Throughout July – Movies Under the Stars
Bring the family for a fun night of Movies Under the Stars throughout the summer at various Murfreesboro locations on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Concessions are available for purchase. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs. Movies begin at 8:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free for all ages. For more information, find the Movies Under the Stars: Patterson Park event on Facebook, call 615-893-7439 or email lwright@murfreesborotn.gov. Text MOVIE to 38276 to be notified of movie cancellations.
Schedule:
Week of July 5 – Luca (No Movie July 4)
Week of July 11 – Raiders of the Lost Ark
Week of July 18 – The Incredibles
Week of July 25 – Back to the Future
Locations:
Mondays (and Tuesday, July 5) – Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.)
Thursdays – Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park (515 Cherry Ln.)
Fridays (rain or shine)– Patterson Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
Saturdays – Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.)

July 5–21 – Free Self-Defense Course
MTSU Police are offering and teaching a three-week Rape Aggression Defense Systems course this summer free of charge to female MTSU students, faculty, staff and community members age 13 and up. Courses run July 5–July 21 and consist of twice weekly training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. The RAD course teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques to women, providing both risk awareness, reduction, recognition and avoidance education along with hands-on, physical defense instruction and practice. Participants are asked to commit to all of the sessions to receive proper training. No previous experience is required. To register, visit mtsu.edu/police/RAD.php or email rad@mtsu.edu.

July 7 and 21 – Splash Out!
Cool down under the spray from a fire truck on Thursday, July 7 at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) and Thursday, July 21 at Old Fort Pkwy. (1024 Golf Ln.), from 1:30–3 p.m. There is no cost for local children to participate; adult supervision is required. Pack your sunscreen and towel, and wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. For more information, email shicks@murfreesborotn.gov.

July 8 – Family Nights at the Museum: Firefly Watch
Learn how to communicate back and forth with fireflies on the grounds of the Historic Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) on Friday, July 8, at 7 p.m. Dr. Steve Murphree teaches how to use your flashlight to understand these beautiful insects. Pre-purchased tickets are required; Admission is $10 for ages 2 and up. For more information, visit samdavishome.org and find Visit Us – Special Events Calendar. For further information, call 615-459-2341.

July 10 and 11 – Hamlet Auditions
Auditions for Hamlet (directed by Connie Downer) at The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) are Sunday, July 10, and Monday, July 11. Auditions are separated into three time slots depending on the character. Only primary roles will be read at auditions, so if you only wish to be considered for ensemble roles, you still need to select a primary role that most closely matches your age and read for it. You do not need a British accent for these auditions. For more information on audition time slots and character bios, visit boroarts.org and find Auditions, or email hamletcfta@gmail.com.

July 11 – 100 Women Who Care Meeting
The local chapter of 100 Women Who Care gave away over $16,500 this past quarter. The 100 Who Care Alliance National Conference was held in Nashville in April, and as a conference sponsor, the local chapter had a special opportunity to enter Rutherford County nonprofits into a drawing. Isaiah House 117 Rutherford County was awarded $10,000 and Doors of Hope received $500. The chapter itself raised over $6,000 this quarter, presented recently to Amelia’s Closet. Since 2020, 100 Women Who Care Rutherford Country has given back over $53,000 to the community. The third quarterly meeting is Monday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m. at Redstone Federal Credit Union (2404 Medical Center Pkwy.). Help support the Nourish Food Bank by donating non-perishable food items. Networking is from 5:30–6 p.m. with presentations and voting from 6–7 p.m. You do not have to be present to give, but you do have to be present if you want to vote. To RSVP, find 100 Women Who Care-Rutherford County on Facebook, or email rcwomenwhocare@gmail.com.

July 11 and 25 – NASP Murfreesboro Networking Event
The Nashville Association of Sales Professionals hosts its Murfreesboro networking event the second and fourth Monday of each month (July 11 and 25) in the Burger Bar Restaurant in The Doubletree by Hilton (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.) with networking starting at 11 a.m. and the meeting at 11:30 a.m. NASP is a professional nonprofit organization that provides a positive forum for skill enhancement training and networking for career sales people. Learn how to become a more polished and successful sales professional by improving your presentation and enhancing your people skills. Everyone from new sales professionals to seasoned road warriors are invited to attend. For more information, visit nashville-nasp.org.

