Saturdays & Sundays in May (and May 27) – Tennessee Renaissance Festival
Travel back to 16th-century England at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival Saturdays and Sundays in May (and May 27) from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (2124 New Castle Rd.). The Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace featuring over 60 skilled artisans from all over the country displaying their wares from silks to swords and from gems to jewels. Enjoy the flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks while hearing the sounds of Renaissance musicians and merrymakers. Color, movement and peals of laughter welcome those who thrill to the challenges of Games of Skill and Man-Powered Rides. Parking is free, and there is free admission for children aged 5 and under. Only cash is accepted for food, beverages, rides, games and souvenirs. For more information, visit tnrenfest.com.
May 3 – Discovery Center’s Shakesbeer
Discovery Center hosts its 7th Annual Shakesbeer event Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.). Enjoy theatrical performances by Murfreesboro Little Theatre, M-PROV and Inebriated Shakespeare, along with a variety of local and regional craft brews to sample. Event participants include Bow and Fiddle, Cedar Glade Brews, Cousins Maine Lobster, Emerald Abbey, Green Dragon and many others. Tickets are available at explorethedc.org/shakesbeer. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more information, contact 615-890-2300.
May 4 – Re-Invintage
Join Re-Invintage (427 River Rock Blvd.) for a Spring Pop-Up Market Day on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy dozens of local vintage pickers, handcrafters, artisans, food trucks, door prizes and specials inside and outdoors. For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page or reinvintagehome.com. Contact 615-617-5632 or reinvintagellc@gmail.com.
May 4 – Free Comic Book Day
Celebrate the 5th Annual Free Comic Book Day with Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This national event centers on popularizing comic book culture and early literacy initiatives. Get comics and prizes while enjoying movies, music, cartoons, popcorn, balloons and games. Cosplayers attend, so wear a costume and bring a camera. Last year, the event attracted more than 1,000 people. This year, the event overlaps with Star Wars Day, so many of the library’s offerings center on the popular movie franchise. The event is system-wide, with activities at Linebaugh Public Library, Smyrna Public Library, Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library, MGL Library and the Technology Engagement Center. For more information, call 615-893-4131, or visit rclstn.org or freecomicbookday.com.
May 4 – Bark in the Park
Bring the whole family, including the furry ones, to enjoy a walk around Barfield Park at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) Saturday, May 4. Meet at 9 a.m. and walk as far as the dogs (or humans) want to (leashes required for non-human walkers). For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or mbass@murfreesborotn.gov.
May 4 – Spring Fest
Big Creek Winery Tasting Room and Miller’s Grocery will present Spring Fest on Main Street in downtown Christiana on Saturday, May 4. The event begins at noon and will feature local vendors of all sorts, live music, food from Miller’s Grocery (eat there or carry out and enjoy a picnic), tastings of Big Creek Wine and more fun. David Cathro will kick off the music, followed by Travis Cox at 3 p.m. and Lane Shackelford at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the festival. For more information, find an event page for Spring Fest, or the page for Big Creek Winery Tasting Room, on Facebook.
May 4 and 5 – Beginner Backpacking
If you want to try backpacking for the first time, come out May 4 & 5 for an easy group trail hike leading to the striking Greeter Falls in South Cumberland State Park. The first day’s hike travels through shady woodlands with crystal clear mountain creeks. Stay overnight at a back-country campground near Greeter. On day two, hike on a scenic gulf rim trail to one of the most beautiful vistas in Middle Tennessee, Stone Door. Cost is $30 per person. The fee includes transportation and instruction. Gear rentals are available at no extra charge. All participants must attend the pre-trip meeting April 25 at 6 p.m. Space is limited, and reservations are required by contacting 615-217-3017 or amullins@murfreeborotn.gov.
May 5 – Mid State Iris Show
The 2019 Mid State Iris Association Iris Show comes to the Boys & Girls Club (820 Jones Blvd.) on Sunday, May 5. If you are an iris grower and would like to enter cut stalks, entries are welcomed from 7–10:30 a.m. Containers and entry tags are provided. You do not have to be a member of the organization to participate. The show opens for visitors at 1:30 p.m. For the first time ever, potted iris plants are available on site for sale. For more information, contact rtgphil@gmail.com.
