What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 25, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 25

The Little Shop | Lady Bug Walk (Day 1/2)

9:00am Annual Ladybug Trail Walk Multiple points in Downtown Franklin

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Charles River Earth Day Cleanup (Sites across the watershed, from Boston to Hopkinton!)

10:30am Rainforest Reptiles! (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

5:30pm dayTREAT featuring "SLOW BURN" (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

7:30pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

***  NO Town Meetings today   ***

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Get the Ladybug Trail Walk info in a PDF or picture format

Download as PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y5gO6oWRSMWX_ec90XzB_wJqezOtfzJ0/view?usp=sharing

Photo of each page -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ky6JXetyVFpwATPHA

Listing of the deals available during the Ladybug Trail

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/downtown-deals-at-ladybug-trail-spring.html

Downtown Deals at Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 25

Come out on April 25th and take a stroll at the 4th Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. Shops, restaurants and public places will open their doors with ladybug-themed activities and treats for all ages. 

Here’s your list of downtown deals and where to find them:

Applause | 10% discount on gelato with ladybug trail map. Add red and dark chocolate sprinkles! Get your ladybug trail map here.

Birchwood Bakery | Cupcakes fashionably dressed with a ladybug decoration on top.

Children’s Museum of Franklin | Music Together will entertain audiences for 30-minute music sessions at 10:30, 12 and 2:30. Plus – create a ladybug craft in the museum’s MakerSpace. With paid entry to museum. Free for museum members. Pre-registration is preferred at: childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register due to limited classroom capacity.

Creative Corner Art Studio | We will be open Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm. Stop in and paint some pottery!  We also display and sell art made by local creators. 

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

Dean College | Learn about the life cycle of the ladybug.  Kids will have the opportunity to make their own ladybug ‘spinner’ that will show the different life stages.  They can decorate with some googly-eyes and spots on them, and assemble the spinner! At Dean’s Campus Center patio at Main and Emmons Streets. (Available in case of rain date)

Dona’s Tailoring | Guys ‘N Dolls | $10 discount on any hair, nails and tailoring services. For kids: ladybug balloons and cute trinkets. Open 9 am to 3 pm. 

Ferrara’s Market | $2 discount on any sandwich from our menu. Get your ladybug trail map while you’re here.

Franklin Kitchen Center | We’re excited to host a “Paint a Block” event at our storefront. Kids and families can visit our showroom to color a wooden block — a fun and creative activity for all ages. We’ll have the door open with a red carpet and decorate the showroom with our ladybug theme. Plus, we’ll be giving away free ladybug-themed goodies.

Franklin Historical Museum | Video all day explaining the ladybug story & why Franklin celebrates the ladybug.  Free trail maps, ladybug balloons, stickers & buttons. Gift Shop with ladybug-themed items. Bottled water, restroom. 

Franklin Public Library | Activities throughout the day! Rainforest Reptiles at 10:30 am. Adult painting workshop 1-3 pm. Typewriter Orchestra  2-3 pm. Ladybug scavenger hunt all day. 9-5.

INS Spa | Enjoy complimentary snacks and sweets when you visit our new salon. Check out our space to learn about our hair, scalp, skin, and massage services to help you de-stress, relax and rejuvenate.

Little Shop of Olive Oils | The Ladybugs are landing at The Little Shop! Stop in for a little fun & get your ladybug trail map while you are here.

1 / Snap a selfie at our Ladybug Wall

2 / Tag your photo on IG or FB and fill out a ticket for a chance to win our Delicious Duo Giveaway Basket

3 / Taste something new while you’re here

It’s the perfect excuse to stroll downtown, gather with friends, and treat yourself along the way. 

Number One Tailors | Visitors get a ladybug coupon for 10% discount on any tailoring service.

Pisini Shoes | Lollipops for your little ones when you stop in to check out our new spring Stride Rite shoe styles.

Rainbow Eyebrow Threading | $2 off one eyebrow service for new customers on April 25th.

