April 9 - 1st Annual Mid-Tennessee Pug Festival
April 7 – Daddy-Daughter Princess Ball
This daddy-daughter date night with music, dancing, pictures, chicken nuggets, horse and carriage rides, princesses and more will be at The Grove at Williamson Place (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) from 4:30–6:30 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. Thursday, April 7. Prepare to go all out and dress for the occasion! Tickets are available on eventbrite.com.
Martin Luther King III
April 7–9 – MTSU LGBT Conference Hosts Martin Luther King III
MTSU’s 2016 LGBT+ College Conference, slated for April 7–9 features presentations, strategy sessions and lectures with topics pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. A film festival will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, in the Keathley University Center Theater; Director Yoruba Richen will present her film The New Black, about African-American churches’ perspectives on same-sex marriage, followed by a moderated discussion at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 8, in the Student Union Building; and an evening with singer/songwriter Ryan Cassata will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the KUC Theater. Martin Luther King III, a man who took up his father’s mission of working to ensure equal rights for all Americans, will deliver the keynote presentation at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building. For more information, contact william.langston@mtsu.edu.
April 7 – Exchange Club Celebrity Waiters Dinner
The Exchange Club of Murfreesboro will present its seventh annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner on Thursday, April 7, at Stones River Country Club. The event will have a a country-and-Western theme this year, and will be titled Opry in the ’Boro—Back Stage Pass. The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and a live auction at 8 p.m. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Exchange Club Family Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. For information, call (615) 849-5300.
April 8 – The Boro Art Crawl
Experience some of Murfreesboro’s most talented artists at the Boro Art Crawl at various galleries and businesses throughout downtown Murfreesboro from 6–9 p.m. Friday, April 8. For more information, visit boroartcrawl.com.
April 8–10 – West Tennessee Quarter Horse Show
Witness classes such as equitation, Western pleasure, horsemanship, showmanship and more at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304-B W. Thompson Ln.) April 8–10. Admission is free. For more information, call (865) 384-5055 or visit wtqha.com.
April 9 – Paws & Pearls
Join Paws & Pearls to benefit the Beesley Animal Foundation at AnnaLee Acres in Rockvale, 5–9 p.m. Saturday, April 9, for an evening of cocktails and wine, music from Larry & Gay Pinkerton and Avent Lane, and dinner. Well-behaved leashed dogs are invited to join with dinner by Licker & Whine Pet Market and SJ’s Pet Yummies. Enjoy emcee Gerald Melton and a fashion show for humans and pets put on by Bella’s Boutique, The Boutique at StudioC, Trendy Pieces and more. The money raised at Paws & Pearls supports the various programs of the Beesley Foundation, promoting spay and neuter clinics and educational programs that stress the importance of responsible pet care in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. For more information, call (615) 217-1030 or visit beesleyanimalclinic.com.
April 9 – Adventures in Agriculture
April 9 – Adventures in Agriculture
Adventures is Agriculture at Lane Agri-Park (315 John Rice Blvd.) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, has something for all ages including hands-on activities to teach families about the impact agriculture has on our everyday lives. Children can pick up a AIA passport and take the adventure of petting farm animals, riding the trolley, planting sunflowers, making butter and more while adults talk to local farmers and gardeners about agriculture. Food donations for the Rutherford county food bank are appreciated. For more information, call (615) 944-2060.
April 9 – Perennial Plant Society Plant Sale
Purchase over 450 varieties of plants for gardens big and small and receive expert advice on choosing and growing the perfect plant from PPS gardeners at The Fairgrounds Nashville (500 Wedgewood Ave.) from 9 a.m. until noon. All profits from the sale support horticulture education and scholarships. For more details and a full plant list visit ppsmt.org. For more information, call (312) 259-6350.
April 9 – 1st Annual Mid-Tennessee Pug Festival
Join in the fun of celebrating pugs at General Bragg Trailhead Pavilion (1540 W. College St.) from 9–11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, with raffles, a curliest-tail contest, a costume contest and more family fun. Dress your pug in their best movie character costume. This event is hosted by the Murfreesboro Pug Lovers. Admission is free. For more information, visit pugfestival.com or facebook.com/pugfestival, or contact midtnpugfestival@gmail.com or (615) 956-3801.
