Where can you find the CEO of Gibson guitars Cesar Gueikian on stage with Better Than Ezra, Emerson Hart of Tonic, and Kevin Martin of Candlebox, all at the same time? The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2025 in Franklin, Tennessee, that’s where.
Pilgrimage first opened its gates in 2015, but the idea of the festival was born during a run through Harlinsdale Farm, which the festival now takes over each fall. Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra saw the potential to combine the arts and musical ambiance of Franklin with the vibe of a New Orleans-style jazz fest, as he describes it.
He aimed to create a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone could enjoy a mixed genre of music. The festival is known for highlighting Americana and folk bands, but the creators like to mix it up, bringing in well-known headliners as well as rising stars.
Over the years, lineups have included big names like Willie Nelson, Weezer, Beck, Jason Isbell, Justin Timberlake, Eddie Vedder, Chris Stapleton, Jack White, The Black Keys, The Lumineers, Dave Matthews Band, Brandi Carlile, Foo Fighters, and The Killers, just to name just a few.
The 2025 lineup, marking the 11th year of the festival, was just as impressive. Some standout acts included Ben Chapman, Father John Misty, Turnpike Troubadours, Kings of Leon, Maggie Rose, Eddie 9V, Sam Grisman, Grace Potter, Better Than Ezra, Young the Giant, and Sam Fender. The festival wrapped up on Sunday evening, Sept. 28, with a performance by John Mayer.
Gibson had a major presence this year as a sponsor. The legendary guitar brand brought its Mobile Garage, where festivalgoers could take guitar lessons, shop for gear, and snap photos in the iconic guitar tunnel. A beautiful Gibson guitar was also auctioned off on site.
George Dickel Whiskey hosted an on-site bar where artists dropped by to perform acoustic versions of their songs. Other sponsors included White Claw, Corona, Splash Refresher, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Lucchese Bootmaker, Republic Bank & Trust Co., Desnuda Organic Tequila, Pickers Vodka, Whataburger, Blue Hound Brew, Fever-Tree, National Seating & Mobility, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer, ASCAP, HART Jewelry, and Tennessee Brew Works.
Highlights of the Two-Day Pilgrimage Festival 2025
Turnpike Troubadours kicked things off with a crowd favorite, “The Bird Hunters.” Fans in the pit cheered and sang along. “On the Red River” and “Heaven Passing Through” were other highlights. As an outdoors person, I couldn’t help but watch ducks and geese fly over the nearby pond, and wonder where my duck call was.
Fast forward to some 1990s nostalgia with Better Than Ezra performing hits like “Good,” “King of New Orleans,” and “Desperately Wanting.” The 35-to-55-year-old crowd was joined by younger fans, all singing at full volume. Then came a surprise: Emerson Hart of Tonic joined for “If You Could Only See,” followed by Kevin Martin of Candlebox. Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian played lead guitar on a few tracks—nailing every note.
Grace Potter took the stage in silver sequins, tambourine in hand, and rocked out to hits like “The Lion, the Beast, the Beat.” She was joined by guest singer Brittney Spencer for “Little Hitchhiker,” and later joined Young the Giant on stage for their closing song, “My Body.”
Speaking of Young the Giant, as a band outside the typical Americana and folk lane, they were humbled by the warm reception. Their inspirational lyrics helped create a sense of community.
“Something to Believe In” and “Cough Syrup” had the crowd dancing and singing under the setting sun. Their energy was contagious and carried into Sam Fender’s set on the neighboring stage, where he also drew a full crowd of devoted fans.
John Mayer closed out the weekend with a full-band performance. From the stage, he noticed fans holding signs requesting songs, and he was happy to oblige. He opened with “Last Train Home” and ended with an emotional encore of “Gravity,” which had couples dancing, connecting, and singing along as the festival drew to a close.
Vendors added to the experience with custom hat-making, boots, clothing, blankets, and more. Food and drink were plentiful. As a pizza lover, I savored a slice of peach, bacon, goat cheese, and balsamic pizza from Pizza Nova — paired with an Old Fashioned slushy.
Can we go back yet? Keep Pilgrimage Festival on your shortlist for Sept. 2026.
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