Through April 23 – Youth Volleyball League Registration
The Murfreesboro Youth Volleyball League is a summer volleyball league for beginners, advanced players and club teams. Practices are once a week at either Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro), McFadden Community Center (211 Bridge Ave.) or Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.), with matches on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Participants play a seven-week season and conclude with a tournament. Registration is ongoing through April 23 at Sports*Com, McFadden Community Center and the main parks office at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). Ages 8-17 are welcome. Weekly practices are held throughout May with games beginning in June. The fee is $75 per player (includes game jersey). For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or athletics@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 1–May 14 – Basketball League Registration for ages 15–17
Youth ages 15–17 can compete in an organized basketball league Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 or 7:30 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). Players participate in recreational but competitive basketball games that help increase skill and ability while having fun. The league consists of seven weeks of regular season games followed by a single elimination tournament. Each team has one game a week with two officials, two scorekeepers and a coaching staff provided. Teams are drafted by coaches and the league follows all TSSAA rules. Registration is April 1–May 14, and league play begins in June. The fee is $75. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or jteichman@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 2 – Spring Break Kayaking Day
Celebrate spring break with a float trip Friday, April 2, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Begin with an introduction on safety and technique followed by an easy-to-moderate paddle on Percy Priest Reservoir (3737 Bell Rd.). All equipment is provided. Parents are welcome to join; space is limited to 10 people total. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Transportation is not provided. Bring water bottle, sunscreen and a sack lunch. Ages 16–19 are welcome. The cost to join is $15. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 3 – Easter Bunny at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room
Visit the Easter Bunny at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) on Saturday, April 3, from noon–5:30 p.m. Take pictures while savoring treats for the kiddos and wine for the adults. For more information, visit bigcreekwinerytennessee.com/big-creek-winery-tasting-room, find Big Creek Winery Tasting Room on Facebook or call 615-785-2124.

April 3 – Easter Egg Dyeing
Calling all grandparents! Dye Easter eggs using food coloring and foam shaving cream Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). In collaboration with St. Clair Senior Center, this messy, fun activity gives grandparents recreational time with their grandchildren. While the eggs are drying, enjoy other fun-filled activities (eating the Easter eggs is not allowed). All age groups are welcome; all participants must be accompanied by an adult. Due to COVID restrictions, pre-registration is required. Admission is $5. For more information, contact 615-893-2141 or efaye@murfreesborotn.gov, or 615-848-2550 or cbaldridgemartin@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 5 – MTSU Blood Drive
Hop into MTSU’s spring blood drive on Monday, April 5, and help a neighbor by donating blood. The spring 2021 blood drive, sponsored by the MTSU Red Cross Club student organization, is set from noon to 6 p.m. at North Boulevard Church of Christ (1112 N. Rutherford Blvd.). The church is opening its gymnasium for an MTSU community blood drive for the fourth time since the campus’s pandemic-related capacity restrictions. North Boulevard’s generosity has thus far helped MTSU welcome 421 donors to three community blood drives and potentially save 1,263 neighbors’ lives as a result. Each unit of donated blood can help up to three patients. Each donor will receive a T-shirt, and donors ages 16 to 24 are eligible to win prizes including $1,000 e-gift cards and a trip for four to the 2022 Indy 500. Donors can make an appointment for April 5 by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999. Walk-in donors also are welcome.

April 5–10 – Food for Fines
Pay your overdue fines at the Rutherford County Library System with canned goods from your pantry during National Library Week (April 5–10). Get rid of fines and help your neighbors at the same time. All donations benefit the Nourish Food Bank in Rutherford County. Each can waives $1 in fines. Please bring only new, unopened cans within expiration date. If you don’t have fines, you can still make a food donation. Charges for lost or damaged items or referral fees cannot be waived. To find out if you owe any fines, visit rclstn.org and login. For more information, call 615-893-4131.

