Jan. 6 – Full Moon Hike and Hot Cocoa
Come out for a nice night hike down to the campground while enjoying a fire and hot cocoa to warm yourself up before making the hike back to the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, Jan. 6, from 4–5:30 p.m. The hike is free for all ages. For more information, email jfogel@murfreesborotn.gov or challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov, or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 7 – Polar Bear Plunge
The Polar Bear Plunge begins on Saturday, Jan. 7, with Arctic Adventure in the Sports*Com gym (2310 Memorial Blvd.) at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy a DJ, inflatables and fun games for kids, free hot chocolate, coffee and doughnuts. Enter a costume contest at 9:50 a.m. At 10 a.m., participants make their way to the ’Boro Beach and jump in the pool for the Polar Bear Plunge. The pool closes at 11:30 a.m. The event benefits the Special Olympics. Donations can also be made. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov, email kgoss@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-895-5040.

Jan. 10 – Derek Puma Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library will host local author Derek Puma for a book signing on Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Puma signs and sells copies of his book, The Message: Live Life, Treasure True Love, Find Faith, published by Westbow Press. His book is a message on understanding life and finding a purpose. He reminds the reader of the wonderful gift life is, how to treasure the importance of true love and focus on one another in the gift of marriage. All problems, stress, and struggles can be placed in God’s hands. Puma is an American actor currently living in Nashville. Born in Rome, New York, he is of Sicilian and Seneca descent. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

Jan. 10 – Rutherford Cable January Breakfast Meeting
The Rutherford Cable January Breakfast Meeting Speaker is Alana Flora, a human rights advocate who has dedicated her life to advocating for the vulnerable. She works to catalyze solutions through community collaboration, including in education, legal, nonprofit, government and community sectors. She is the co-founder and director of Engage Together and serves as the Chief Operating Officer for both Altus Solutions and the Alliance for Freedom, Restoration and Justice. The meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 7:15–9 a.m. at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Bring plenty of business cards and grab a card from the basket on the way out to make an additional connection. For more information, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com or visit rutherfordcable.org.

Jan. 11 – Living Sent Ministries
The January Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (421 Old Salem Rd.) Like many, Mike and Amy May spent years in corporate America. Then God pulled them out and turned them into entrepreneurs now owning and operating five separate businesses. Mike and Amy share their stories of the amazing things that happen when you invite God to be your business partner. A complimentary lunch is provided by Dennis Phillips of iServe Residential Lending. RSVP by emailing bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

Jan. 12 – All Access Night
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. This month’s night is Thursday, Jan. 12, from 5–8 p.m. All Access Nights are free, but reservations are suggested. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/allaccess or call 615-890-2300.

Jan. 12 – Winter Crafting: Hand Sewing Lavender Sachets
Grab a friend or two and come craft at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m.–noon. Hand-sew quilt scraps to make lavender sachets and take them home. Admission is $15 per person. Reservations are required and must be made by Thursday, Jan. 5. Ages 12 and up are welcome. Make your reservation by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

Jan. 12 and 26 – Express Yourself at McFadden
Express Yourself McFadden highlights incredible artists, well-known and emerging. Channel your inner artist as you create a unique piece of art in your likeness to take home. Art always has the potential of being messy, so please dress accordingly. Space is limited so please register early. Express Yourself meets every other Thursday until May 18 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at McFadden Community Center (211 Bridge Ave.). Ages 6–12 are welcome, and the cost to join is $5. For more information, email jchandler@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439 ext. 6111.

Jan. 13 – Turtle Talk
There are many types of turtles that call the local ponds and rivers home. These creatures are so unique— they carry their homes on their back and can live for well over 50 years. Come to the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a meet-and-greet with the resident eastern box turtles and learn amazing facts using turtle biofacts on Friday, Jan. 13, from 10–11 a.m. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

photo courtesy of Andrew Neel / pexels

Jan. 14 – Coffee 101
On Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9–10:30 a.m. Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.) will host Coffee 101, a delicious opportunity to learn the inside scoop about coffee. Roastmaster Mike Arnold from Raphael’s Roastery teaches about origins, regions, roasts, grinds, processes and other interesting information about coffee in order to expand the coffee-lover’s knowledge and enhance coffee drinking pleasure. Samples will be served and Liberty’s Station’s signature coffee line and mugs will be for sale. Tickets are $75 and space is limited. Liberty’s Station is a progressive workforce pipeline in which 90% of its employees have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or other employment barriers. For more information, visit libertysstationtn.org, find Liberty’s Station on Facebook or call 615-584-9029.

