April 6 – Crafting at Cannonsburgh: Making a Wooden Birdhouse
Grab a friend or two to craft at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Thursday, April 6, from 10–11:30 a.m. Assemble and paint wooden birdhouses for your feathered friends to enjoy this spring. Admission is $20 per person with reservations required; supplies are limited. Make reservations by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606. Ages 12 and up are welcome.

April 6 – Discovery Center All Access Night
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring recognizes World Autism Awareness Month at the All Access Night on Thursday, April 6, from 5–8 p.m. The night provides a sensory-friendly environment for families with children with autism or other physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities or mental health concerns to explore the museum’s exhibits. All Access Night is one of the first recurring sensory-friendly events in Tennessee. The event is free, but reservations are suggested. For more information, visit explorethedc.org.

April 6 – MTSU Blood Drive
Members of the MTSU community can celebrate the season of new life by donating blood at the 2023 spring blood drive on Thursday, April 6, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Keathley University Center (1524 Military Memorial Dr., Room 322). One pint can save three lives. The drive is sponsored by MTSU’s Public Health Program in the Department of Health and Human Performance for the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter. Off-campus donors can obtain a one-day parking permit at mtsu.edu/parking/visit.php or park free in the university’s Rutherford Boulevard lot and ride the Raider Xpress shuttle. Donors can make an appointment on the “American Red Cross Blood” app or texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999. Walk-in donors also are welcome. Each donor receives a free T-shirt and a $20 Amazon e-gift card as a thanks. The chapter is specifically asking people with type O blood, the “universal donor,” to give. For more information, visit mtsunews.com/spring23-blood-drive.

April 7 – Birding Hike at Barfield Crescent Park
Hike while looking for birds with the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park team (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, April 7, from 10–11 a.m. Identify birds you see as well as hear. This is a great time, as many birds are building nests and looking for mates. Discuss the different materials birds use to build their nests. For more information or to pre-register, email krendl@mufreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017. There is no cost to join and all ages are welcome.

April 8 – Underwater Egg Hunt and Spring Festival
Bring your basket or bag and see how many eggs you can collect at the Underwater Egg Hunt and Spring Festival on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center, Patterson Indoor Water Park & Gym (521 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.). While you wait for your session (or if you don’t feel like getting wet), join the Spring Festival in the gym with games, snacks and fun. Children 3 and under must have a parent in the water with them. Personal flotation devices are required for those who cannot swim. Each session will be 30 minutes of hunting eggs and begins every 15 minutes; 50 participants are welcome per session. The cost to join is $3 per person for the egg hunt; admission is free for the Spring Festival. Ages 2–12 are welcome. For more information, email kgoss@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439.

April 8 – Family Easter Egg Hunt
Chevrolet Buick GMC of Murfreesboro presents a Family Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Blackman High School Football Practice Field (3856 Blaze Dr.). A total of 15,000 eggs will be filled with $4,500 cash hidden in golden eggs with fun surprises. The event starts at 9 a.m. with the Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. for the first age group. The egg hunt age groups are 0–2 years old, 3–5 years old, 6–9 years old and 10–12 years old. For more information, visit gmmurfreesboro.com or call 615-640-9092.

April 8 – Polymer Clay Easter Eggstravaganza
Trellis & Vine (27 S. Lowry St., Smyrna) presents the next installment of its beginner polymer clay series on Saturday, April 8, at 2 p.m. Polymer clay instructor Elaine Sutherland has a fun, Easter-themed project planned. If this is your first time playing with polymer clay, these classes are a great way to get started and get a good introduction into the basics using minimal tools and materials. For more information or to sign up, visit trellisandvine.art or call 615-768-9503.

April 8 – Easter Cookies Decoration and Easter Bunny Photo Shoot
OFLOW (Overflow-Brews & Bakes, 115 N. Maple St.) hosts a fun, family-friendly event for all ages on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (until the last cookie is sold). Bring the kids, your friends, your parents, or just yourself, as everything else is supplied to create the perfect Easter cookies. There will be a cookie decorating station, an Easter-themed photo selfie station, Boba tea, pastries, coffee and the Easter Bunny for photo ops. Purchase homemade cookies at the shop to decorate, 1 for $5 or 3 for $10.

April 8 & 29 – Beaman United Football Club Games
The Beaman United Football Club, a Murfreesboro-based minor league soccer team part of the United Premier Soccer League, hosts games in Murfreesboro on Saturdays, April 8 (7 p.m.) and 29 (6 p.m.), at Siegel Stadium (515 Cherry Ln.). For tickets and more information, visit beamanunitedfc.com.