April 6 and 7 – Spring Grapevine Wreath
Embrace the season of crafting by making grapevine wreaths (part of the Spring Design Series) on Tuesday, April 6, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., and Wednesday, April 7, from 6–8 p.m. at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). These lovely wreaths feature a natural look that is the perfect base for creative masterpieces. Embellish them with dried and silk flowers, wax fruit, ribbons and fabrics to turn them from simple brown wreaths into colorful concoctions of magnificence. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Call 615-893-2141 to register or contact efaye@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 6 and 24 – Wildflower Hike at Barfield
April is a wonderful time for wildflower walking. Meet at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) for a leisurely 1.5-mile walk through the woods Tuesday, April 6, and Saturday, April 24, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. View beautiful spring blooms and discuss wildflower identification and natural history. Registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 8 and up are welcome; admission is free.

April 8 – Table Talks, How Bulimia Saved My Soul Book Signings
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes several local authors for a book signing Thursday, April 8, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations was a co-written by Michael DeLeon, Shaina Marie Afful and Darla DeLeon, and published by Heron Publishing in January 2020. Welland Andrus wrote How Bulimia Saved My Soul, published by Trilogy Christian Publishing in September 2020. The goal of Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations is for parents to have meaningful conversations every day with their children in a distraction-free zone. The book provides over 365 three-minute conversations regarding topics such as drugs and addiction, sex education, relationships and friendships, goal setting, defining who they are and who they want to become in life, treating others with respect, and how to take a stand when they witness or encounter bullying. There are also 96 family field trip ideas. In How Bulimia Saved My Soul, Welland Andrus, a recovered bulimic himself, tells the story of Larry, a high school senior who finds himself coping with bulimia after his life takes a sudden turn. How Bulimia Saved My Soul is the first Christian fiction novel in the “eating disorder” genre. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

April 10 – Willie McGowan Fish Fry and Bake Sale
Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (511 Mercury Blvd.) hosts its annual fundraiser in honor of Willie McGowan, known as “The Father of B.A.H.A.” This year enjoy a fried fish sandwich and a sweet treat at the drive-up fish fry and bake sale on Saturday, April 10, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Prices vary by item. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 10 – Machine Falls Hike
Collect your thoughts in nature with a hike through Machine Falls on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m.–noon. Machine Falls is located at Short Springs Natural Area (200 Short Springs Rd., Tullahoma). This 4.5-mile hike is rated moderate due to steep inclines, slick rocks and loose gravel. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Transportation is not provided. Ages 13 and up are welcome; the cost is $8 per person. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 10 – Black Murfreesboro Market
Black Murfreesboro Market is held one Saturday each month from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. April 10 through Oct. 9. The Market was created to help black-owned businesses launch and thrive while bringing the community together. A variety of vendors include bath and body, clothing, accessories, hair and beauty supplies, jewelry, cosmetics, home goods and an array of food trucks. Enjoy shopping and eating to the sounds of local DJs. All are welcome. April’s market is at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). For more information, visit blackmurfreesboro.com.

April 10 and 24 – Eco Printing
Learn about a beautiful and unique artistic medium known as eco-printing while at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Saturdays, April 10 and 24, at noon. Use resources foraged from the forest or garden to create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home and display. Space is limited to 10 participants; registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 10 and up are welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $3 per person.

April 11 – Jeep Day at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room
Do you own a Jeep, want to own a Jeep, like Jeeps or have friends that own Jeeps? Come out and celebrate spring with the first Jeep Day of the year at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) on Sunday, April 11, from 2–6 p.m. For more information, visit bigcreekwinerytennessee.com/big-creek-winery-tasting-room, find Big Creek Winery Tasting Room on Facebook or call 615-785-2124.

April 11 and 25 – Spring Spectacular Hike and Picnic
Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a guided hike along a portion of Barfield’s Marshall Knob Trail and the Rocky Path Trail (approx. 2.25 miles) Sundays, April 11 and 25, at noon. Discover beautiful landforms and springtime vegetation, and keep your eyes and ears open for signs of local wildlife. These trails are moderately difficult, covering gradual inclines and declines, crossing crevices, rocky terrain and raised tree roots. Stop along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch and share personal discoveries and inspirations from the trail. Wear appropriate attire, pack a lunch and feel free to bring binoculars, a walking stick or a nature journal. Space is limited; registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 13 and up are welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $3/person or $10/family.