Jan. 14 – Winter Reading Program Kickoff
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) holds the fourth annual Harry Nelson Memorial Adult Winter Reading Program from Jan. 22–March 4. Linebaugh Library celebrates with a kickoff event on Saturday, Jan. 14. Jake Leg Stompers performs prewar roots music from 1–3 p.m. Patrons are challenged to meet a goal of reading and reviewing at least six books over the six weeks. All formats are accepted and count toward the goal. Patrons may sign up for the program beginning Saturday, Jan. 14. They will begin accepting reviews on Sunday, Jan. 22. Each week, one reviewer will be randomly selected to receive a free book. At the conclusion, every person who has met the goal will be awarded a gift card from Simply Pure Sweets. One person completing six reviews will receive a grand prize of a $150 gift card from The Alley on Main. The name of the winner will also be engraved on a plaque that’s displayed in the library. The 2023 Harry Nelson Memorial Adult Winter Reading Program is sponsored by The Friends of Linebaugh Library. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

Jan. 14 – Caving with Outdoor Murfreesboro
Have you ever wanted to explore the caves in Tennessee? Explore an amazing cave not too far from Murfreesboro, led by Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation staff on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The cave is at a constant 55 degrees so there is no need to worry about being too hot or cold. It is also very open with some rooms having a ceiling height of 120 feet. Headlamps and helmets will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Visit murfreesborotn.gov and click on Register under the “I Want To” menu. The cost to join is $15 per person and ages 13 and up are welcome. For more information, email jfogel@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 14 – Clean Foodie Fest
Sample some of the cleanest eats, drinks and treats from across Middle Tennessee while also finding new clean products at the 3rd Annual Clean Foodie Fest 2023 at Hilton Garden Inn in Smyrna (2631 Highwood Blvd., Smyrna) Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Meet and try products from local businesses offering paleo, keto and vegan options. Businesses will also be showcasing clean products for your home, kitchen, oral care and skin. The ticket price includes a swag bag for each attendee, an event program with business info and exclusive discounts and generous samples. Some participating businesses include Ancient Nutrition, Natalie’s Elderberries, Ouchonder Chili Co., Undercover Snacks, Heywood Cannery and many more. Admission for kids 12 and under is free and adults are $10 at the door or $5 in advance online. For more information, visit foodie23.eventbrite.com, find Holistic Made Easy on Facebook or email holisticmadeeasy@gmail.com.

Jan. 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
The Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) invites the public to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and story through arts, culture and more on Monday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The day is sponsored by the Nissan Foundation and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/events/mlk2023 or call 615-890-2300.

Jan. 16 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March
Around 500–1,000 participants are anticipated to come out for the march celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 16, from noon–1:30 p.m. All are welcome to join. The march begins at Central Magnet School (701 E. Main St.), travels to Middle Tennessee Boulevard then Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and will conclude at Patterson Park. All ages are welcome. For more information, email vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-653-1152.

Jan. 17 – Business After Hours at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its January Business After Hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles (450 Butler Dr.). This is an informal social networking event designed to connect business professionals from across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for future members. No registration is required. For more information on Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cuttings and other events, visit rutherfordchamber.org.