Russian School of Mathematics | We are planning a lemonade stand! Get math puzzles for kids,  ladybug-themed gift bags, plus free ladybug balloons for everyone. Open 11 am to 2 pm. Visit us at 9 Summer Street!

Teddy Gallagher’s Pub | Enjoy our Ladybug Mule cocktail when you come in from the trail. We serve non-alcohol beverages and great food too!

Vallee’s Jewelers | For kids: Ladybug necklaces, bracelets, keychains, stickers.  For adults: Free raffle for a gold necklace with beautiful ladybug pendant.

Visit FDP on social media for updates - 

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2

Join Building Equitable Neighborhoods (BEN) for Franklin on Saturday, May 2nd for our fourth annual walking discussion of downtown Franklin! The event is part of an international series in memory of social activist and placemaker Jane Jacobs.

Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2

The ~1.5 hour tour will begin at 10:30 AM from the Franklin TV studio (43 Hutchinson St, Franklin, MA). Parking available.

All are welcome, including pets and wheels!

Join us for refreshments and continued discussion after the walk!

This year, we will be joined by regional planning professionals from Congress for a New Urbanism (CNU) New England!

More info at ben4franklin.org/janes-walk-2026

Joe Landry Taping a Session about the Stewart Block (Clark Sq) at Franklin TV

Joe Landry & Scott Mason will be taping a Session about the
Stewart Block (Clark Sq) at Franklin TV

via Joe Landry

"Hi there! Scott Mason and I will be doing a presentation at the studios of Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson Street when we will examine the James Stewart Block, which is at Clark Square at the town bridge. We'll look back at the buildings that stood here over the years and how the block has evolved.

This program is part of a series of programs that will take a close look at the downtown area of Franklin. This will not be a live broadcast. It will be taped for future viewing on Franklin TV.

I hope you can make it! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!!!!!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17W9HB5eWr/

Joe Landry talks about the Morse Block - Weds, Feb 4 at 1:00 PM

Via Joe Landry:

"My next presentation will be at the Franklin Senior Center on the Morse Block. I hope you can attend!"

"Hi there!!! I will be doing my next presentation on Wednesday, February 4th at 1:00 at the Franklin Senior Center. 

This presentation will discuss the Morse Block on East Central Street and how it evolved over the years. Many long-time residents of Franklin will remember when Franklin Furniture did business there. And we'll also discuss the building where the Woonsocket Call branch office was.  

Those of us who had paper routes will remember getting their papers from Dutchie Gilbert. After that, Ficco's Shoe Repair Shop did business there. You'll see many pictures and videos of the block and other buildings that stood there that will be of interest. 

If you are planning to attend, please call the Senior Center at 508-520-4945 to let them know that you'll be coming so that we'll have a good idea of how many chairs to set up. I hope to see you then."

Joe Landry talks about the Morse Block

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DVyNZS5dN/

Volunteers Needed For Winter Decorating Downtown November 22

The Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club are getting ready to decorate the downtown for the holidays and winter on Saturday, November 22 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Volunteers are needed to help clean, prep and decorate.  

Volunteers Needed For Winter Decorating
Downtown November 22

Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty and Sandy Sauer of Franklin Tile Carpet One co-chair the FDP Beautification Committee. Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to sign up. 

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is a great time to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

“We are dedicated to making the downtown area festive during the holiday season,” said Mason, who is also a member of Franklin Garden Club. “The decorations make Franklin even more inviting to residents and visitors who go downtown to enjoy our shops and restaurants.” 

Franklin Downtown Partnership thanks the following sponsors of Winter Decorating Day. 