May 5 – Aromatherapy Bracelet Workshop
Join Float Alchemy (131 Cason Ln.) Sunday, May 5, for an Aromatherapy bracelet workshop just in time for Mother’s Day. Diana Rosage Riley (Essentials by Design) teaches how to create a one-of-a-kind aromatherapy bracelet to use with essential oils. One-on-one consultations help you decide which oil to create the feelings you desire to carry with you every day. Bring a friend, mother, daughter, someone you love or just yourself. A fee of $25 includes all materials, a great selection of beads, a sample of essential oil and a 20% discount on any selection of kombucha. Water, soft drinks and tea are provided with BYOB. Tickets can be purchased on the Aromatherapy Bracelet Workshop Eventbrite page or the Float Alchemy Facebook page. For more information, call 615-933-1116.
May 6 – Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Join Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, Patterson Park and Regan-Smith Association on Monday, May 6, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center, Meeting Room A and B (521 Mercury Blvd.) for an open house presenting final recommendations of the MPRD Master Plan. Consulting firm Ragan-Smith Associates presents the plan which helps guide the direction of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation through 2035. For more information, contact 615-890-5333 or nwilliams@murfreesborotn.gov.
May 8 – Living Sent Ministries Meeting
Join Living Sent Ministries for the next meeting, Wednesday, May 8, with Lisa Hooks as the application speaker at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.) from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Hooks is a Christian counselor, certified Christian life coach, talk show host and professional speaker who empowers entrepreneurs to establish business success through God’s biblical plan. Angela Braach also shares her God story. Braach grew up on a dairy farm in Lascassas, which would give her a unique perspective as a realtor of Maples Realty and Auction. Braach is a public speaker, storyteller and an advocate for those with disabilities. RSVP at bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.
May 9 – First Look Screening
This one-hour screening features exemplary student work in the fields of film-making, live television production, animation, interactive media and photography put on by the Department of Media Arts in the College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU. Mr. Jason Padgitt, Executive Director of the Nashville Film Festival, hosts the event at the historic Belcourt Theatre (2102 Belcourt Ave., Nashville). Doors open at 6:45 p.m. with the screening at 7 p.m. A catered reception follows the screening. Industry professionals, MTSU alumni, Media Arts students and their families are invited. RSVP is not required but is appreciated at media@mtsu.edu. For more information, contact tom.neff@mtsu.edu or 615-898-2203.
May 10 – Connections Senior Fair
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation will host a Senior Fair on Friday, May 10, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). Nonprofits and businesses present the senior population with information on a variety of topics. The first 200 visitors receive a complimentary logo bag. For more information, contact cbaldridgemartin@murfreesborotn.gov or lgrissom@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-848-2550.
May 10 – Barfield Beach Party
Over 60 tons of sand make a lot of sandcastles at the Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Friday, May 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy the beach, Murfreesboro-style, with music, dancing, games and activities for all ages. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or athletics@murfressborotn.gov.
May 10 – Style The Boro! Fashion Show
Join the Paul Mitchell the School-Murfreesboro at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) on Friday, May 10, from 6–8 p.m. for a night of food, fun and fashion benefiting Stepping Stones Safe Haven. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or a Style The Boro Facebook Event Page.
May 10 – Garden Lovers Club Plant Sale
The Garden Lover’s Club features a plant sale at Central Christian Church (404 E. Main St.) on Friday, May 10, from 1–3 p.m. Get plants from members’ personal gardens and useful items for gardeners and floral designers such as pots, driftwood and mechanics and ideas of design creations. Purchase baked goods and homemade arts and crafts while members discuss planting and growing instructions and techniques. For more information, call 615-400-7419.
May 11 – Backyard BBQ Fest
Family and friends are invited to celebrate BBQ at the 6th Annual Boro BBQ Festival on the historic grounds of Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 12–4 p.m. Smell that smoke, join in a rib-eating contest and watch some of the top cookers in Middle Tennessee compete in the KCBS-sanctioned Dr. George Smith BBQ Brawl. This event annually attracts several thousand visitors to a day of family fun and adventure. Beerfest Tickets are $40 and feature unlimited 4-ounce pours of craft beer. All profits benefit the community to support special projects by the Murfreesboro Breakfast Rotary Club. The club also presents a special Swine and Wine Dinner on May 10. For more information, visit backyardbbqfest.com.
