Volume 5, June 5, 2024

Franklin PorchFest
Kicks Off Summer!

The PorchFest celebrations went off without a hitch this past Saturday with Franklin residents and guests enjoying a beautiful day while listening to some talented performers throughout Franklin. The community feeling of seeing so many people walking around town and enjoying the music at the over 30 porch locations was incredible.


The Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) would like to thank the porch hosts who provided the venues and were so inviting, welcoming residents and guests on their front lawns, and a special thanks to the performers who, throughout the day, created beautiful music that was enjoyed by all. The FCDC thanks all of the PorchFest Committee members and volunteers who helped put this event on for the Town of Franklin. The FCDC also recognizes Allegra Print Franklin, Mass Cultural Council, and the Town of Franklin for their generous support of PorchFest 2024!.

Artsy Box Update

The Franklin Cultural District is pleased to announce the near completion of our Artsy Boxes for 2024!


This week we are highlighting the work of Nicole Littlefield. Her Artsy Box “ Living in the Clouds”, is located on the Town Common, visible from Union Street. “The design features a bright night sky with a whimsical twist. From a distance, this piece could come across as your average night sky- but the closer you get, the more details emerge.”


"Nicole Littlefield, an artist from Massachusetts, paints at a variety of scales in her artistry. With a focus on surreal themes, she uses a blend of elements and subject matter to create dreamlike and striking pieces. Although she paints at all sizes, her passion is making murals. Most of her time is filled with portrait paintings and live wedding paintings. Nicole intertwines her art with sustainable fashion, showcasing her designs under the brand Fatal Forage In 2024, Nicole is dedicated to expanding her brand and mural presence to different states."


You may see our other artists adding finishing touches this week. Please take photos and share them with us on Facebook, Franklin Culture or Instagram #FranklinCulture or #ArtsyBox24

Stay tuned for our weekly featured artists.


The Franklin Cultural District Committee thanks the MassCultural Council and the Town of Franklin for supporting this project. 

Hello All,


PorchFest 2024 opened the door to summer! This week Summer in the Cultural District continues with the Franklin Farmers Market, the Strawberry Stroll, FPAC presents August: Osage County, and Mary Anning: Fossill Hunter. Additionally there are classes at Greco Design, the Library, Creative Corner Art Studio, and The Little Shop. The Franklin Health Department sponsors its Spring Fair at the Library, town leadership is speaking at the Senior Center, there is music at local restaurants, and bridal gowns are featured at the Historic Museum


Changes continue in the Cultural District. Dona's Tailoring has relocated to 11B Main Street and is joined by Guys and Dolls Salon at 11 Main Street. Number One Tailors recently opened at 2 Main Street. The Children's Museum of Franklin will be moving into a permanent location in the former Agway building over the summer. Welcome all!


Sadly, we will be saying farewell to April Rock's Escape into Fiction Bookstore on June 15. April initially opened her bookstore as a pop-up business on East Central Street and a few months later, moved into her current location on Main Street. Her shop has been open to those in search of books, to all visiting the Franklin Art Association Gallery, and to community groups seeking a meeting space. Her bookstore was the location of numerous collaborations within the Cultural District. We wish April every success in her move!!


Arts Happen in the Cultural District!!

This Week in the Cultural District and Beyond

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Wednesday, June 5, Franklin Senior Center

10:30am, Veterans Coffee Social at Franklin Senior Center. Contact the Senior Center to register.

1:30pm, Information Overview of the June 11 Override Vote at the Franklin Senior Center. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Superintendent Lucas Giguere will discuss the upcoming override vote.

See Senior Connection newsletter for more information. The Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Wednesday, June 5, 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Spring Fair, sponsored by Franklin Health Department at Franklin Public Library. Local Vendors, Petting Zoo, Health Services, Refreshments, Face Painting, Health Screenings, Activities, Kids Zones, Giveaways and more! Select Health Department for additional information. Public Library, 118 Main Street.

Wednesday, June 5, 4:30pm and 6:00pm, Spiderman visits The Raillery Public House. Join us for pictures with Spiderman. Telephone the restaurant for reservations. Raillery Public House is located at 280 Franklin Village Drive.

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Thursday, June 6, 4:30pm Pizza and a Movie at Franklin Senior Center. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Ticketed event. Call Franklin Senior Center to Register. Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill. St.

