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’s ’80s tribute 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.

Aug. 7 – Movie Trivia with Brainiac
Brainiac Trivia will present a special movie trivia night at The Warehouse (730 Middle Tennessee Blvd.) beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7. The event will focus on movies from the 1980s to today. Local artists Ryan Frizzle and Meagan Armes will both be on hand selling their original artwork. For more information, find Brainiac Trivia on Facebook or email musictreeentertainment@yahoo.com.

Aug. 9 – Rutherford Cable Meeting
The theme for the August breakfast meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 9, is “Pandemic, Purpose & Panic: One Woman’s Survival Guide.” The meeting is at the Doubletree Murfreesboro (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.), with a virtual zoom option, from 7:15–9 a.m. This conversation centers around authenticity, conscious leadership and the need for transparency to survive these times. Nancy Youssef, a recovering corporate executive, shares her story involving Fortune 1000 companies, an award winning start-up, and leadership in the not-for-profit world to address her personal challenges, social stigmas and disruption. As a daughter of immigrants and a female founder, Youssef weaves together her culture and life lessons to inspire and guide all women seeking solace. Youssef currently serves as chief business development officer for Soles 4 Souls, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Nashville. She is also founder and President of Curves with Purpose and is an adjunct professor of fashion entrepreneurship and retail management at Belmont University. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and grab a card from the basket on the way out. For more information, visit cablemembershipdirectory.wildapricot.org or email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

Aug. 9 – Tennessee Trails Association Meeting
The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of the Murfreesboro chapter will be on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 7–8 p.m. at Barfield Crescent Park Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Road). For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org or call or text 615-971-8894.

Aug. 11 – Linebaugh Hosts Local Author Warren Gill
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) hosts local author Warren Gill for a book signing on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Gill will be signing and selling copies of Cane Creek Days, published in October 2021. Cane Creek Days is the memoir of a boy growing up on a farm near Petersburg, Tennessee, and illustrates the kind of farming life that no longer exists. It takes place among the fields, small towns, bridges and dusty roads through which winds the beautiful, life-sustaining stream called the Little Cane Creek. Gill shares about growing up in the 1950s; he hopes to preserve for modern readers the lessons he and his community learned and how they survived without the technological tools that modern farms use today. Gill, who retired after a career as an educator, including time as a researcher and professor at MTSU and UT with his primary focus on animal husbandry, lives on a farm near Petersburg. Books are $20 for hardback and $15 for paperback. Learn more at warrengillbooks.com.

Aug. 11 – Summer Cocktails & Appetizers
Shaken or stirred? Come out to The Curious Kitchen (327 E. State St.) for a cocktail party on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6–9 p.m. In this three-hour class, a skilled mixologist teaches how to whip up famous cocktails while creating an array of delicious appetizers. Afterwards, you will be prepared to throw your own cocktail party. The menu includes naan flatbread with fontina and mushrooms, fresh ceviche with corn chips and more, and cocktails include watermelon mojito and a lavender lemon drop. All participants must be at least 21. For more information, visit thecuriouskitchen.net.

Aug. 11 – Discovery Center All Access Night
Don’t miss the fun at the next All Access Night on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 5–8 p.m. at Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.). Your little paleontologist will “dig” learning more about dinosaurs and exploring fossils. All Access Nights are a time for special-needs families to enjoy the Discovery Center’s exhibits in a sensory-friendly environment. The event is free, but reservations are suggested. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/allaccess or call 615-890-2300.

Aug. 11–12 – MTSU Career Closet Clothing Drive
Middle Tennessee State University’s Alumni Office and the Career Development Center have teamed up for a clothing drive to restock the MTSU Career Closet. The inaugural Career Closet Extravaganza will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 11–12, with clothing drop-off at the MTSU Alumni House (2263 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). Donors may use the visitor parking spaces to drop off items. The Career Closet is part of MTSU’s Career Development Center, located in Keathley University Center. Thanks to MTSU alumni, faculty, staff and local community, the Career Closet has professional attire available at no cost for students seeking their first internship or job interview. Students may acquire one full outfit each school year from the closet. While all donations are welcome, high-need items include women’s blouses, plus-size clothing, blazers without shoulder pads, and belts. Men’s items needed include tall and size 28–32 waisted slacks. For questions about the Career Closet, email kim.collins@mtsu.edu or call 615-898-5467. The Career Development Center offers a myriad of online and in-person services to help students find the right job. Learn more at mtsu.edu/career.

Aug. 12 and 13 – A Few of My Friends
The Annual AFOMF Gathering is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12 and 13, at the Hilton Garden Inn (1335 Conference Center Blvd.). The women’s gathering begins with speaker and founder Patricia Douglas at 7 p.m. on Friday and continues Saturday with prophet Janet Wells at 9 a.m. and evangelist Lisa Hooks at 2 p.m. This is the event’s fourth year of existence, and this 2022’s gathering will be “digging up treasures of darkness and hidden riches in secret places.” Enjoy musical guest Shelley Massey and vendors The Closet Experience and Kaylee Boutique. Lunch is provided. The cost to join the weekend is $50. For more information, visit worldcovenantministriesinternational.org or find AFOMF (A Few of My Friends) Annual Gathering on Eventbrite.