April 11 – Business After Hours, Rock the Block
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its April Business After Hours, presented by First Vision Bank, at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, on South Walnut Street between West Main and West Vine Streets, just outside of The Alley on Main. 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.

April 11 – Raptor Rhapsody
Have you ever looked an owl in the eye or checked out a falcon’s wings? Here is your chance to meet the Wilderness Station’s (401 Volunteer Rd.) educational screech owl and American kestrel up close and learn about these master predators of the sky. No registration is required for Tuesday, April 11, from 3–4 p.m. There is no cost to join and all ages are welcome. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

April 12- Toddler Adventures at Cannonsburgh: Tinkering With Tools
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to do some work at Toddler Adventures at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Wednesday, April 12, from 10–11 a.m. Kids can explore a variety of tools by making noise, using their hands, building with blocks and participating in a story time. Reservations are now open. Admission is $3 per person. Ages 5 and under are welcome. Make your reservation by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

April 12 – Living Sent Ministries
The April 2023 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting is on Wednesday, April 12, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Brian Harrell has been a head football coach, science teacher at the high school and middle school levels, and is now a Middle Tennessee Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Harrell shares his love of creating opportunities that connect people with Christ and something bigger than themselves. Nathan and Anna Owen and their fourth child, Josephine, share how Josie’s rare condition has challenged them, and how God has used Josephine to strengthen their faith, their family and the people around them. A complimentary lunch is provided by Jeremy McLean of Edward Jones. RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

April 12 – Read to Lead Book Discussion
April’s Read to Lead book discussion covers Forged by Fire: How to Develop an Unstoppable Personal Brand by Mila Grigg on Wednesday, April 12, from 7:30–8:30 a.m. at Boys & Girls Club of Rutherford County (820 Jones Blvd.). The day features special guest, author and nationally recognized brand consultant Mila Grigg. Coffee and snacks are provided. This discussion is sponsored by Marisa Cali Marketing and Consulting. Guest facilitators are Gina Urban and Sheryl Chesnutt. For more information, email joleneradnoti@readtosucceed.org or mary.hoffschwelle@mtsu.edu.

April 13 – Boro Bakeoff
The Sweet Addiction is a Middle Tennessee nonprofit dedicated to the employment of women who are survivors of human trafficking, addiction, domestic violence and incarceration. They provide life-enriching programs and career coaching while providing participants with meaningful work and a support network. The Sweet Addiction believes in second chances and redeeming those who have been labeled as “unemployable.” Boro Bake Off will be held Thursday, April 13, from 6–9 p.m. at The Walnut House (116 N. Walnut St.). The competition between Sammie B’s Sweets and Delicious Twists will be fierce. All proceeds benefit The Sweet Addiction. For tickets and more information, visit borobakeoff.com or find The Sweet Addiction on Facebook.

April 13 – Homeschool Day at Cannonsburgh: Tools in the Blacksmith Shop
Discover some of the tools used by the blacksmith trade at Homeschool Day at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Thursday, April 13, from 10–11 a.m. Reservations are now open for Tools in the Blacksmith Shop. Admission is $3 per person. Reservations are required and must be received by Thursday, April 6. The cost is $3 per person and ages 5 and up are welcome. Make reservations by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

April 13 – Something’s Tearing Up My Yard!
This free session of “Something’s Tearing Up My Yard!” covers digging damage caused by moles, voles, armadillos and other critters in the yard along with feasible control options. The session will be held Thursday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park, Livestock Barn (315 John Rice Boulevard #101). For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu, email mmote1@utk.edu or call 615-898-7710.

April 14 – TCAT Murfreesboro and Smyrna Job Fair
The finale to Ready to Walk Week at TCAT Murfresboro is a job fair for students. Employers are ready to interview and hire the newest additions to the skilled labor force. Get in front of skilled, qualified and highly motivated students who are about to graduate and are ready to work. There will be two separate job fairs each having students and graduates from different programs. Companies may attend both events. The first fair is at the TCAT Murfreesboro – Main Campus (1303 Old Fort Pkwy.) from 8–10 a.m. with careers such as heating, air conditioning & refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, welding, nursing and dental assisting. The second fair is at the TCAT Murfreesboro – Smyrna Campus (663 Ken Pilkerton Dr.) from noon–2 p.m. with careers such as collision repair, automotive service technology, information technology, welding, and machine tool technology. For more information, call 615-898-8010 or email workforce@tcatmurfreesboro.edu. Register at forms.office.com/r/dg9UQsfbEf.