April 13 – Tree-ology
Trees give us oxygen, fruit, wood and toilet paper. Learn what the layers are inside the tree trunk, what are buds and leaf scars and how a tree functions and does all the amazing things it does. Hit curriculum standards while having fun. Ages 7 and up are welcome on Tuesday, April 13, at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent park (401 Volunteer Rd.) from 10 a.m.–noon. The cost to join is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 14 – Cultural Arts Pop-Up
Join Cultural Arts Murfreesboro the second Wednesday of the month at the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) for an opportunity to get creative. Preschoolers can create a craft and learn something new on Wednesday, April 14, from 11 a.m.–noon. There is a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited to 10, so sign up early or take a chance and show up. The class repeats itself a second time each pop-up day. Ages 5–17 are welcome. The cost is free. For more information, contact lbrowning@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 15 – Crafters’ Exchange Consignment Sale
The annual Crafters’ Exchange Consignment Sale is a one-of-a-kind consignment sale in Middle Tennessee. Find thousands of supplies and materials for all types of crafts and hobbies at great bargain prices and all under one roof on Thursday, April 15, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Admission is free and open to the public. Proceeds benefit the MTSU Student Food Pantry. Bring items from the food pantry wish list (mtsu.edu/foodpantry) to drop off at the sale and receive an entry into a door prize drawing for each item you donate. For more information, visit crafters-exchange.com.

April 16 – Spring Kickoff 2021
Get outside, meet with friends and family and support local businesses while enjoying craft vendors, food trucks, live music by Breaking Grass, local artist displays and a petting zoo Friday, April 16, from 5–8 p.m. at the Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Food trucks include Cousins Main Lobster, Dough Box Pizza and Deezie’s Hot Chicken. For more information, find the Fountains at Gateway Spring Kickoff 2021 event on Facebook or visit fountainsatgateway.regfox.com/spring-kickoff-2021-application for more information about becoming a vendor.

April 16 and 17 – Wooden Welcome Porch Signs
Continue the Spring Design Series using recycled wood from a local pallet company to design rustic, 58-inch “Welcome” porch signs. These stained, hand-painted, one-of-a-kind signs are the perfect way to welcome guests. Join the class Friday, April 16, or Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). Ages 16 and up are welcome. The fee is $20. Contact 615-893-2141 or efaye@murfreesborotn.gov to register.

April 17 – Home Builders Association Fishing Tournament
The Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee hosts its Annual Fishing Tournament on Saturday, April 17, at the Twin Creeks Marina (91 Slip-A Way, Winchester). Activities include a fishing tournament, breakfast, lunch, drinks and a cornhole tournament. For more information, visit hbact.info.

April 17 – BBB Shred Day
BBB hosts Secure Your ID Day, sponsored by Max Shred, on Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m.–noon (or until the shred truck is full) in the parking lot of Planet Fitness (1954 Old Fort Pkwy.). The Rotary Club of Murfreesboro collects nonperishable food, toiletries (body wash, deodorant and toothbrushes) and bicycles to restore in support of Greenhouse Ministries. For more information, contact jprice@gobb.org.

April 17 – Mt. Juliet Community Yard Sale
Kick off your spring cleaning and get rid of things at Mt. Juliet’s Community Yard Sale on Saturday, April 17, from noon–7 p.m. (300 Mundy Memorial Dr., Mt. Juliet). The cost is $20 per booth and includes 2 parking spots. For more information, find the Mt. Juliet Spring Community Yard Sale on stayhappening.com.