May 11 – Smyrna Library Art Pop-Up
Join the Smyrna Artist Co-op for the Spring Pop-Up Show at the Smyrna Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m.–noon. View art, mingle and meet other local artists and library patrons. Smyrna Artist Cooperative is a group of local artists whom meet monthly to collaborate on all things creative. Follow them on Facebook for local art events.
May 11 – Yoga at the Island
Yoga is a great way to wind down and focus on improving your balance and flexibility, especially in nature. Beginning and intermediate levels ages 13 and up can meet at the Gateway Island and Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of every month for a free yoga session. Yoga focuses on improving your balance and flexibility, while at the same time reducing stress. For more information, contact bjohnson@murfreesborotn.gov.
May 11 – Wartrace Strawberry Festival
Celebrate the arrival of spring and all things strawberry on Saturday, May 11, in the historic railroad town of Wartrace. Stroll the downtown area, lined with quaint shops, homemade food from cooks like The Pickin’ Chicken and craft vendors. Vendor space is available. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Wear your favorite strawberry-themed costume. The Strawberry Bake-Off commences at 12:30 p.m. All entries must be homemade and strawberry-themed. Prizes for both “Best Tasting” and “Most Presentable” are awarded. For more information, call 931-240-0300 or visit wartracechamber.org/strawberry-festival.
May 11 – Kayaking to Fancher Falls
Enjoy lake wildlife while you paddle across the deep, blue Center Hill Lake to the hidden 80-foot Fancher Falls on Saturday, May 11. Depart from the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) at 8 a.m. Bring a camera; once arriving at Center Hill, a short hike is required to reach the falls. Transportation and kayaking gear are provided. Reservations are required. Packing list includes: snacks, water, sunscreen, bathing suit (if you want to swim), towel and a change of clothes. All participants (ages 12 and up) must fill out an Outdoor Trip Form at least 10 days prior to trip. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or amullins@murfreesborotn.gov. Cost is $15.
May 14 – Business After Hours
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will present its May Business After Hours event at City Tile & Floor Covering, 223 S. Spring St., from 5–7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. Bring plenty of business cards to this informal social networking event designed to connect you with business professionals from across Rutherford County. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for future members.
May 16 – The Connection
Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at City Cafe, 113 E. Main St. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. A 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.
May 17 and 18 – Cannon County Good Ole Days
The Cannon County Senior Center and the Good Ole Days Committee invite everyone to Cannon County Good Ole Days May 17 and 18. The Senior Center has been hosting the Good Ole Days for the past 14 years. All proceeds from the event directly fund the activities and assistance that the Center provides to senior citizens in Cannon County. Enjoy music, pageantry, food and fun. For more information, visit cannoncountygoodoledays.com.
May 18 – World Turtle Day
Discover ways to increase turtle conservation around the world and celebrate the shelled friends at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Saturday, May 18, from 3–5 p.m. Participate in the World’s Slowest Hike and stop at turtle stations to learn about the different species that inhabit our planet. Enjoy live music, local vendors, activities, crafts, live animals, games and puppet shows. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.
May 18 – Pub & Grub River Cleanup
Join the Murfreesboro Greenway on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for a effort to help keep our rivers clean. Meet at the Cannonsburgh Trailhead for two hours of hardcore litter removal from Lytle Creek. Experienced boaters are welcome to bring kayaks for mid-creek and far-shore litter removal efforts. Afterwards, hop over to Mayday Brewery and enjoy one beer on the house and free pizza from Sami’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (for the first 20 participants). Contact khopkins@murfreesborotn.gov to sign up.
Beginning May 20 – Nature Rangers Camp
This week-long camp for little adventurers ages 4–5 years old is a great opportunity to explore nature, as well as ease into camp or school environments. Each day incorporates a different theme and begins with a story at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) from 9–11:30 a.m. The rest of the morning is filled with outdoor exploration and play, snack time and crafts. A parent or guardian must stay with each child. Space is limited. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmoss@murfreesborotn.gov. Cost is $50.
