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Franklin’s Fall family fun

Family with Disney princess and Beast character at fall festival in Franklin.

October 23, 2026

The Naturalist, PumpkinFest, 828 Treasure Quest, and a MainSpring celebration. While the month started out a little rainy, October turned into the kind of Fall celebration Maconians love.

Now matter the weekend, so far, this month offered locals and visitors alike a chance to get the families outdoors (or in a gym thanks to some rain on one Saturday) for good fun and excitement.

828 Treasure Quest

The 2nd Annual fundraiser invited people from all over the region to explore Franklin, and win $10,000 treasure all while helping kids in need.

Combining a scavenger hunt with challenges, clues, strategy and a race to the finish. Teams put their problem-solving skills — and their teamwork — to the test.

Aerial view of roof renovation showing before and after comparison.

Best of all, the adventure supports a great local cause: KIDS Place Child Advocacy Center.

Young boy smiling in basketball gym during indoor game.

Group of people participating in team-building exercise indoors.

People playing mini golf indoors during Franklin fall family event.

Group of people listening to a woman speaking in a gymnasium.

Family playing board game at a table during fall in Franklin.

Children and adults enjoying a fall event in a gymnasium.

People enjoying a sports event during fall in Franklin, GA. — Even sponsors, Luke and Kristy Smith of Highlander Building Services, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play and help a good cause.

30th Annual PumpkinFest

Feels like this famous event just started yesterday. But that’s what happens when families from all over are having fun.

Costumes galore, music, good shopping and a glorious day made the 30th annual so special.

Kids riding a dog-themed cart during Franklin fall festival.

Scottish bagpiper in traditional attire performing outdoors in Franklin.

Family crafting fall decorations at outdoor table in Franklin.

Person in dragon costume at fall festival with children and tents.

People dressed in historical costumes at Franklin fall festival with tents and crowds.

People dressed in costumes at fall festival in Franklin with bounce house.

Children meet Toy Story characters in a fall outdoor setting.

Crowd enjoying fall festival with tents and mountain backdrop in Franklin.

Mainspring

For those who love our natural surroundings, the Mainspring Conservation Trust hosts a “snack and chat” with the team and Jeremy Hunt, the executive director. It was truly a “see and be seen” event.

Vintage-style sign for Whistle Stop Depot Antiques in Franklin, NC.

Family and friends enjoying outdoor fall event in Franklin under a large tent.

The Naturalist

It was the biggest yet. With 150 runners and their families, early October kicked off with an exhibition of athletic dedication, a love of nature and, of course, music and food.

The day included an incredible 50K/25K trail race, multiple bands and food throughout the day for the Fall Festival and 24 draft craft beers.

Racers explored the same trails that William Bartram, “The Naturalist”, ventured on in the late 1700’s. This ultimate 50k covered some of the most challenging ground in the Southeast. Runners left downtown Franklin at 8 am and traveled to the Bartram Trail area on Wallace Branch. Here runners started the brutal climb that ultimately lead to Wayah Bald.

And while it was all fun, games and stretching early on, for the racers who came from all over the country, it takes true internal strength to finish, especially when the climbs are as much as 8,500 feet. Whew.

Two men resting after a fall race in Franklin, smiling and relaxed.

Man in athletic wear walking at fall festival in Franklin.

Young woman with tattoos and backpack at fall event in Franklin.

People participating in a fall family fun run in Franklin, with runners and spectators on the street.

Young women using smartphones at a park in Franklin during fall.

Man with backpack checking phone in front of brick wall with mural.

People enjoying fall festival in Franklin with stage and audience.

Crowd of runners at the start of a race in Franklin on a foggy day.

Group of runners participating in a fall race in Franklin, Georgia.

Large group of runners at the start line in Franklin during fall festival.

The finish brought relief and smiles for everyone. None of the participants or their families will forget Franklin and the our mountains.