Jan. 19 – Backyard Birds at the Wilderness Station
Come out to the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) to learn about backyard birds of Tennessee on Thursday, Jan. 19. Discuss ways to attract birds to your yard along with a demonstration on how to make suet. Each participant will make a pinecone bird feeder to take home. The cost to join is $3 per person and ages 5 and up are welcome. The deadline to register is the day before the event. For more information, email lrosser@murfressborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 19- Toddler Adventures: Quilts and Patterns
Wrap up in your favorite blanket or quilt for story time and an activity on patterns at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 10–11 a.m. Catch some of the village’s favorite quilts and point out patterns and colors. Toddlers are welcome to bring their favorite blanket or quilt to get cozy. Reservations are now open and admission is $3 per person. Reservations are required and must be received by Thursday, Jan. 12. The cost is $3 per person and ages 5 and under are welcome. Make your reservation by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

Jan. 19 – Homeschool Science Series: Mammals and Hibernation
Help your students explore their world through science. Students aged 5–8 and 9–12, in two groups, will study different topics each class with hands-on demonstrations. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required online or via the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.). The theme Thursday, Jan. 19, from 10-11:30 a.m. is Mammals and Hibernation. The cost to join is $5 per person. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 19 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the January 2023 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking 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.

Jan. 20 – Intro to Backpacking Course at the Wilderness Station
Have you ever wanted to try backpacking but didn’t know where to start? The Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) offers an intro to backpacking course where one day a month through April the group goes over the basics of backpacking. As the course goes on, do different length hikes of different difficulties. For the final day of the course, participants go on an overnight backpacking trip to put new skills to the test. The class meets Jan. 20, Feb. 25, March 25 and April 22 from 4–5 p.m. Backpack, sleeping pad and tent can be provided. Registration is required. Visit murfreesborotn.gov and click on Register under the “I Want To” menu. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The cost to join is $75 per person. For more information, email jfogel@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 20 – Tennessee Mammals at the Wilderness Station
With the help of biofacts found across Tennessee, learn which mammals call this great state home at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, Jan. 20, from 10–11 a.m. Feel the weight of the fur from black bears in the Smoky Mountains, see the structure of an opossum skull and experience the thrill of finding animal prints in the soil. All ages are welcome. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 21 – Winter Waterfall Hike
Depart from the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a winter hike with a naturalist at South Cumberland State Park on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Do a moderate 4-mile hike to a waterfall with plenty of chances to stop at overlooks along the way. Limited space is available. The cost to join is $15. Registration is required. Visit murfreesborotn.gov and click on Register under the “I Want To” menu. For more information, email jfogel@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 21–22 – Murfreesboro Reptile Expo
Come out to the Murfreesboro Reptile Expo to see reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals at the Mid-TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.) Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 22. You may end up bringing home a new family member. VIP entry is at 9 a.m. ($15) on Saturday and general admission at 10 a.m. ($10). All admission is at 10 a.m. on Sunday and the event runs until 3:30 p.m. both days. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information, find the Murfreesboro Reptile Expo – Show Me Reptile Show on Eventbrite or visit showmesnakes.com.

Jan. 21 – Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking!
The Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking! exhibit at the Discovery Center is based on the popular film and television characters. Visitors step into the north England home of cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his loyal and intelligent dog, Gromit. In Wallace’s world, inventions and contraptions often go terribly but hilariously wrong, providing a natural opportunity to explore themes around problem-solving and resilience. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/events.

Jan. 23 – Skin Cancer Screenings
A skin cancer screening looks for signs of cancer before a person has any major symptoms. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread. Take advantage of this wellness opportunity with free screenings from Stones River Dermatology at Patterson Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) on Monday, Jan. 23, from 1–3:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up are welcome. For more information, email amyers@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439 ext. 6117 to schedule a screening.

Jan. 24 – Library and League of Women Voters Community Book Discussion
The Rutherford County Library System and the League of Women Voters of Murfreesboro/Rutherford County partner together for a community book discussion on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. The Murfreesboro chapter of the American Association of University Women is sponsoring the event. Readers are invited to discuss their choice of three books related to mental health and education. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is by Lori Gottlieb, a New York Times best-selling author, psychotherapist and national advice columnist. The book is hilarious, thought-provoking and surprising as it takes us behind the scenes of a therapist’s world. It is also Read To Succeed’s One Book selection for 2023. Who Put This Song On? is an incredible debut by award-winning poet Morgan Parker, about 17-year-old Morgan, who knows why she’s in therapy. Trapped in sunny, stifling, small-town suburbia, she can’t count the number of times she’s been the only non-white person at the sleepover, been teased for her weird outfits, and been told she’s not really black. Educated is by Tara Westover. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was isolated from mainstream society, and her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Discussions will be led by library representatives and League volunteers where participants will be organized into Zoom “rooms” for small group discussions. All three books are available to check out at any branch of the Rutherford County Library System or by downloading using the Libby app. A link to the Zoom event will be posted at lwvrutherford.org.

