KYLE MURPHY Staff Writer

After pressing pause for 2026, organizers of the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival have announced the festival’s return for 2027, but this time with new dates.

As announced on its social media pages, the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival will now take place on April 10 and 11 at The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, instead of its traditional spot in late September.

“We are so back,” organizers said in a statement. “More details coming soon.”

Festival organizers first announced it would be taking a year break in March this year.

“11 years of memories, of magic, of music…now something new is blooming,” the announcement read. “New sights, new sounds, new surprises! This move will allow us to bring you the best festival experience. We can’t wait to see you next year!”

The announcement of the festival’s return and new dates will be welcome news for those looking for alternatives to the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, where organizers announced in August it would be taking a break in 2027 to give The Farm time to rest and recover following back-to-back years of storms.

Like Bonnaroo, Pilgrimage has faced its own challenges over the last few years, from being canceled outright in 2020 due to COVID-19 to its fair share of rainouts. The 2025 iteration of the festival was able to shine brightly as it features artists like Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Father John Misty, Better than Ezra, Sam Barber and Turnpike Troubadours.

The Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival launched in 2015 by Better Than Erza’s frontman Kevin Griffin, who partnered with co-founders W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan. Since then, the festival has brought in a diverse line-up featuring rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel, and more, including new artists, local and regional up-and-comers, and national and international headliners and middle cards. Some of the artists that have taken the stage at Pilgrimage include Cage the Elephant, Weezer, The Decemberists, Beck, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, Jack White, Christ Stapleton, Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews Band, Zach Bryan, The Black Crowes, Noah Kahan, Brandi Carlile, and so much more.

To stay up to date about Pilgrimage, including the eventual line-up announcement, follow the festival on all of its social media platforms and sign up for updates at pilgrimagefestival.com.