Thursday, June 6, 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Franklin LGBTQ Alliance meets in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library. Select LGBTQ for more information. The Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Thursday, June 6, 9:00pm Live Music by Steven Fritzsche (Two for the Rode) at 3 Restaurant. Steven and Loren, from classic rock band Two for the Rode, bring an eclectic and extensive mix of jukebox favorites from the 50’s to present!. Select 3 for information. 3 Restaurant is located at 461 West Central St.

Friday, June 7, 2024

Friday, June 7, 10:00am to 12:00pm Knitting at the Franklin Public Library. Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room. Select Library for information. Located 118 Main Street.

Friday, June 7, 2:00pm to 6:00pm Franklin Farmers Market opens for the season! on the Franklin Town Common.

Friday, June 7, 4:00pm to 8:00pm Franklin Downtown Partnership presents Strawberry Stroll. On Main Street and in the parking lot by The Little Shop. Booths, Giveaways, Food, and Music. Select FDP for more information.

Friday, June 7, 7:30pm, August: Osage County! at THE BLACK BOX. FPAC presents Tracy Letts’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play August: Osage County at THE BLACK BOX. A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major play that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family. Ticketed event. Select Osage for tickets and information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Donation from Mass Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Friday, June 7, 9:00pm Live Music by the Gilmartin Bros in the bar/lounge at 3 Restaurant. The Gilbros musical journey began when Tom showed Dave a few chords on the guitar growing up in Falmouth Mass, undoubtedly over a Beatles album. After each playing in different bands during and after college, they found their way back together and today can be found playing at a variety of venues and private events in central/southeastern Mass and on the Cape. Select 3 for more information. 3 Restaurant is located at 461 West Central Street.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Saturday, June 8, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. The Franklin Historical Museum welcomes the return of the Bridal Gown Exhibit, Something Old and Something New! See gowns worn by Franklin brides in a range of fashions throughout the decades, from the late 1800s right up to the 2000s. FREE. Select Museum for additional information about this event. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Saturday, June 8, 10:00am to 11:00am, Father's Day Ceramic Painting at Creative Corner Art Studio. Come have a fun experience making a ceramic piece with your child and make a gift for a special Dad. Select Creative for more information. Creative Corner Art Studio is located at 13 Main Street.

Saturday, June 8, Franklin Public Library

  • 10:30am, Grown-Ups and Donuts! at the Franklin Public Library. Bring your favorite grown-ups for a special donut social featuring live music with Jamie Barrett! Select Library for more information.
  • 12:00pm to 1:00pm, Shavuot Celebration! Join the library for a special celebration! Enjoy ice cream, crafts, games, and stories as we learn about Shavuot! Presented in partnership with Temple Etz Chaim! Select Shavuot for more information.
  • 1:00pm, As You Wish. An interactive matinee. Adults & Teens! enjoy an interactive matinee of the beloved classic movie, The Princess Bride! Popcorn and props are provided! No Registration Required! Select Wish for information.

Franklin Public Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Saturday, June 8, 7:30pm, August: Osage County! at THE BLACK BOX. FPAC presents Tracy Letts’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play August: Osage County. See Friday's listing for more information. Ticketed event. Select Osage for tickets and information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Donation from Mass Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Saturday, June 8, 8:00pm to 11:00pm, Karaoke, Every Saturday Night, at Raillery Public House. Select Raillery for information. Raillery Public House is located at 280 Franklin Village Drive.

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Franklin Historical Museum

Sunday, June 9, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum and Second Sunday Speaker. The Second Sunday Speaker Series continues with a focus on our famous Parachute Dress – a wedding dress made from a World War II parachute with a spectacular 15-foot train. Historical Commission Chair Alan Earls will talk about the social history and wartime pressures that brought tens of thousands of parachutes into service for the military, some of which eventually found their way back into the civilian economy. Doors open at 1:00pm and the presentation begins at 1:15pm. The Museum is open to visit exhibits. FREE admission. Select Museum for information. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Sunday, June 9, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Musical Bingo at Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub. Select Teddy for information. Located at 30 Main Street.