April 15 – Punk Rock Flea Market
Punk Rock Flea Market Murfreesboro is presented by Punk Rock Flea Market Nashville and Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville at Hop Springs Beer Park (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) on Saturday, April 15, from noon–10 p.m. There will be over 100 vendors, food trucks and music by artists such as Snooper, Upchuck, Faux Ferocious, Stuck, Silicone Prarie, Dana and Fruit Looops. All tickets purchased in advance (starting at $5) include one beer for everyone ages 21 and up. For more information, visit hopspringstn.com or find Punk Rock Flea Market Murfreesboro on Facebook.

April 15 – Acorn Haven Open Studio
Acorn Haven Studios presents its 3rd Saturday Open Studio on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The day features displays from local artists, information on available classes and workshops, and more the third Saturday of each month. Acorn Haven Studios, the home studio of area artist Dawna Magliacano, opens its doors to visitors (8265 Lascassas Pk., Hwy 96) and hosts a variety of the area’s best artists sharing creative inspiration with the community, in a range of media including sculpture, pottery, weaving, jewelry making and painting. Visits are free and suitable for all ages. Look for the blue flags. For more information, find 3rd Saturday Open Studio on Facebook.

April 15 – Saddle Up FUN-draiser
MTSU’s “Saddle Up” FUN-draiser marks ACE Learning Center’s 40th anniversary on Saturday, April 15, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Bring the family and give the community’s littlest cowhands a leg up at the Tennessee Livestock Center (1720 Greenland Dr.) in support of MTSU’s Ann Campbell Early Learning Center. The 16th annual event offers a whole arena’s worth of family and children’s indoor activities to help the ACE Center continue its work with local little ones. This year’s Saddle Up features building with boxes, learning about kindness with Moozie the Kindness Cow, exhibits from the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and a close-up look at MTSU’s award-winning Experimental Vehicles Program lunar rover. Each ticket includes a light breakfast from Chick-fil-A, Krispy Kreme and Purity Dairy, plus coffee for the grown-ups. The day also features a silent auction packed with child and family-themed items. Tickets are available at $10 per person with a $40 maximum per family. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/supportsaddleup or email jacob.smith@mtsu.edu; for more information about the Ann Campbell Early Learning Center, visit mtsu.edu/acelearningcenter.

April 20 – Homeschool Science Series: Wildflowers
Help your students explore their world through science at the Homeschool Science Series on Thursday, April 20, from 10–11:30 p.m. at Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.). Students study different topics each class with hands-on demonstrations. Space is limited and pre-registration is required online or the Wilderness Station. Ages 5–8 are welcome. The cost to join is $5 per person. For more information, email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

April 20 – Tennessee Philharmonic: European River Cruise
The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Season of Stories” concludes with a “European river cruise” on Thursday, April 20, from 7–9 p.m., at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.). This concert features music of famous European composers and includes Wagner and Sibelius. This European adventure down the Danube showcases TPO conductor Dr. Laurence Harvin and retiring Concertmaster Stefan Petrescu together one final time. For more information, visit tnphil.org or find tickets for the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra’s European River Cruise performance on Eventbrite.

April 20 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the April 2023 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. 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.

April 20 – Sibshops
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.) welcomes back its Sibshops program in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month in April. The program is for children ages 8–13 who have a sibling with autism or other special health and developmental conditions. Sibshop is a drop-off event on Thursday, April 20, from 5–7 p.m. The program is designed to help brothers and sisters of children with autism and other special health and developmental conditions learn about their sibling’s condition in a safe and relaxed recreational environment where they can express concerns, ask questions, feel recognized and find a community of other children coping with similar situations. Registration is $10 per child and dinner is included. To register and for more information, visit explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.

April 20–23 – Southern Literary Festival
The 2023 Southern Literary Festival hosted by MTSU on April 20–23 features a plenary address by Destiny O. Birdsong on Friday, April 21, and a keynote address from Margaret Renkl on Saturday, April 22. Birdsong is a poet, novelist and essayist who is currently an artist-in-residence at UT. Renkl is the author of Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss and Graceland, At Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache From the American South. Both addresses are open to the public. For more information and a full schedule of 2023 Southern Literary Festival activities, visit thesouthernliteraryfestival.org.