April 9 – Combo Road Course & Cross Country
The Combo Road Course & Cross Country 4K Race benefits the Rutherford County 4-H Endowment Fund beginning at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). The first mile is a road course and the remainder will be cross-country through Lane Agri-Park’s demonstration fields, horse arena, vineyards, orchards, etc. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the race at 8:30 a.m. and awards following at 9:30. For more information, contact rvictor@utk.edu or (615) 898-7710.
April 12 – World’s Largest Square Dance Organization
Those interested in the World’s Largest Square Dance at Uncle Dave Macon Days (July 7–9) can join this communitywide organizational meeting at Bradley Museum (415 S. Academy St.) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12. For more information, visit uncledavemacondays.com.
April 14 – Southern Women’s Show Trip
Enjoy a fun day trip to Nashville/Music City Center for the Southern Women’s Show with celebrity chefs, food, fashion, music and more. $30 per person includes transportation and admission. Bus loads at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 14, from Lane-Agri Park (315 John Rice Blvd.). For more information, call (615) 898-7710.
April 15 – Cannonsburgh 3rd Friday Night Concert Series
Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy live music and dancing at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) at 7 p.m. Friday, April 15. Admission is free. For more information, contact (615) 890-0355 or shodges@murfreesborotn.gov
April 15 – Coffee with the Veterans
Join Operation Adopt a Hero at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) from 7:30–9 a.m. on the third Friday of each month for Coffee with the Veterans, an informal, social networking event designed to foster friendships between local veterans and their community. Enjoy coffee, pastries and the chance to meet and mingle with our service members and their families. For more information, call (615) 893-6565.
April 16 – Candle Wishes Family 5K
Run in the Candle Wishes Family 5K and support the foundation’s mission to share the love of Christ by celebrating the birthdays of homeless and needy children in the community. The race will be held at Gateway Island (1827 W. College St.) from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 16. The after-party cool-down includes music, food, games, face painting, door prizes and more. For more information, call (615) 275-6614 or visit candlewishesfamily5K.com.
April 16 – 3rd Annual Be Well Boro
The Junior League of Murfreesboro presents its 3rd Annual Be Well Boro fest at Stones River Mall (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.) from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, to encourage community health awareness. Local residents are invited to visit with more than 30 health and wellness vendors during this free, family-friendly event with consultations, demonstrations, children’s activities, BMI screenings, a fashion show featuring Plato’s Closet, a clothing drive, raffle prizes, music by DJ Rod Youree of the Tennessee Titans and more. For information, call (615) 896-4486 or visit stonesrivermall.com.
April 16 – 10th Annual Tour De Boro
Enjoy a beautiful day on your bike at the 10th Annual Tour De Boro, a 17, 30.9 and 64.9 mile bicycle race held by MTSU students at Barfield Crescent Park, pavilion 7 (697 Barfield Crescent Rd.) Saturday, April 16. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participants receive breakfast, lunch, a T-shirt and goodie bag with their registration. For more information, call (615) 417-0462 or find Tour de Boro 2016 on active.com.
April 16 – MTSU Textiles, Merchandising and Design Runway Show
The MTSU Textiles, Merchandising and Design program will hold its Fashion Runway Show at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Ned McWherter Learning Resources Center on the MTSU campus. The annual show highlights the many talents possessed by MTSU TXMD students. For more information, visit facebook.com/mtrunwayshow16.
April 16 – Charity Circle Patrons Party
The Charity Circle Patrons Party will be hosted in the picturesque Mirabella home of Dr. Britt and Mrs. Jan Mioton on Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m. Step into the Miotons’ courtyard garden and the greens and blues of the French countryside, and treat yourself to the farm-fresh flavors and decors of the regions at the cocktail dinner buffet. Charity Circle is a women’s organization founded in 1910 and benefits the health and welfare of families in Murfreesboro. In 2015, the organization distributed more than $305,000 to 33 local agencies. For tickets or more information, contact Joyce Taylor at joycehtaylor@yahoo.com.