Jan. 24 – All About Owls at the Wilderness Center
Owls have unique abilities that most other birds of prey lack. Visit the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) to learn about these amazing superpowers, investigate and dissect through an owl pellet and meet the resident owl ambassador, Huckleberry. All ages are welcome on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 2–3 p.m. The cost is $4 per person. Registration is required by emailing challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-217-3017 and ends at 10 a.m. the day of the event.

Jan. 24 – Vintage Quilts and the Stories They Tell
Get out of the cold with this heartwarming presentation on quilts at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 10–11 a.m., with Brenda, the owner of Aunt Bee’s Quilt Museum in Granville, Tennessee, bringing some of her favorites to show. Reservations are now open and required; they must be received by Tuesday, Jan. 17. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Make your reservation by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

Exotic Pet Expo photo courtesy of Amber Cetinel / Sidelines

Jan. 28–29 – Exotic Pet Expo
Murfreesboro TN Exotic Pet Expo will take place Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28 and 29, at the Mid TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tenn. Blvd.). On Saturday VIP admission is from 9–10 a.m. ($10) and the event is open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (with an admission cost of $5). On Sunday, the event is open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ($5). Come out for a family fun weekend full of reptiles, small mammals, parrots, feeders and pet supplies. For more information, find the Murfreesboro TN Exotic Pet Expo January 28 & 29, 2023 event on Facebook.

Jan. 28 – Waterfowl and Bald Eagles
January is the peak season to see waterfowl and bald eagles in Tennessee. Take the Outdoor Murfreesboro van to Radnor Lake, visit the aviary of birds of prey and go birding on the lake loop to spot the various waterfowl and other birds on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9:30–3 p.m. Bring a sack lunch and your binoculars or borrow a pair from the Wilderness Station. Space is limited so register early. Visit murfreesborotn.gov and click on Register under the “I Want To” menu or register at the Wilderness Station. The cost to join is $15. For more information, email jfogel@murfreesborotn.gov or dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov, or call 615-217-3017.

Jan. 31 – Natural Home Decor Craft at the Wilderness Station
Beat the winter blues for an evening of nature crafting at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 6–7:30 p.m. Make a winter woodland decoration to brighten your homes. The cost to join is $15. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Visit murfreesborotn.gov and click on Register under the “I Want To” menu or register at the Wilderness Station by Friday, Jan. 27. Ages 10 and up are welcome. For more information, email lrosser@murfressborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Feb. 5 – Middle Tennessee Princess Party at Hop Springs
Middle Tennessee Princess Parties presents a Galentine’s Day Brunch at Hop Springs on Sunday, Feb. 5. Tickets include a meal and various princess activities. VIP options are also available which include a makeover by royal attendants, a keepsake tiara and a photo opportunity with all of the princesses. Tickets are available through Eventbrite; no tickets will be sold at the door. Hop Springs is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro.

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.

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 to 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 at Barfield Crescent Park
Let the smaller among us get in touch with their wild side at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Wednesdays in Jan. from 9:45–10:15 a.m. Sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk. Focus on a different nature theme each week. The cost to join is $3 per child. Registration is required by calling the day before at 615-217-3017. For more information, email lrosser@murfreesborotn.gov.

Thursdays – Mad Cow Trek Club
The Mad Cow Trek Club running group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). The group embarks on a route of 4–8 miles and welcomes runners of all paces and abilities. Affiliated with the Mad Cow Running Company in McMinnville, the Trek Club hosts races and free get-togethers to share its love of running with the community. Find Mad Cow Running Company (MCRC) on Facebook for course routes and more details. All runners are encouraged to stay after each run for food and drinks.

Thursdays – Hike with a Naturalist at the Wilderness Station
Come out for a weekly hike at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) from 10–11:30 a.m. Thursdays in January. Stop and talk about things you see along the way. Each week, hike different trails at Barfield so you can get more familiar with the park. All ages are welcome. For more information, email jfogel@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.