Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival draws 25,000+ fans

Here’s our photo journal of musical highlights

by Preshias Harris with photos by Tori Perry

It was a full weekend of amazing music and much more on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.

All photos © 2023 Tori Perry Photography. May not be reproduced without express written permission

Ashley McBryde takes the stage on Day Two of the Pilgrimage Festival. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography

The Festival – held once again at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee – was a ‘sold out’ success with more than 25,000 attendees. In addition to the music coming from three stages, visitors could find more than forty food and beverage vendors set up in the Park, many offering local cuisine. Others headed for Makers Village to check out a number of offerings from artisans and crafters from Nashville and the Southeast.

Better Than Ezra rock the stage. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography

The Lumineers headlined Saturday’s event along with a full slate of star acts that included The Black Crowes, The Head and The Heart, Yola, Better Than Ezra, James Bay, Hailey Whitters, Boy Named Banjo and more.

A moody moment during the Lumineers’ Saturday night set. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography

Zach Brown topped the bill on Sunday with surprise guests The War & Treaty and even invited an audience member up on stage to join him at the mic.  Among other surprises, Charlie Worsham was joined by his buddy Dierks Bentley and singer-songwriter Ian Munsick.  

Also thrilling the crowds on Sunday: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Ashley McBryde, Margo Price, Luke Grimes and many more.

Charlie Worsham leans in to the mic. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Dierks Bentley joins Charlie Worsham onstage. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Hippies & Cowboys perform. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
James Bay onstage. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Margo Price reacts to the crowd at Pilgrimage. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Nathaniel Raetliff entertains on Sunday. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Indie folk-rock band The Head and the Heart performed Saturday night. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Chris Robinson of rockers Black Crowes raised the roof during Saturday’s show. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Another stage shot of Black Crowes vocalist Chris Robinson. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography
Zach Bryan headlined the Sunday lineup at this year’s Pilgrimage. Photo credit: Tori Perry Photography

“We were absolutely blown away by the performances we witnessed this weekend and are grateful to all the artists for making this a really special year. We want to thank the fans for being here and for their enthusiasm and passion for this festival. They show up ready to have a great time and their energy is one of the reasons we can attract such top tier talent,” shared festival producers Michael Whelan, Kevin Griffin and W. Brandt Wood after the conclusion of the Festival.

More about the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival at their website, on Instagram and their Facebook page. #PilgrimageMusicFestival

Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com  Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com #PreshiasHarris