Platinum: D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eileen Mason-RE/MAX Executive Realty; G & C Plumbing & Heating; Glen; Meadow Apartments-Schochet Companies; Middlesex Savings Bank. Gold: Dean Bank; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Notturno Home Services; PEEL microspa. Silver: Connell Roofing, Inc.; Elizabeth's Bagels; Fenton Financial Group; Friends of the Franklin Elders, Inc.; Oteri Funeral Home; Pisini Shoes; Simon's Furniture; Vet Med Pet Supplies

Stay up to date and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership on Instagram and Facebook at:  https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as spring beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Musicians needed to help celebrate A-Wreath-of-Franklin on Dec 13

Musicians needed to help celebrate
A-Wreath-of-Franklin on Dec 13

"Calling all #musicians! #AWreathofFranklin⁠

⁠

The volunteers of A-Wreath-of-Franklin are looking for talented performers to play festive, holiday-themed music on December 13th throughout downtown.⁠

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Interested? Email Cory Shea at cshea@franklinma.gov⁠"

Shared from ->    https://www.instagram.com/p/DQoqwfljQR6/

Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown

Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1UziBTKjnT/

Join us for a Jane's Walk in Franklin on Sunday, May 4 at 10 AM

Join Cobi Frongillo & Steve Sherlock NEXT SUNDAY (5/4) for our third annual walk around Downtown Franklin to reflect on placemaking and town planning.

The event is part of an annual international series of walks to honor the social activist Jane Jacobs.

Meet at the Depot St parking lot Sunday morning. We will leave at 10:00 AM and should meander back by 11:30 AM.

Join us for a Jane's Walk in Franklin on Sunday, May 4 at 10 AM

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AHWKwXMp5/

Find out more about Buliding Euitable Neighborhoos For Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin)  https://ben4franklin.org/

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on MBTA Community status and Nu-Style brownfield (audio)

FM #1343 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1343 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).

Quick recap

• The Nu-Style project history is laid out in the presentation doc, progress is being made but complicated by the split of ownership of the properties involved. Especially as the building on the Town property that needs to come down is adjoining to the neighboring property building which has structural issues. Grant money is primarily being used for remediation work, additional grants are being sought to complete the work required.

• After all the zoning bylaw changes made for the Franklin For All project and specifically to meet the MBTA Community requirements,  we may finally be there. The last paperwork was submitted to the State and an answer is expected hopefully to confirm we do meet (actually exceed) the requirements. The timeline on the changes including the critical zoning changes is included in the presentation doc (shared below)

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 

The recording of the meeting runs about 55 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1343-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-12-18-24/

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Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/AcTwbyEEB9s?&t=91

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-12-18_edc_agenda.pdf 

Presentation doc ->   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JJz3RhlTZXN7gA8Ux2O8wSqFxhUDFYnC/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DqhtXZdJneqbD0nDshW3iqBbgB9R1PRX/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Nu-Style property photo

MBTA Community status summary

2024 A-Wreath-of-Franklin Wrapped!

Thank you + Community Survey

Thank you to all of our volunteers, wreath creators and businesses who participated in making this inaugural event a community effort. "The First Annual A-Wreath-of-Franklin and Holiday Sip, Shop Stroll N Roll was the perfect blend of the arts, the economy, old friends, new friends and the holiday spirit! The fellowship experienced in Franklin was heartwarming and its only the beginning! Look for more event, more people, more activities, more art and more camaraderie in 2025 at the Second Annual "A-Wreath-of-Franklin" and Holiday Sip Shop Stroll N Roll. We would love to have you on the committee! Stay tuned for details!" John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair. If you had the opportunity to join us last weekend, let us know what you thought! Click here for our community survey. All feedback will be used to generate more cohesive and festive programming! Have further questions? Or want to get involved? Please email the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; Cory Shea.

Community Wreaths will be on display until the first weeks of January 2025. Take a look at our community map to plan your visit! Here's a reel revealing a peek of the community magic leading up to the December 7th A-Wreath-of-Franklin Sip Shop Stroll N Roll Celebration! Pictured above, Dom DeBaggis rocking out at Fiori & Fern.

Special thank you to our award winning program Photographer and Franklin Cultural Council member, Kayla Nisbet for capturing the day! Visit the Franklin Culture's Facebook page to see the entire photo album. Pictured: Our youngest Franklin Community members participating at the Children's Museum of Franklin indoor ice skating rink that popped up at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

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Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US