April 17 – Spring Hike to Burgess Falls
Join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on an easy-to-moderate hike to Burgess Falls (4000 Burgess Falls Dr., Sparta) to experience stunning falls and beautifully carved cliffs on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Transportation is not provided. Ages 10 and up are welcome. The cost is $8 per person. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 17 – Storybook Breakfast
The Storybook Breakfast, presented by Murfreesboro Medical Center Pediatrics and ENT, is a fabulous way to get the family out while maintaining social distancing and supporting a good cause. Visit Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village (312 S. Front St.) on Saturday, April 17, and enjoy photo ops with beloved children’s literature characters, an Imagination Library story time and take-away crafts and breakfast goodies for picnic-style meals on the grounds or at home. Funds benefit the Rutherford County Imagination Library Books from Birth program, which provides a book each month to all children from birth through age 5. Some seating is provided; however, families are encouraged to bring a blanket and folding chairs. Enjoy breakfast items from Chick-fil-a and Dunkin’ Donuts; seatings for the breakfast are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person, with a $60 household maximum, and can be purchased at yourlocaluw.org/storybook.

April 17 – Dinosaurs of the Americas
Visit the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a program about dinosaurs that once called the Americas home on Saturday, April 17, at 3 p.m. Cover what paleontologists know about the range and life histories of a few dinosaurs that once called North, Central and South America home. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 18 – DIY Bug Hotel
Relocating unwanted insects, snails, and other bugs in our gardens to a bug hotel is a wonderful alternative to using pesticides as well as a kind and nurturing way to teach children Earth stewardship. Attend a class at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Sunday April 18, at noon to create bug hotels to take home and proudly display. Space is limited to 10 participants; registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov. All ages are welcome. The cost is $3.

April 23 – Exploring the Arboretum
Celebrate Earth Day at the Historic Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m., as Ashley Kite-Rowland from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council teaches everyone about the beautiful arboretum and the beauty of trees. See and touch different bark, leaves and seed pods while exploring the grounds and discovering fun facts about the trees. Make a special take-home craft to remember Earth Day 2021. Admission is $10 per person. For more information, call 615-459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org/family-nights-at-the-museum.

April 23 – Adult Kayak Float
Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring on the water with Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on Friday, April 23, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. Kayaks, paddles and life vests are provided. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The cost is $15 per person. The location is determined the week of the float based on water conditions. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 24 – Murder Mystery Escape Game
Assemble a team and solve the mystery at the Murder Mystery Escape Room on Civic Plaza (111 W. Vine St.) on Saturday, April 24, from noon–5 p.m. Teams of detectives have 30 minutes to find the hidden clues and solve challenging puzzles before the case goes cold. Groups of 1–4 can reserve a slot by contacting 615-642-3170 or hbelcher@murfreesborotn.gov. Space is limited; ages 10 and up are welcome. The cost is free. For more information, contact 615-642-3170 or hbelcher@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 25 – Arts in April
Arts in April is a free admission annual event at Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) on Sunday, April 25, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., that celebrates the diversity of Tennessee through performing and visual arts. Visitors of all different ages can experience the arts through the cultural lens of local artists who share their unique heritage with performances and hands-on activities. Performances and activities engage all audiences regardless of age, income, background or ability. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit explorethedc.org.

April 26–28 – Little Rangers Mini Camp
Take part in Kids First Nature Camp April 26–28, from 9–11:30 a.m., at Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). This is a great opportunity to ease children into camp and school environments and let those with older siblings attend a camp of their own. Stories, songs, snack-time and lots of outdoor time fill each morning. A guardian must stay with their child. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Ages 3–4 are welcome (with some flexibility). The cost is $30. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

April 27 – Rutherford County Spring Job Fair
Rutherford Works presents a Rutherford Country Spring Job Fair outdoors on Tuesday, April 27, from 3–6 p.m., at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Smyrna Parking Lot (663 Ken Pilkerton Dr.). This event is free to employers and includes one 8-foot table and two chairs. Set up is from 1–2:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Registration confirms that your organization has available employment opportunities in Rutherford County and can publicize those positions during the duration of the event. For more information or to register, visit web.rutherfordchamber.org/events.