​​July 12 – Peggy O’Neal Peden Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) will host local author Peggy O’Neal Peden for a book signing on Tuesday, July 12, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Peden signs and sells copies of her books Your Killin’ Heart, Gone Missin’, and her newest release, Flyin’ Solo, published by Severn House. Flyin’ Solo is the third installment of Peden’s Nashville Mystery book series. It follows the story of travel agent Campbell Hale. Attending her high school reunion, Hale isn’t looking for love when she runs into her high school sweetheart, Franklin Fly Young. Her date, homicide detective Sam Davis, might have stood her up, but he does have an excuse: there’s a murder to investigate. Peden currently lives in Nashville, but was born in Smyrna, and was an early cardholder at Linebaugh. She has a long history and love for RCLS libraries, as her father was on the committee to help develop the Smyrna Public Library. Her first novel, Your Killin’ Heart, was a St. Martin’s Best First Traditional Mystery. Peden is also a member of the Nashville Artist Guild. Books will be sold for $28.99 each. Cash or checks are accepted. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

July 13 – Living Sent Murfreesboro
Living Sent Murfreesboro will hold its July meeting on Wednesday, July 13, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.) featuring guest speakers Susan Gulley and Judy King. Budget Blinds of Murfreesboro will provide a complimentary lunch to all who attend. Living Sent Ministries inspires and equips business leaders to live out their Christian faith all week long and to help build the Kingdom. RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

July 13 – Roger Day’s Family Concert
Roger Day’s Family Concert is a free concert in the park for all ages on Wednesday, July 13, from 10 a.m.–10:45 p.m. next to Kids’ Castle (275 Golf Ln.). Bring lawn chairs and blankets for grass seating. Roger Day performs award-winning, original children’s music that tickles the imagination with infectious tunes, rhythms and inspiring characters. Day’s music makes kids laugh and think, inspiring each child to discover his and her own talents, giving flight to the imagination. Day has been writing and performing for over 20 years. He plays over 200 concerts every year from major festival stages and performing arts halls to small rural schools and libraries. He is an approved Dove Family Foundation artist and multiple Parents’ Choice Gold Award winner. For more information, call 615-672-3723 or email rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.

July 14 – All Access Night at Discovery Center
All Access Nights are a time for special-needs families to enjoy the Discovery Center’s exhibits (502 S.E. Broad St.) in a sensory-friendly environment. Come out and experience the hands-on, environmental, cultural and educational museum on Thursday, July 14, from 5–8 p.m. All Access Nights are free, but reservations are suggested. The night is sponsored by SEC, Inc. For more information, visit explorethedc.org and find Things to Do – Calendar, or call 615-890-2300.

July 14 – Holocaust Education Day
MTSU hosts its Holocaust Education Day, geared towards local area high school teachers, on Thursday, July 14. The theme for this year’s internationally recognized event is “Learning from the Holocaust,” and features both in-person and virtual activities. Sessions are led by many influential speakers such as Dr. David Deutch of the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Jerusalem and Jeff Gernsheimer, whose family’s escape from Nazi Germany was detailed in the 1967 major motion picture Voyage of the Damned. Sara Granitza, director of Christian Friends of Yad Vashem, collaborates with MTSU faculty, Rutherford County teachers, Tennessee Holocaust Teaching Fellows and other participants to learn how to integrate Holocaust studies into various curriculum activities. In addition, the Tennessee Holocaust Commission exhibition, “Living On” will be on display. The featured speaker is Ken Gluck, education coordinator for the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. Director of International Education and Training for Yad Vashem Dr. Noa Mkayton speaks virtually at the conference. The afternoon program includes presentations by members of the so-called “second generation,” who will share stories of their parents who survived the Holocaust and found refuge in the United States. All activities take place in the College of Education building at MTSU campus (1756 MTSU Blvd.) from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Later this year, MTSU host the 14th Biennial Conference on Sept. 22–23. The Holocaust Studies program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, visit mtsu.edu/holocaust_studies/education-day.php.

