to be featured in high-visibility public spaces, summer events, and promotional campaigns welcoming the world to Franklin.


Click here for submission process.

 

Franklin Pride Is Looking for Volunteers!

Franklin's LGBTQ Alliance is gearing up for their exciting June programming and needs helping hands to make it all happen! If you’re interested in supporting events, welcoming attendees, or helping behind the scenes, this is a great way to get involved with our community.


Sign up to volunteer and be part of the celebration!

Click the buttons below to link up cultural events in Franklin!

Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US