April 21 – Everybody Drum Some
Everybody Drum Some founder Ross Lester continues the 3rd Friday Community Rhythm Event series for those who would like to join their neighbors in some drumming. The next community rhythm session kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 21, in the fellowship hall of St Patrick’s Anglican Church (7103 Baker Rd.). There is no cost to participate, and people of all ages are invited to join the drumming or to spectate. Participants may 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, visit everybodydrumsome.com or call 615-631-7458‬.

April 22 – Record Store Day
Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 as independent record store owners and employees wanted to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1,400 independently-owned record stores in the U.S. and thousands of similar stores internationally. Independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world celebrate this year’s Record Store Day on Saturday, April 22. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are exclusively available for the event. In Murfreesboro, Crying Cat Books and Records (504 N. Maney Ave.), The Great Escape (810 NW Broad St., Suite 202) and Century 21 Music and More (125 Lasseter Dr.) will all recognize RSD. For more information, visit recordstoreday.com.

April 22 – The Spine Bookshop 1 Year Anniversary
The Spine Bookshop (located within the Trellis & Vine building, 27 S. Lowry St., Smyrna) will celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday, April 22, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with talks with local authors, giveaways every hour, food trucks and author signings. Participating authors include Jennifer Lynn Burrows, Angela Watts, Valerie Zahn and Arie White. If you love fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, Christian fiction, supporting small businesses and reading, this is for you. For more information, visit trellisandvine.art or call 615-768-9503.

April 22 – Shred Day
The Better Business Bureau Central Tennessee Regional Office presents a Free Shred Day on Saturday, April 22, in conjunction with Earth Day, from 9 a.m.–noon at Planet Fitness (1954 Old Fort Pkwy., Ste 6) for those who need to have documents shredded. BBB is also collecting furniture and household goods for Habitat for Humanity and canned items for Greenhouse Ministries.

April 22 – Pioneer Days
Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) hosts Pioneer Days on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Come out for handmade crafts, hayrides, music by the Jake Leg Stompers and Stones River Bluegrass, and clogging by the Mid-State Cloggers of Shelbyville. The Murfreesboro Art League features art on display and for sale. Don’t miss blacksmithing demonstrations with the Rutherford County Blacksmith Association and a Car Show by the Stones River Car Club. Enjoy food trucks, storytelling by “Harriet Tubman,” hands-on demonstrations, pottery, basket weaving, broom making and hayrides. The Stones River Bluegrass is from 10 a.m.–noon, Mid-State Cloggers from noon–1 p.m. and Jake Leg Stompers from 2–4 p.m. All ages are welcome and admission is free. For more information, email tcline@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-890-0355.

April 22 – Backstage Bash
The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) presents its annual fundraiser event, Backstage Bash, on Saturday, April 22. The main event will be in outdoor tents on College Street. Arrive to a red-carpet and enjoy a plated dinner provided by Tasty Table. The Late Night Party features a glow theme this year. Funds raised help secure rights to produce high-quality shows and hire top-notch directors, teachers, crew and musicians, as well as continue educating the youth of the community through the Center Stage Academy program (90 financial scholarships were awarded to youths in 2022). For more information, visit boroarts.org/2023-bash, email regina@boroarts.org or call 615-904-2787.

April 22 – Adventures in Agriculture
Adventures in Agriculture will be held Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John Rice Blvd.). The goal is to educate the community about local agriculture. Farmers share their knowledge of animals, crops, homegrown foods and handmade products with parents and children. Admission is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted for the Rutherford County backpack program. Hosted by members of the Rutherford County agriculture community, this provides many hands-on activities to teach families about agriculture’s impact on our everyday lives. Children can pick up a passport to have stamped as they pass through the adventure and receive a prize when completed. Adventures in Agriculture will have live animal exhibits, food displays, gardening information and demonstrations such as butter making and spinning yarn. For more information, find a Facebook page for Adventures in Agriculture.

April 22 and 23 – Nature Play Uplift
What better way to welcome spring and celebrate Earth Day than to spruce up the Nature Play Area at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23. This community event includes cleaning, planting, building, painting and staining from from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. each day. Sign up to volunteer by calling 615-217-3017.

April 24 – Murfreesboro Chess Lunch
Who wants to play a game of chess? Community members interested in the initiative of teaching others the game of chess, helping raise funds and interest for getting the game in the schools, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, involving their organization in promoting the game, or just desiring to gather with other chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess, can come to a Murfreesboro Chess Lunch at Carmen’s Taqueria, 206 W. Northfield Blvd., Murfreesboro, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday, April 24. For more information, contact Rob Mitchell at rmitchell@rutherfordcountytn.gov or 615-426-7373‬.