July 15 – Rutherford County Veterans Community Center Ribbon Cutting
Come out to the Rutherford County Veterans Community Center (439 Rice St.) on Friday, July 15, for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting featuring raffles and prizes at 11 a.m. There is no cost. All donations support the Rutherford County Veterans Comment Center. For more information, visit rutherfordvetcenter.com or find Rutherford County Veterans Community Center on Facebook. For further information, call 615-601-7784 or email info@rutherfordvetcenter.com.

July 15 – Golf Tournament for Riverdale Cheer Team
Support a Warrior and adopt a Riverdale High School cheerleader to support in its upcoming fundraising efforts. With high hopes for the upcoming season, community support is important as well as money raised through fundraising activities and donations. Donations help RHS cheerleaders support the community at games, competitions and other events and also affects their future choices such as college, careers and future families in this community. The Annual RHS cheerleader Golf Tournament is Friday, July 15. For information on sponsorship, email lexismith2006@outlook.com.

July 15 – Everybody Drum Some Community Rhythm Event
Everybody Drum Some founder Ross Lester said he was so pleased and inspired by the June community rhythm event at Old Fort Park that he wanted to continue the series. Those who would like to join their neighbors in some drumming can plan to do so the third Friday of each month at least through October 2022 at Old Fort Park. The next session will kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 15. The July 2022 Everybody Drum Some Summer Community Rhythm Event kicks off at 6 p.m. at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro between the playground and outdoor tennis courts. In the event of rain, Lester plans to move the sessions to the fellowship hall of St Patrick’s Anglican Church, 7103 Baker Rd., Murfreesboro. Check the Everybody Drum Some Facebook page or text or call Lester at ‪615-631-7458‬ for updates. There is no cost to participate in the community rhythm sessions, and people of all ages are invited to come join the drumming or to spectate. Participants can bring drums, shakers, tambourines, wood blocks or percussive instruments of any type, but even those who have no instrument may come out and use one from the extensive Everybody Drum Some collection. To learn more about Everybody Drum Some, visit everybodydrumsome.com.

July 15–17 – Murfreesboro Antiques Show and Sale
The 55th Annual Murfreesboro Antiques Show and Sale returns with dealers from over 20 states with something for everyone at the Mid-TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.) on July 15 and 16 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and July 17 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. An award-winning crystal and glass repair specialist will be onsite, so bring in that family heirloom that is chipped or cracked and get it repaired. The day will offer family-friendly and air-conditioned fun with Americana, art glass, pottery, china, estate jewelry and more. Admission is $7 for all three days. For more information, visit murfreesboroantiqueshow.com or email murfreesboroantiques@gmail.com.

July 16 – Artist Meet & Greet with Annie Furr
Quinn’s Mercantile (301 N. Spring St.) welcomes Annie Furr for a Meet & Greet on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m.–noon. Furr is one of the local in-store artists and illustrators who creates prints, stickers and cards. Come support local Murfreesboro artists. There is no cost. For more information, visit quinnsmercantile.com and find Events, or call 615-318-4247.

July 16 – Oaklands Mansion’s Annual Summer Party
Oaklands Mansion hosts its annual Summer Party on Saturday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Maney Hall ballroom (900 N. Maney Ave.). Uncle Bud’s serves their famous southern fried chicken and catfish, Murfreesboro Wine and Spirits features a full bar and signature summer cocktails are hand-crafted by Prichard’s Distillery. The local band Quarterlife brings love and kindness through the chillness of lo-fi hip-hop and jazz. A ticket purchase or sponsorship helps support the mission of preservation and education. Tickets are $100. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org and find News + Events.

July 16 – Drake’s Barber Shop Customer Appreciation
Drake’s Barber Shop (1117 Memorial Blvd.) celebrates its 50th anniversary with a customer appreciation event from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. The celebration includes food from the award-winning Veterans Pork Pullers, as well as a large adult bounce house called The Hulk, music from a DJ and a small car show. For more information, call ‪615-497-2906‬.