Aug. 13 – Depot District BBQ Festival
Join Smyrna Parks and Recreation’s Annual Depot BBQ Festival on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Depot District (98 Front St., Smyrna) from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy BBQ vendors, live music and family fun. There is no entry fee. For more information, find the Depot District BBQ Festival event on Facebook or Eventbrite. For vendor information, visit townofsmyrna.org or call 615-459-9773.

Aug. 13 – Purple Paws Movie Day, DC League of Super Pets
Join Premiere 6 Theatre and Team George Weeks in supporting Purple Paws as Premiere 6 (810 NW Broad St.) shows DC League of Super Pets on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. Admission is $10 per person and also covers a small popcorn and drink. Get there a little early to check out the pet-themed swag table. For more information, visit murfreesboromovies.com.

Aug. 13 and 27 – Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturday Nights
Show off your car, listen to music and meet new friends at Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturdays, Aug. 13 and 27, 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.

Aug. 16 – Empty Spaces Create Places Project
Rutherford County Arts Alliance is in search of 20 local artists to paint panels with abstract forms, colors and themes that represent landmarks that make Rutherford County special. Artists will be provided with a panel and paid $50. Panels will be sealed and assembled in collage fashion into a temporary mural to be hung at Walnut House. Artists will pick up panels and instructions at Walnut House on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. Deadline for finished panels will be Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. Panels will not be returned. Those interested in participating can email gtogrye@bellsouth.net by Aug. 12.

Aug. 18 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the August 2022 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18. 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. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

Aug. 18-Sept. 18 – Nashville Shakespeare Festival Presents Gem of the Ocean, Cymbeline
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival works with Kennie Playhouse Theater again to bring two exciting plays to Middle Tennessee: August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, both led by strong female characters with a lot of heart. Cymbeline runs Aug. 18–21 and Sept. 4–5 and 10–11 at oneC1TY Nashville, near Centennial Park, a vibrant urban community using sustainable design features with abundant green spaces and a community lawn for enjoying the outdoors, music, art and theater. Gem of the Ocean runs Aug. 25–28 and Sept. 1–3 and 8–9. Both plays will be staged in Franklin at Academy Park (120 Everbright Ave., Franklin) Sept. 15–18. The events are free with a suggested $10 per-person donation. Each evening begins with food vendors at 5:15 p.m., an “Insight” talk at 5:30 p.m., a pre-show concert at 6 p.m. and main performance at 7 p.m. VIP Royal Packages are available which include reserved seating, parking and dinner. For more information, visit nashvilleshakes.org/shakespeare-in-the-park.

Aug. 18-27 – 2022 Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair
The 2022 Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair returns Aug. 18–27 at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon) with 10 stages of entertainment and over 150 events and competitions including livestock shows, motor sports, bluegrass competitions, talent shows, clogging and square dancing, hypnotists and ventriloquists, yard and garden art, a scarecrow contest, jump and run derby, a banana pudding contest, fruits and vegetables, a flower and plant show, state 4-H & FFA events, winemaking, home brewing and more. This year’s headlining concert is Highway 96 with the Cedar Creek Boys opening. Other shows include The Voice alumni Kenzie Rose and Ethan Lively, and Grammy award winner Charlie McCoy. This year’s theme, “95 Reasons to Celebrate Tennessee,” was chosen to spotlight every county in Tennessee. Each county is asked to showcase itself by setting up an exhibit on what it is known for. The focus this year will be “Year of Hay.” Gates open weekdays at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sunday at noon. For more information, visit wilsoncountyfair.net.

Aug. 19 – Everybody Drum Some Community Rhythm Event
Everybody Drum Some founder Ross Lester will continue the community rhythm event series at Old Fort Park the third Friday of each month, at least through October 2022. For those who would like to join their neighbors in some drumming, the next session 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, woodblocks or percussive instruments of any type, but instruments will be available for use from the extensive Everybody Drum Some collection. To learn more about Everybody Drum Some, visit everybodydrumsome.com.

Aug. 21 – Blue Raider Fan Day
Fan Day will kick off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the MTSU Floyd Stadium. MTSU football fans can gather on the field of Floyd Stadium for an afternoon full of fun prior to the 2022 football season. This event will give Blue Raider fans the opportunity to meet players and coaches, get autographs, pick up 2022 posters and schedule magnets, play on the inflatables, get to know Blue Raider sponsors and enjoy live music. Fans can purchase season tickets onsite and the Blue Raider Athletic Association will also be set up to answer questions and sign up new members.

Aug. 21 – Car and Truck Showoff
Bring your friends and family for an afternoon at the Car and Truck Showoff at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) on Sunday, Aug. 21, from 3–6 p.m. All cars and trucks are welcome! Show off your ride, listen to great music, enjoy delicious food and purchase wine for both the event and to take home. Everything will be local. The Table of Cuba and musician Lane Shackelford join the event. For more information, call 615-785-2124.