April 30 – Hometown Heroes Walk for Children
The Child Advocacy Center celebrates Child Abuse Prevention Month with the sixth annual Hometown Heroes Walk for Children on Friday, April 30, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (registration begins at 10:45 a.m. with speakers at 11:30 a.m. and the walk at noon). Complimentary shuttles run from the Child Advocacy Center to the event kick-off from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Civic Plaza (111 W. Vine St.) and concludes back at the Child Advocacy Center (1040 Samsonite Blvd.). For more information, visit cacrutherford.org.

March 31–April 2 – Mess Fest!
Kick off spring at the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.), where mess = success! Get creative and messy with free outdoor activities such as making oobleck, elephant toothpaste and more. For more information, visit explorethedc.org.

Wednesdays – Paper Flower Craft
Participate in a gorgeous paper-flower making class with Kathy Wallace Wednesdays, April 7, 14 and 21, from 10–11 a.m., at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). This is a simple, fun and easy way to learn how to decorate for parties. All ages are welcome. The cost is free. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

Wednesdays – Sports*Com Adult Basketball League
The Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) Adult Basketball League is a great way for adult athletes to stay in shape, socialize and play. The league offers full-court games with trained officials one day per week. Teams interested in participating in the league can call 615-907-2251. A list of interested individuals is kept, and efforts are made to help individuals find a team. Games begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays in April. The cost is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact mccafferty@murfreesborotn.gov.

Wednesdays – Outdoor Wild Things
The Wild Things program is back Wednesdays in April but temporarily outdoors unless under 45 degrees. Sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk. There is a different nature theme each week. Registration is required the day before by contacting 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 1–4 are welcome at 9:30 a.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Please call the Tuesday before to register. The fee is $3. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

Thursdays – Guardians of the Greenway
Help keep the Greenway clean for the plants, animals and people that love it on Thursdays in April from 9–10 a.m. Pickers, gloves, and trash bags are provided. Volunteer hours can be signed off on. All ages are welcome and admission is free.
April 1 – Southridge Boulevard
April 8 – Cason Lane
April 15 – Broad Street
April 22 – Overall Street
April 29 – Barfield Road
For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

Thursdays – Make Bird Feeders
If you love wildlife, join this spring activity with the Cannonsburgh staff in making bird feeders to bring various species of birds into your backyard. Meet at the Visitor Center (312 S. Front St.) for classes on Thursdays, April 8, 22 and 29 at 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person and all supplies are provided. Dress appropriately for the weather. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

Thursdays – Youth Volleyball Class
Bump, set and spike it at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) as qualified coaches give instructions on every aspect of the game on Thursdays in April from 4:30–6 p.m. From beginners to advanced, youth volleyball players develop and refine skills in both practice and game situations. Class is limited, so call 615-907-2251 the day before or day of class to reserve a spot. Ages 8–15 are welcome. The fee is $3 per visit. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or shull@murfreesborotn.gov.

Fridays through April 16 – Spring Book Club
Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) to discuss a section of Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac each Friday in April (through April 16) from 6–7 p.m. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov.

Fridays – Greenway Walks
Walk the Greenway and observe the wonders of the natural world found in Murfreesboro on Fridays in April from 9–10 a.m. Call 615-217-3017 for help locating one of the trailheads. All ages are welcome. Admission is free.
April 2 – Thompson Lane Trailhead
April 9 – Southridge Boulevard Trailhead
April 16 – Fortress Rosecrans Trailhead
April 23 – General Bragg Trailhead
April 30 – Barfield Road Trailhead
For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

Saturdays – Animal Encounters
Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a short program introducing one of the education animals on Saturdays in April at 1:30 p.m. Learn about the animals’ cool adaptations and natural history. All ages are welcome; admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

Sundays in April – Creek Stompin’
Go creek stompin’ at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) Sundays in April at 3 p.m. Meet at the River Overlook in Barfield (a two-mile round-trip walk on the paved trail) and see what critters can be found hanging out in the Stones River. Shoes are required in the water. Nets and critter keepers are provided. Feel free to bring towels and snacks to make a day of it. All ages are welcome. The cost is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.