April 18 – Democrats Sponsor Fundraiser for the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission
Due to concerns about the needs of homeless persons in Murfreesboro, the Rutherford County Democratic Party will hold a fundraiser for the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) with guest speaker Ed Grimes. Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission Building Fund. The Rutherford County Democratic Party opens membership meetings to provide an engaging setting where Democrats can work together to accomplish tasks, learn about the County Party’s goals and work toward solving our community problems. For more information, contact rcdpinfo@gmail.com.
April 18 – Free Kona Ice Chill-Out Day
April 18 – Free Kona Ice Chill-Out Day
No taxation without relaxation! Relax as the island-themed Kona Ice Truck gives away free shaved ice at Reeves-Sain Pharmacy (1801 Memorial Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and Smyrna Towne Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E., Smyrna) from 3–5 p.m. Monday, April 18, to help the community “chill out” on Tax Day. To learn more about Kona Ice, visit kona-ice.com or facebook.com/konaicemidtn.
April 21 – Murfreesboro Symphony Concert: Sibelius and Beethoven
Enjoy the virtuosic Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln.) at 7:30 p.m. The MSO rounds out the evening with Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major, “Eroica.” For more information, call (615) 898-1862 or visit murfreesborosymphony.com.
April 21 – The Connection, Business Networking at Mayday
The Connection: an Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming will be held from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Mayday Brewery, 521 Old Salem Rd. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small-business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. An open roundtable discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.
April 22 – Free Electronics Take-Back Event
Recycle items at Sims Recycling Solutions (417 New Sanford Rd., La Vergne) from 8 a.m.–noon Friday, April 22. Items accepted include computers, laptops, servers, copiers, printers, scanners, fax, cellphones, hard drives and speakers. Item not accepted include CRT monitors, TVs, liquids, gases, air conditioners and fridge units. For more information, call (615) 751-5812.
April 23 – 15th Annual Earth Day Celebration
Enjoy refreshments, children’s activities and live entertainment at the Murfreesboro Public Square from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, with environmental and educational booths on site. This event is free to the public. For more information, call (615) 494-0407.
April 23 – 40th Annual Pioneer Days
Enjoy cloggers, old-time music, crafters, hayrides, Harriet Tubman as played by June La Green, a blacksmith demonstration, a Murfreesboro Art League exhibit, an antique auto car show, barbecue contest and more at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, April 23. Admission is free. For more information, contact (615) 890-0355 or shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.
April 23 – Murfreesboro Lowe’s Women Build Clinic
These clinics, held at Lowe’s (1825 Old Fort Pkwy.) from 2–4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, are designed just for women to learn construction skills and get hands-on experience. Admission is free. To register or for more information, contact (615) 890-5877 ext. 106 or megan@rchfh.org.
April 23 – Stones River Mall presents Kids Club: Earth Day
Stones River Mall celebrates Earth Day with Kids Club: Earth Day from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the mall’s Center Court (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.). Children are invited to learn about recycling and composting while they plant a keepsake herb garden and create Earth Day crafts. Enjoy complimentary face painting, balloon art and more. Admission is free. For information, visit stonesrivermall.com or call (615) 995-8105.
April 23 – Todd Herendeen Concert for Relay for Life
Come out to Middle Tennessee Christian School for a Todd Herendeen Concert from 7–9 p.m. Saturday, April 23, benefiting the Rutherford County Relay for Life. Tickets are available at MTCS (100 MTCS Rd.), or are $10 at the door. The concert will include tributes to Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley and many more, plus the patriotic independent country sensation “My Name is America.” For more information, visit toddallenshow.com.
April 23 – Rockin’ to the Oldies Sock Hop
Barfield School of Dance (2298 Barfield Rd.) invites everyone to dance the night away from 7–10 p.m. for Mindful Care Adult Day Services, a program offering daily support to adults over the age of 55 who cannot be left alone. Tickets are $20 and donations are welcome. Enjoy jitterbug dance lessons and demonstrations, complimentary light refreshments and beverages, costume contests, twist-offs and dance contest with prizes. For more information, call (615) 896-3118.
April 24 – Free Food and Clothing
Free food and clothes are given away at the Oakland Park 7th Day Adventist Church (711 N. Maney Ave) the 4th Sunday of every month from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, contact ken.hreha@oaklandsparksda.org.