Aug. 25 – Bloom Stage: Lessons Learned
Join the next Bloom Stage collaboration on Thursday, Aug. 25, with Lesson Learned: Fables to Folklore and Forces of Nature at Walnut House (116 N. Walnut St.) beginning at 6:30 p.m. with wine and light refreshments and the show at 7 p.m. The theme is inspired by fables related to the times when we should’ve known better. Lesson Learned: Fables to Folklore and Forces of Nature features the poems and stories of Nick Bush, Sidney Blaylock, Lindsay Farrier and many others. Enjoy music from Cassie Sistoso, visual art by Dawna Magliciano and a live art performance by Gregory Lannom. There will also be two open mic segments, so sign up for a slot and prepare a maximum 4-minute piece to share on theme. Bloom Stage is a quarterly event that brings a blend of storytelling, poetry, music and art to the Murfreesboro stage at Walnut House. Admission is free thanks to a sponsorship by Shannon Wheeler and Kara Kemp. Donations are accepted.

Aug. 25–27 – La Vergne 50th Anniversary Carnival
The City of La Vergne is excited to host a carnival at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.) as a part of the city’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Crescent City Amusements will be set up from Thursday, Aug. 25 through Saturday, Aug. 27. Admission times are 6–10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday from noon–10 p.m. Enjoy the day with classic foods like hot dogs, funnel cakes, cheese curds, candied apples and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Experience the midway rides like the carousel, Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl and swing. In honor of the city’s 50th anniversary, the city provides vouchers for 250 armbands to citizens before the event. Each armband is good for four hours of unlimited rides at the carnival and will be distributed through raffle selection. La Vergne residents are given priority. Entries can be submitted by visiting lavergnetn.gov; the deadline is Friday, Aug. 12. Armbands will be available for purchase at the carnival for $20.

Aug. 27 – Discover India Day (Free Day)
Visit the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) to “travel” to India on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Families can take pictures in front of the Taj Mahal, go on a Gandhi walk, make Raksha Bandhan friendship bracelets and more. There is no cost. For more information, visit explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.

Aug. 27 – MLT Awards and Oaklands Membership BBQ
The Murfreesboro Little Theatre 60th Season Awards Ceremony, in tandem with the Oaklands Mansion’s membership barbecue, will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, from 5:30–9 p.m. at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). Join friends, neighbors, Oaklands and MLT members alike for an evening of BBQ, libations, live music and performances on the grounds of historic Oaklands Mansion. You do not have to be a member to attend, but reservations are requested. Enjoy Whitt’s BBQ on the front lawn of historic Oaklands Mansion, a native tree arboretum and natural wetlands. Julie’s Bartending Service provides an open bar. A performance of Who Killed John Bell? A Bell Witch Experience, written by Jess Townsend, will follow the awards ceremony and brief membership meetings. The event is free, but a donation of $25 per person is recommended for non-members. Donations are accepted both at the door and in advance. Income from the membership meeting helps fund maintenance and preservation of Oaklands Mansion. Please bring your own chairs and blankets. Dogs are permitted, but must remain on a leash at all times. For more information, visit mltarts.com and find Upcoming Events, and visit oaklandsmansion.org.

Aug. 27 – August Sip & Shop
Come out to the Avian Glen Winery (2545 Almaville Rd., Smyrna) on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., for an outdoor event featuring local vendors, food trucks, wine and giveaways. The night is family friendly and fun for all ages. Admission to the event is free. For more information, find the August Sip & Shop event on Facebook.

Aug. 30 – Murfreesboro Technology Council Social
“Network. Engage. Envolve.” with the Murfreesboro Technology Council. The MTC invites the public to a social networking event on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 5:30–7 p.m. at Jonathan’s. To RSVP, visit murfreesborotechnology.com and find Events Calendar. If you have an idea that you think would make the Murfreesboro Tech Council great, email info@murfreesborotechnology.com.

Sept. 2 – CrawlTunes
The Boro Art Crawl continues its associated activities, including CrawlTunes on Friday, Sept. 2, at The Abbey (215 N. Church St.). It kicks off at 7 p.m. featuring the smooth jazz of trumpet player Fredrick Weathersby in an encore performance. Each CrawlTunes and CrawlTalks event is a free celebration, open to the public, and includes reception cheeses and wine. The Boro Art Crawl returns to the Square on Friday, Sept. 16 alongside Main Street Murfreesboro’s Friday Night Live. If you are an artist or a business near the Square and would like to participate or volunteer, visit theboroartcrawl.com or call 615-542-6368.

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.

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.

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.

Fridays – Friday Night Market in the Boro 2022
The 2022 season of the Friday Night Market in The Boro at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) is each Friday through Oct. 7, from 5–9 p.m. with food trucks and local small business vendors. Bring the entire family to enjoy great food, shopping, music and community fun. Find more information on the Friday Night Market in The BORO Facebook group. Find Friday Night Market in The BORO 2022 on Eventbrite.

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.