May 24 and 31 – Sunset Paddle Boarding
Enjoy time with friends new and old while spending a relaxing evening paddle boarding on the Stones River on Fridays May 24 and 31 at 5 p.m. Even if you haven’t paddled, this program is great for beginners. Reservations are required; for adults only. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov. Cost is $15.
May 25 – Adult Kayak Float
Float down the cool, meandering Stones River and forget about the hustle and bustle of city life beginning at Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. Enjoy the company of new and old friends while appreciating the river experience and enjoying wildlife, birds and spring wildflowers. All equipment and instruction provided. Space is limited and reservations are required; for adults only. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.
May 25–27 – Healing Field
The Noon Exchange Club of Murfreesboro honors the American Legion’s Centennial as they post 850 U.S. Flags at the 11th Annual Field of Honor (265 W. Thompson Ln.) May 25–27. Memorial Day is a time to remember the service and sacrifice of veterans who have made up the American Legion for one hundred years. Witness a grassy field filled with U.S. flags flying in the field harnessing a sense of healing and optimism made possible through donations, sponsorships and the efforts of dedicated volunteers. For more information, visit healingfield.org/murfreesboro.
May 27 – Memorial Day Madness
Enjoy a day of swimming, music, fun and prizes at Boro Beach at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) Monday, May 27, from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for youth and seniors. Pass holders pay $3 for adults and $2 for youth and seniors. For more information, contact 615-895-5040 or csaffel@murfreesborotn.gov.
May 30 – Springapalooza at St. Clair
May is Older Americans Month, and St. Clair Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) celebrates Springapalooza Thursday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Enjoy fun games, healthy snacks and prizes. For more information, contact 615-848-2550 or kherod@murfreesborotn.gov.
June 1 – ’Boro Bites and Brews
Come out for a Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival at ’Boro Bites and Brews on Saturday, June 1, from 6–9 p.m. at MMC. Tickets are $35. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass, samples of the best in craft beers and spirits, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. Delicious food from the trucks is available for purchase. For more information, visit borobitesandbrews.com. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass, samples of the best in craft beers and spirits, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages.
June 1 – Simply Smyrna
Enjoy five music stages, food trucks, a kid zone and family friendly art and business vendors at the Historic Depot District (98 Front St., Smyrna) on Saturday, June 1, from 6–10 p.m. For more information, visit carpeartista.com.
Mondays in May – Book Discussion Group
All readers reading any sort of reading materials (sci-fi, drama, westerns, romance, adventure, etc.) are welcome to attend this open Book Discussion Group on Monday, May 13, from 9–10 a.m. at the St. Clair Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.). Discuss the reasons why you picked a specific book and what you got out of reading it. For more information, contact 615-848-2550 or kherod@murfreesborotn.gov.
Mondays in May – Tumbleweeds
Kids ages 3–5 learn the basic techniques of tumbling along with improving their balance, coordination, and overall fitness level at Sports*Com Aerobic Room (2310 Memorial Blvd.) from 10:15–11 am. Call on the morning of class to reserve your spot; space is limited. For more information, call 615-895-5040. Cost is $3 or a Facility Pass.
Tuesdays in May – Victim Assailant Opportunity
Remove the Foundation of Opportunity and R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) provides “Basic Physical Defense for Women Only” Tuesdays in May from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Murfreesboro Police Headquarters (1004 N. Highland Ave.). Participants should attend all four dates. Learn Risk Awareness, Risk Reduction, Rick Recognition, Risk Avoidance Strategies and Self-Defense Techniques in empowering women to escape abduction or sexual assault attempts. Class size is limited to 25 students; all participation is voluntary, but attendance is important. For more information, find the Murfreesboro TN Police Department on Facebook.
Tuesdays in May – Guardians of the Greenway
Explore the Greenway while helping the Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation keep it beautiful. Each week, meet at a different trailhead at 10 a.m. for a naturalist-led cleanup. Participants who come to at least four cleanups receive a free Guardians of the Greenway T-shirt. Supplies are provided. For all ages, contact 615-893-2141 or khopkins@murfreesborotn.gov.