July 16 – Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival
The Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival kicks off its inaugural event this year on Saturday, July 16, at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy shopping, musical performances, games and some of the best Hot Chicken in the ’Boro. Hot Chicken Artisans compete for the favor of local residents for the following awards: People’s Choice, Best In The ’Boro, Hottest of the Hot and Most Creative. Admission is free. Grab a People’s Choice ticket for $25, which includes a sample tender from each hot chicken artisan, milk, and 1 ballot. For more information, find the Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival event on Facebook and Eventbrite.

July 16 and 30 – Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturday Nights
Show off your car, listen to music and meet new friends at Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturdays, July 16 and 30, from 4–8 p.m. at River Rock Baptist Church (2248 Highway 99). The Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club hosts the day featuring music, door prizes and games for the kids. Parking is a $1 donation to charity. Concessions are provided by the RRBC Youth Groups. Everyone is welcome. For more information, find the Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturday Nights event on Facebook, or call 615-405-5271 or 615-556-0547.

July 17 – Hops and Shop
Join the fun at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) and shop exclusive items from Everyday Lady while having a beer with friends on Sunday, July 17, from 3–6 p.m. Sip, shop and try on clothes with a chance to win a $50 Everyday Lady gift card. For more information, visit shopeverydaylady.com.

July 20–28 – Blue Raider Blitz
MTSU Athletics will once again host the Blue Raider Blitz, a summer caravan that will blanket the mid-state, July 20–28. The Blitz will be a way for fans of all ages to engage with Blue Raider football as the team prepares for the 2022 season. Members of the football coaching staff and a few head coaches from other sports will be at each location. Like last summer, the Blue Raider Blitz will stop at seven locations over four days, seeing hundreds of fans each day. Season ticket information, posters, contests, prize giveaways and appearances by the spirit squads and Lightning will highlight the events. Stay tuned to goblueraiders.com for information on how to RSVP for free food and drinks. The 2022 Blue Raider Blitz schedule includes:

Wednesday, July 20
12–1:30 p.m. @ Franklin | Party Fowl
6–8 p.m. @ Nashville | The Listening Room

Thursday, July 21
12–1:30 p.m. @ Manchester | Boskey’s Grille at Willowbrook Golf Course
6–8 p.m. @ Smyrna | Lee Victory Park

Monday, July 25
12–1:30 p.m. @ Mt. Juliet | The Pub – CP Between the Lakes
6–8 p.m. @ Shelbyville | Bedford County Courthouse Square

Thursday, July 28
6–8 p.m. @ Murfreesboro | Cannonsburgh Village

July 21 – The Connection at Carmen’s Taqueria
Carmen’s Taqueria will host the July 2022 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. 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. Carmen’s is located at 206 W. Northfield Blvd.

July 23 – Dewdrop Jamboree
The Dewdrop Jamboree makes a great place to enjoy some local community music-making in Murfreesboro. Presented by the American Musical Arts Group, the series of Dewdrop Jamboree productions aims to showcase, preserve and promote American styles of music. The Jamboree is promoted as family-friendly and features a variety of music styles—classic country, bluegrass, gospel, rock and blues, just to name a few. July 23 performers include Larry Martin, Pat Roden, Teresa Camp, Danny Bell, Hal Newman, Melissa Lemay, Rhonda Tenpenny, Allen Karl, Buddy Baker, Macy Tabor and Hunter Lott. Dewdrop Jamboree is held several times a year; following the Saturday, July 23, show, which kicks off at 6 p.m., organizers plan upcoming installments on Sept. 24 and Nov. 5 at the Washington Theatre in Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit amagroup.org.

July 23 – Taste of Rutherford
Main Street Murfreesboro’s annual fundraiser Taste of Rutherford is at Oaklands Mansion (901 N. Maney Ave.) on Saturday, July 23, from 7–9 p.m. Funds raised help Main Street Murfreesboro carry out its mission to maintain and enhance the historic downtown as the heart of the community. A $100 VIP ticket includes a VIP area with private VIP bar, two drink tickets, Tasty Table and Jo’s Custom Cakes catering, access to food vendors, a craft beer garden wristband, special entertainment and access to inside Oaklands Mansion. A $50 general admission ticket includes two drink tickets, live music performed onsite and access to over 30 local restaurants’ tastings. The Craft Beer Garden offers tastings of over 10 local craft breweries. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/tasteofrutherford.

