Franklin’s Common Council has given the green light to two music festivals at The Rock Sports Complex, Tacos and Tequila and Country Rising, despite neighbors’ concerns about noise levels and the content of the music. Some said their children are being exposed to profanity during these events.A neighbor spoke during public comment Tuesday, saying, “You approved hours of profanity to be clearly broadcast to families.” Another neighbor added, “With many f-bombs, b-bombs, and c-bombs along with language about multiple sexual acts.”The council reviewed a report from the last Tacos and Tequila event in September 2025, which showed that noise levels exceeded city limits twice. “Residents heard it, yet there was no meaningful consequence,” neighbor Andrew Pelky said.Franklin Mayor John Nelson acknowledged the challenges. “Nothing is ever going to be perfect for anybody, but these efforts that have been made are making things better,” Nelson said.Michael Zimmerman, owner of The Rock Sports Complex, proposed several changes to address the issue, including hiring an outside expert to manage sound during the concerts. “They would move the speakers around and put limiters on the speakers,” Zimmerman said. He also mentioned requesting a “PG-13” performance from artists, with a “contractual obligation to limit profanity.”Zimmerman is offering free hotel stays to neighbors who wish to avoid the noise and is committed to building a physical sound barrier.The measures were enough for the council to approve a special permit for Tacos and Tequila and Country Rising – both scheduled for May.Alderman Jason Craig of the Franklin Common Council said to Zimmerman, “I think you have shown a great deal of flexibility and willingness to adapt.”Part of the vote included approving an agreement between the city and The Rock, holding the owner accountable for implementing these changes. The third-party sound expert will technically work for the city but will be paid for by The Rock, Zimmerman said in the meeting.
Franklin’s Common Council has given the green light to two music festivals at The Rock Sports Complex, Tacos and Tequila and Country Rising, despite neighbors’ concerns about noise levels and the content of the music.
Some said their children are being exposed to profanity during these events.
A neighbor spoke during public comment Tuesday, saying, “You approved hours of profanity to be clearly broadcast to families.” Another neighbor added, “With many f-bombs, b-bombs, and c-bombs along with language about multiple sexual acts.”
The council reviewed a report from the last Tacos and Tequila event in September 2025, which showed that noise levels exceeded city limits twice.
“Residents heard it, yet there was no meaningful consequence,” neighbor Andrew Pelky said.
Franklin Mayor John Nelson acknowledged the challenges.
“Nothing is ever going to be perfect for anybody, but these efforts that have been made are making things better,” Nelson said.
Michael Zimmerman, owner of The Rock Sports Complex, proposed several changes to address the issue, including hiring an outside expert to manage sound during the concerts.
“They would move the speakers around and put limiters on the speakers,” Zimmerman said. He also mentioned requesting a “PG-13” performance from artists, with a “contractual obligation to limit profanity.”
Zimmerman is offering free hotel stays to neighbors who wish to avoid the noise and is committed to building a physical sound barrier.
The measures were enough for the council to approve a special permit for Tacos and Tequila and Country Rising – both scheduled for May.
Alderman Jason Craig of the Franklin Common Council said to Zimmerman, “I think you have shown a great deal of flexibility and willingness to adapt.”
Part of the vote included approving an agreement between the city and The Rock, holding the owner accountable for implementing these changes. The third-party sound expert will technically work for the city but will be paid for by The Rock, Zimmerman said in the meeting.