Wild + Free Franklin, TN
September 11-12, 2026 | The Factory at Franklin
We’re hosting our 20th Wild + Free conference at The Factory in Franklin, TN on September 11-12, 2026, and we’d love to have you. Join 900 wild and free mothers for two days of insight, inspiration, and community as we grow in raising our children with intention, trusting the path we’ve chosen, and remembering what matters most in our homes and motherhood.
This gathering will feature main-stage keynotes, incredible music by a collective of artists, a fabulous maker market, and plenty of other surprises - all set within the charm and energy of The Factory in Franklin, TN.
Sarah Mackenzie
Waxwing Books & Read Aloud Revival
readaloudrevival.com
Leslie Martino
Author of The Joy of Slow
@lesliemmartino
Ainsley Arment
Author of The Call of the Wild + Free
@ainsl3y
Sue Lee
Founder of French with Madame Lee
@frenchwithmadamelee
Nicole Cottrell
Founder of Stories of Color
@storiesofcolor_
Amber O'Neal Johnston
Author of Homegrown and Soul School
@heritagemomblog
Sally Clarkson
Author of Over 30 Books
@sally.clarkson
Jenni Dowling
Mama and Musical Artist
@jenni.dowling
Chinyelu Kunz
Author of The Little Book of Parenting
@we_nurture
Elsie Iudicello
Writer for Wild + Free
@farmhouse_schoolhouse
Erin Loechner
Author of The Opt-Out Family & Chasing Slow
erinloechner.com
Conference Overview
For over a decade, we have gathered from near and far to be reminded of what matters most -childhood, home, and the often messy yet meaningful work of raising a family. What began small has grown into a thriving community where each conference becomes a place to reconnect with wonder, courage, and the shared journey of motherhood. Here's a glimpse.
The Last Bison
The Last Bison performed at the very first Wild + Free conference in 2014, and we are delighted to welcome them back. Their music explores themes of wonder, longing, faith, freedom, and the beauty of the wild places that shape us. The Virginia-based band first captivated audiences with their rich blend of folk, chamber pop, and soaring harmonies, earning praise from NPR as “classical-influenced southern folk rock.” Known for poetic songwriting and lush arrangements, The Last Bison has released acclaimed albums including Quill, Inheritance, and VA. Led by songwriter and vocalist Ben Hardesty, the band has spent more than a decade creating music that invites us into deeper stories, wild places, and the search for beauty and belonging. We are honored to welcome them back.
A Tribute to Jessi Kinstler
Our dearest Jessi (Hunt) Kinstler, precious mother of five, cherished wife to Greg, sister, daughter, and friend is singing in heaven today. In early April, Jessi experienced a seizure, and an MRI showed it was a brain tumor. Despite the recovery and pain associated with major brain surgery, all seemed to be going well - until it wasn’t. She passed very suddenly on April 30th. Jessi has been a beloved part of Wild + Free for over a decade when she and her siblings began playing music at our conferences as The Hunts. She was set to lead music at this fall's conference and we are still grieving and reeling from the sudden loss of our dear friend. She will forever be a part of us because her light and love shined so bright. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to honor her at this year's event.
Conference Schedule
We'll release the actual schedule of presenters to attendees as the event gets closer. Until then, here is a general schedule for the conference:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
5:00 PM – Conference Check-in Begins
5:30 PM – Doors Open & Maker Market Open
7:00 PM – Opening Session Begins
9:00 PM – Dismiss
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
8:00 AM – Doors Open
9:00 AM – Morning Session
10:15 AM – Break
10:45 AM – Mid-Morning Session
12:15 PM – Lunch on Your Own
1:30 PM – Afternoon Session
3:00 PM – Break
3:45 PM – Final Session
5:00 PM – Dismiss
Please note: Tickets are transferable but non-refundable. Speakers are subject to change. Transfer instructions can be found at this link.
Location
We're meeting at The Factory at Franklin, a beautiful mixed-use retail and entertainment space in the heart of this charming southern town:
The Factory at Franklin
230 Franklin Road
Franklin, TN 37064
Franklin is home to quaint retail shops, horse farms, restaurants... and if you look closely, you're likely to spot a country music artist dining in town.
Learn more at VisitFranklin.com | @thefactoryatfranklin
Conference Prices
EARLY RATE
By June 30
ADVANCE RATE
By July 31
REGULAR RATE
After July 31
$259
$279
$299
Tickets are transferable but non-refundable. Speakers subject to change.
Wild + Free Member Perks
If you're a member of Wild + Free (content bundles), you can receive a number of conference perks, exclusively for members:
- $20 discount code off registration
- Invitation to a private VIP reception at the conference
- Early access to the Wild + Free shop in the Maker Market
- 20% discount at the Wild + Free shop
- Conference recordings and videos after the event
*Must be a member at the time of the conference
Wild + Free Maker Market
Each year at Wild + Free Franklin, we host a Maker Market in the Heritage Room at the Factory. The market is meant for makers or sellers of actual handmade goods, rather than corporate products, curriculum, or essential oils, for example. If you're interested, you can apply for a spot here.
For the first time, we're also welcoming a few select sponsors to be a part of the conference. This is for companies and organizations that serve homeschooling families with resources, products, and other services. To request to become a sponsor, email Becca at [email protected].
On Fathers and Children:
While we value the vital role of fathers in homeschooling and we love children, this event is for women only (nursing infants are welcome).
On Parking and Transportation:
Please know there is a farmer's market that meets on the grounds of The Factory on Saturday mornings, so parking will be limited. We encourage you to take Lyft or Uber or carpool with others to the venue if possible.
On Volunteers:
At each Wild + Free conference, we have a small but mighty team of women who volunteer to serve the nearly-900 mamas in attendance. We're looking for women with humble hearts, joyful spirits, and a strong work ethic to join our team. To apply as a volunteer, click here.
On Matters of Faith:
Some of our presenters are women of faith, others are not. Everyone is welcome, but we realize this event might not be the right fit for those who want an exclusively faith-based event or an exclusively secular event.
On Cancellations and Refunds:
Tickets are transferable to another woman but are non-refundable. Tickets are not transferable to any other event. Speakers are subject to change.
To sell your ticket, simply look for buyers at #wildandfreefranklin and transfer your ticket to the purchaser with instructions provided on the ticket - or at this link. Event insurance is available through our ticketing app.
On the Maker Market:
In addition to hosting makers of a variety of handcrafted, handmade goods, we're opening a few spots for major sponsors (apply here). If you are a company that serves homeschooling families, you can request to be one of a few select sponsors by emailing [email protected].
You can email [email protected] with any other questions.
Volunteer Team
At each Wild + Free conference, we have a small but mighty team of women who volunteer to serve the 900 mamas in attendance. We're looking for women with humble hearts, joyful spirits, and a strong work ethic to join our team. To apply to be a volunteer, click here.
Please keep in mind we receive quite a lot of applications, so we can't guarantee a spot. But the application helps us choose the right team. Please keep in mind that volunteers serve throughout the whole event.