Aug. 5 – Friday Night Live Concert with Mixtape
The Main Street Friday Night Live Concert Series is on the historic Murfreesboro square on Friday, Aug. 5, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Bring a chair to see Mixtape and enjoy supper from one of the food trucks onsite or at one of the downtown restaurants. This is a free family concert. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/friday-night-live.

Mondays – Connect Murfreesboro
Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do, as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20 minutes at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events.

Tuesdays and Fridays – Rutherford County Farmers’ Market
The Rutherford County Agricultural Extension Cooperation presents a producer-only farmers’ market in the indoor/open air community center at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). The RCFM is open through the last Friday of October from 7 a.m.–noon every Tuesday and Friday. Market vendors hail from over 20 Middle Tennessee counties and sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more. “Come & Go” informative sessions are open to the general public every market day from 9–11 a.m. in the lobby. Topics range from sustainable gardening, cooking, food preservation and environmental education. The Master Gardeners of Rutherford County are available from 9 a.m.–noon in the demonstration garden for questions and tours. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmers-market, call 615-898-7710 or 615-785-0862 or email hlambert@utk.edu.

Wednesdays – Boro 2 Square Running Group
The Boro 2 Square running group meets at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group welcomes runners of all paces looking to get out and run and socialize with other runners. Normal run distances are between 3 and 5 miles. Participants are welcome to hang out and socialize at Mayday following the run. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Wednesdays – Wild Things at the Wilderness Station
Let the smaller among us get in touch with their wild side at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Wednesdays in July from 9:30–10:30 a.m. and 10:45–11:45 a.m. Sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk while focusing on a different nature theme each week. The cost is $3 per child. Pre-registration is required by calling 615-217-3017 the day before. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov.

Fridays – Friday Night Market in the Boro
The 2022 season of the Friday Night Market in the Boro is back each Friday through Oct. 7 at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 5–9 p.m. Select from the best food trucks in Rutherford County while supporting small and local businesses. Bring the entire family to enjoy food, shopping, music and community fun. Follow Friday Night Market in the Boro on Facebook for updates or find Friday Night Market in The Boro 2022 on Eventbrite.

Saturdays – Murfreesboro Saturday Market
Main Street Saturday Market in downtown Murfreesboro is a weekly farmers market on the Murfreesboro Public Square every Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon through the end of October. Spend the day with real farmers, real food and real community. For more information, find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

Saturdays – Smyrna Depot Farmers Market
Carpe Artista hosts the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market in partnership with the Town of Smyrna. The 2022 season runs until Sept. 17 from 8 a.m.–noon at the Historic Smyrna Front Street Depot District (98 Front St.). For more information, call 615-984-4038 or visit carpeartista.com/farmers-market.

Ongoing – Liberty’s Station Collecting American Flag Images from Local Photographers
Flag photography can be a rewarding subject to explore with a camera. From single flags to multiple flag displays, it can challenge the photographer both creatively and technically to capture meaningful images that tell the stories of patriotism. Liberty’s Station—a Murfreesboro organization whose mission is serving individuals with employment obstacles through meaningful job training and placement by developing their God-given potential—now offers an opportunity for photographers to share their most unique, successful images of the American flag and to have their work recognized and published in Liberty’s Station United States Flag book. The submission period will run through Sept. 7, 2022. Visit libertysstationtn.org and click on Liberty’s Station Flag Project to submit images and to review the official rules regarding the submission of images.

Ongoing – Head Start Enrollment
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency is currently enrolling for its Head Start, Early Head Start and Pre-K programs, which provide free learning activities for children up to 5 years old. Enrollment means individualized education, health and dental screenings, development assessments, parent involvement, parent trainings and meetings, and family support services for all students. For more information, call 615-742-1113 ext. 7510 for Murfreesboro Head Start or Early Head Start, ext. 7520 for Murfreesboro pre-K, or ext. 9410 for North Rutherford or home-based Head Start.