Tuesdays in May – Turtle Searches
Whether you are a junior scientist, senior scientist, animal lover or interested citizen, researchers join the Nickajack Wetlands all Tuesdays in May from 3:30–5:30 p.m. to continue the box turtle study in Murfreesboro. These lovable reptiles are losing ground and listed as a species of concern in Tennessee due to habitat loss and being taken as household pets. Ages 8 and up can be a part of a research team to collect data on this important species and make a difference. This is an off-trail experience in the woods; please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots. Bug spray and drinking water are recommended. This program can also be scheduled for small groups, clubs or scouts. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.
Tuesdays in May – Social Ceramics
Learn different techniques for painting on ceramics at the St. Clair Street Senior Center, Rm R406 (325 St. Clair St.), Tuesdays in May. Price includes piece, paint and firing. Instructor Vivian Karros accepts cash, checks and credit cards. For more information, contact 615-848-2550 or kherod@murfreesborotn.gov.
Tuesdays – Heart of Tennessee Toastmasters
The Heart of Tennessee Toastmasters is an international organization devoted to helping others advance their communication and leadership skills. Through participation in a variety of roles at each meeting, learn better listening skills, critical thinking, goal setting and public speaking. Meet at 7 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month at Keller-Williams Realty (450 St. Andrews Dr.). For more information, visit heartoftennessee.toastmastersclubs.org.
Wednesdays – Boro2Square Runners
Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.
Wednesdays in May – Wild Things – Welcome to the Wilderness!
Welcome to the wilderness Wednesdays in May at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) from 9:30–10 a.m. Children ages 1–4 learn the wonders of nature in this fun-filled class. Each week the adventure starts with unique songs and a discussion about the animal of the week. Topics are reinforced with a simple craft and a nature hike or fun activity. Registration is required. Please call the Tuesday before class to register at 615-217-3017 or contact outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov. Cost is $3 per person.
Wednesdays – Writers Group
The Murfreesboro Writers Group, comprised of local writers who seek to improve their work through mutual critique, meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. You might hear science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery, literary fiction, or more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Writers Group on Facebook, email sayhello@murfreesborowritersgroup.com, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.
Thursdays – Chess Club
The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St. Chess players of all levels are invited to come meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, call 615-713-9256 or email murfreesborochess@gmail.com.
Saturdays in May – Animal Encounters
What is that thing crawling, slithering, sliding, flying and hopping across the trail—or even in your backyard? Each week, look at one of the resident education animals for a mini-lesson of animals that call Tennessee home. All ages are welcome. Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday for this free program. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.
Saturdays in May – Stained Glass Workshop
Beginner and intermediate levels are invited to learn how to make a copper foiled stained-glass window sun-catcher in this four-week workshop at St. Clair Senior Center, Rm R406 (325 St. Clair St.). Materials are provided for beginners. Space limited to 8. For more information, contact 615-848-2550 or kherod@murfreesborotn.gov.
Saturdays and Sundays in May – Meditation and Yoga
Come to a half-hour guided meditation at Hop Springs to learn how to use meditation as a tool to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, lengthen attention span, reduce age-related memory loss, help fight addictions, improve sleep, help control pain and decrease blood pressure, Saturdays and Sunday in May from 10–10:30 a.m. No experience needed. Cost is $5. From 10:30–11:30, enjoy a harmonized yoga sequence that includes long holds and dynamic movement. Class flows through sun salutations and varying poses that strengthen and open the body while focusing on breath and mindfulness. All ages and levels are welcome. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early. Please bring your own mat, although extras are available. Yoga only is $12; yoga and beer is $15. Registration for either is not required but encouraged. For more information, visit hopspringstn.com/yoga.
Saturdays – Historical Society Opens Ransom School
The Rutherford County Historical Society invites everyone to visit Ransom School (717 N. Academy St.) Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.–noon to discuss history while enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring old photos and memorabilia, and leave with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, your past. Volunteers needed. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.
Ongoing – Al-Anon
Attend Al-Anon meetings, a fellowship program for the families and friends of alcoholics, weekly at 435 S. Molloy Ave. (off of Bridge Ave.). Meeting times include 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays; 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and noon on Saturdays. For more information, contact 270-293-5201.
