The Board of Directors and the Fundraising Committee for the annual Blackberry Jam Music Festival announced this week the difficult decision to postpone the 22nd iteration of the festival, originally scheduled for this December, to June 2026. This announcement coincides with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for new duplex homes, a project significantly supported by the festival’s fundraising efforts.
The postponement is primarily due to unforeseen logistical concerns surrounding the festival’s complex transition. This includes moving from its long-standing location at Boyd Mill Farms, to a temporary site, before finally establishing its new permanent home at Bi-Centennial Park.
“This was not an easy decision, and it’s one we made with the best interests of the festival, our attendees, and our community at heart,” stated Derrick L. Solomon, Executive Director. “While Bi-Centennial Park is going to be our forever home, the complexities of moving an event of this scale, coupled with ensuring the highest quality experience for everyone, require more time for preparation.”
Over the past ten months, the Blackberry Jam Music Festival organizers have been working closely with the City of Franklin to facilitate a smooth transition. “The City of Franklin has been an invaluable partner throughout this process, and we are grateful for their continued support and understanding,” added Angela Gentry-Jackson, Vice President of the HBA Board of Directors.
The Blackberry Jam Music Festival is a beloved Franklin tradition, renowned for showcasing a diverse range of musical talent and fostering a vibrant community spirit. The eventual move to Bi-Centennial Park promises to offer an even more accessible and expansive venue for future festivals, allowing for growth and enhanced experiences.
Further details regarding the exact dates in June 2026, ticket information, and volunteer opportunities will be announced in the coming months. In the interim, the festival committee is actively working to organize a smaller 22nd-year celebration this coming fall at the local marquee Franklin Theater, with details to be confirmed shortly.
About the Blackberry Jam Music Festival:
The Blackberry Jam Music Festival is an annual fundraising event with a rich history spanning over two decades. It was originally created by Carol Warren and Dale Whitehead, former owners of Boyd Mill Farm, to bring together music enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the power of music and community. The Blackberry Jam Music Festival holds even greater significance as it is dedicated to raising funds to Hard Bargain Association for noble causes, including providing homes for low to moderate-income families, rehabilitating homes for seniors to afford them the opportunity to age-in-place, and offering financial literacy classes for underserved families in the Williamson community over two decades.