Sunday, June 9, 2:00pm August: Osage County! at THE BLACK BOX. FPAC presents Tracy Letts’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play August: Osage County. See Friday's listing for more information. Ticketed event. Select Osage for tickets and information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Donation from Mass Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Sunday, June 9, 2:30pm and 3:00pm Mary Anning: Fossill Hunter by Jon Ceander Mitchell, A Chamber Opera in Two Acts at First Universalist Society of Franklin. The afternoon begins at 2:30pm with a Pre-opera talk by dinosaur specialist Dr. David Fastovsky! The opera begins at 3:00pm. The Opera features Aurora Martin, Emily Bieber-Harris, Daniel Fridley

Mark Schiappucci, Frank Walker, Luis Viquez, Conductor. The performance is Free but donations will be accepted. FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street.

Funded with a grant from Mass Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Monday, June 10, 2024

Monday, June 10, 8:00am to 3:30pm at New England Country Club in Bellingham ... Franklin Performing Arts Company Golf Tournament. Invite your friends, family, and co-workers to test your skills in 18 holes of golf at the New England Country Club! Ticketed event.

Proceeds of the Golf Tournament fundraiser support the professional development of emerging artists and enable world-class talent to perform in downtown Franklin, amplifying the cultural fabric of MetroWest Boston!

Register now: WWW.FUNDRAISER.SUPPORT/FPACGOLF2024


Monday, June 10, 11:00am, Drum Circle at Franklin Senior Center. Select Senior for information about this and other activities. The Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Monday, June 10, 3:30pm to 5:00pm, Petite Picassos at Franklin Public Library. Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of beach sunset! Best fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required!! Select Paint for registration information. Franklin Public Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Tuesday, June 11, 5:00pm, The School of Traveling Fish at Franklin Sculpture Park. Come and celebrate a new class of The School of Traveling Fish. This visual art event is a collaboration of Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School students and Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students under the leadership of Franklin artist and FCDC Vice Chair, Amy Adams. The Sculpture Park is on Panther Way.

Tuesday, June 11, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Musical Bingo at Raillery Public House. Raillery is located at 280 Franklin Village Drive.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Wednesdays beginning June 12 to August 21, 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Lifelong Community Learning is offering Summer Badminton for adults, Grab your racket and join us weekly for a night of Badminton! Choose Badminton to register. Location: Remington Middle School, at 628 Washington Street.

Save These Dates ...

Thursday, June 13, 6:30-8pm, Fabric Art Postcards at Greco Design. Create these adorable 4x6" fabric art pieces that can also function as postcards! You'll create 2 designs that make the sweetest gifts or mail them to a friend or loved one - or keep them for yourself. A metal easel is included so you can display your final work. Wine, lemonade, water & light bites will be served. Ticketed Event. Fabric Art/Postcards - $36pp. Class size is limited to 10. Click here to reserve your spot. Greco Design is located at 6 Main Street.

Wednesday, June 19, 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Charcuterie, An Evening of Food, Wine and DYI at The Little Shop. Missa Capozzo, a renowned expert in the world of wines, is teaming up with The Little Shop of Olive Oils for an exciting new event that promises to delight the senses of food and wine enthusiasts alike. SOLD OUT.

This unique charcuterie board demonstration event, set in a cozy and elegant ambiance, will showcase the art of pairing exquisite wines with a variety of gourmet cheeses, meats, and artisanal breads.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Missa's extensive wine knowledge and discover how to create their own visually stunning and palate-pleasing charcuterie boards.

A 21+ event. A Ticketed event. Select Shop to register. The Little Shop is located at 5 Main Street.

Friday, June 21 at 7:30pm and Saturday, June 22 at 7:30pm, Electric Youth Bon Voyage Concert at THE BLACK BOX. Electric Youth 2024 returns at THE BLACK BOX for their Bon Voyage Concert with 2 shows -- Friday, June 21st at 7:30 pm sponsored by 1776 Financial and Saturday, June 22nd at 7:30 pm with special guests Future Shock! Ticketed event. Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. Select Electric for ticket purchase and information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Saturday, June 22, 12:00pm to 4:00pm Franklin Pride Day on the Franklin Town Common. Booths, entertainment, crafts, and games. More information to follow.

Partnering with Franklin Matters @https://www.franklinmatters.org sharing information about what matters in Franklin. Visit Franklin Matters for Franklin information.

FCD Committee

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, Sue Cass, Patrick Conlan,

John LoPresti, Roberta Trahan

Next meeting 7:00pm. June 13 at Franklin Senior Center and on Zoom.