April 28 – Journeys in Community Living 2016 Annual Celebration and Silent Auction
Journeys in Community Living invites you to its 2016 Annual Celebration and Silent Auction from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the DoubleTree Hotel (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.), where supporters can bid on exclusive items to help benefit people with disabilities who have been served by this organization. For more information on auction items, performers and the organization, or for tickets, contact (615) 295-3046 or visit journeystn.org.
April 28 – Mike Huckabee to Speak at MTCS
Former presidential candidate and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is the keynote speaker for the 20th annual Legacy of Light Gala benefiting Middle Tennessee Christian School on Thursday, April 28. Huckabee is a New York Times bestselling author, Christian minister, former host of the No. 1 weekend show on the Fox News Channel, and a longtime radio commentator. Huckabee also served as the Governor of Arkansas for 11 years, remaining one of Washington’s most influential conservatives. The gala will be held from 5–8:30 p.m. on the MTCS campus. Click here for tickets or more information, or contact Beth Hancock at (615) 796-6584 or bethhancock@mtcscougars.org.
April 29 – Heroes Walk for Children
Join the Hometown Heroes Walk for Children at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza (110 W. Vine St.) beginning at noon and heading for the Child Advocacy Center (1040 Samsonite Blvd.) at 1 p.m. Friday, April 29. (Transportation to return to the square is available). For more information, call (615) 867-9000.
April 29–30 – Razzle Dazzle Magic Show
The Middle Tennessee Magic Club will present the 25th edition of “The Razzle Dazzle Magic Show” on Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30, at 7:02 p.m. at the Center for the Arts. Performers in the show include Dr. Gary Flegal, Jeff Mullins, Gene Cunningham, David Scott and Logan Peterson with Tom Gibson (a charter member of the club) serving as master of ceremonies. There will even be magicians performing in the lobby of the Center before the show. For tickets, call (615) 904-ARTS or visit boroarts.org/tickets. The Center for the Arts is located at 100 W. College St., Murfreesboro. The Middle Tennessee Magic Club is the Sam Walkoff Ring, the Murfreesboro chapter (number 252) of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the largest fraternal organization of magicians in the world; for more information on the group, visit IBMring252.com or facebook.com/IBMring252.
April 29–30 – Dixie Line Days
April 29–30 – Dixie Line Days
Railroad enthusiasts of all ages, from the advanced scale modeler to the Thomas the Tank Engine fan, will converge in Wartrace on Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30, for the fourth annual Dixie Line Days train show. The event, sponsored by the Dixie Flyer hobby shop, brings together hundreds of fans of miniature electric trains as well as those of the huge behemoths that ply the rails through downtown Wartrace every day courtesy of CSX Transportation. All events will take place within walking distance of downtown Wartrace. For more information, call (800) 465-0448 visit dixieflyertrains.com or email jerry@dixieflyertrains.com.
April 30 – Ugly Duckling Ball
The Ugly Duckling Ball, benefiting the Charity Circle, is slated for Saturday, April 30, at Stones River Country Club. The four-course black-tie dinner will feature meats, cheeses and breads the discriminating Parisian palate would appreciate. Following the dessert course, partygoers will enjoy the sounds of the Erik Blue Band. Charity Circle is a women’s organization founded in 1910 and benefits the health and welfare of families in Murfreesboro. In 2015, the organization distributed more than $305,000 to 33 local agencies. For tickets or more information, contact Joyce Taylor at joycehtaylor@yahoo.com.
May 1 – Rutherford County Animal Group
Rutherford County Animal Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, at The Block. The group aims to make the community aware of local homeless and shelter animals, and the meetings are a time to brainstorm and to connect rescuers with other rescuers. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Block is located at 123 SE Broad St. For more information, email rutherfordcountyanimalgroup@gmail.com.
Tuesdays in April – RADWomen Self-Defense Training
RAD Women is a 12-hour personal safety and self-defense training class offered by the Murfreesboro Police Department at no charge throughout April on Tuesdays at 521 Mercury Blvd. or on Thursdays at the Public Annex Building training room (324 S. Church St.), from 5:30–8:30 p.m. For more information, call (615) 895-3874.
Saturdays in April – Bicycle Tours of the Stones River National Battlefield
Join a ranger for a free 90-minute bicycle tour of the Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) at 9 a.m. each Saturday. For more information, please call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