April 24 – Chord
The next Chord meeting is on Monday, April 24, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Greenhouse Ministries (307 S. Academy St.) in the community meeting room. Chord’s mission is to help form connections between live local music performance groups, building harmony and partnerships that will help the community reach its full musical potential. April’s meeting focuses on developing new ways to work with community leaders. Invitations are extended to county and city officials as well as the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, email thomchristy@gmail.com or gsc714@gmail.com.

April 25 – River Exploration
Meet at the Stones River Overlook within Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Tuesday, April 25, from 2–4 p.m. to explore the river, catch and release crawfish, snails and other interesting macro-invertebrates, and discuss biodiversity and the importance of healthy waterways. Water shoes are recommended, as anyone getting in the water must keep their shoes on. There is no cost to join and all ages are welcome. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017. [Photo courtesy Woodlands and Waters].

April 27 – Caring for Your Cast Iron
Do you use cast iron skillets or Dutch ovens to cook meals in your home or on an open fire? Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) features a free session with blacksmith Richard Zago as he shares about cooking with cast iron and how to care for it on Thursday, April 27 from 10–11 a.m. Reservations are required; make reservations by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

April 28 – Buggin’ Out at Wilderness Station
Spiders, beetles and ants, oh my! Come out to the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, April 28, from 2–3 p.m. and learn about some of the common bugs and spiders we can find here in Middle Tennessee. Then go on a hike to find some of these creepy crawlers, looking at them closely. Please dress for the weather. There is no cost to join and all ages are welcome. For more information and to pre-register, email krendl@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

April 29 – Bark in the Boro
Help support Beesley Animal Foundation at Bark in the Boro on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at MTSU Student Union Common Grounds (1768 MTSU Blvd.). The whole family and pets are welcome to a fun day of vendors, adoptable animals and games with a portion of proceeds benefiting the foundation. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit barkintheboro.com.

April 29 – Barnabas Vision Family Fun Day
Support Barnabas Vision on Saturday, April 29, from 4–7 p.m. (come and go). This family-fun fundraiser includes food, an ice cream truck, bouncy castle and kids activities. For more information and location, email david@thebarnabasvision.org or call 615-556-5134.

April 29 – Caffeine & Chrome
Calling all car enthusiasts the last Saturday of every month: join Gateway Classic Cars for Caffeine & Chrome on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.–noon. This event is free and open to the public. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee (while supplies last). All makes and models are welcome, and there is plenty of parking space (700 Swan Dr., Smyrna). This is a family-and-pet-friendly event. For more information, find the Caffeine and Chrome event on Facebook.

April 29–30 – Family Campout at Barfield Crescent Park
Barfield Crescent Park is home to a beautiful back-country campground. Guided night hikes and campfire fun make this experience a night to remember at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) from Saturday, April 29 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, April 30, at 8 a.m. A tent, mats, dinner and breakfast will be provided with the registration fee. Each person is required to take a Wilderness Awareness Workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The event is limited to 20 families. The cost to join is $10 for ages 18 and up, $5 for ages 4–17 and free for ages 3 and under. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

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.

Mondays – Snake Feeding at Wilderness Station
Learn all about snake adaptations and how they swallow their food whole with a live demonstration of the educational snakes getting fed at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Mondays in April from 11:30 a.m.–noon. The cost to join is free and no registration is required. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Tuesdays and Thursdays – Busy Bees Class for Kids
Busy Bees Class is a children’s class for ages 3–5 where they play physically active games and the instructor plays music and is engaged with them. The class is at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.) from noon–12:45 p.m. A facility pass is needed. For more information, email chill@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439.

Wednesdays – Networking for Awesome People
Are you looking to meet and connect with other local business owners? Do you want to grow your network and pick up some skills along the way? Networking for Awesome People meets each week on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Rutherford County Veterans Community Center (439 Rice St.). All you need to bring is a good attitude. Each attendee gets about a minute to explain what they do and what they need, followed by a discussion question of the week. Networking for Awesome People encourages open discussion to help everyone grow. For more information, find a Networking for Awesome People group on Facebook.

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.

Thursdays – Hike With a Naturalist at the Wilderness Station
Come out to the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a weekly hike from 2–3 p.m. Thursdays in April. As you hike, stop and talk about what you see along the way. Each week, hike different trails at Barfield so you can get more familiar with the park. There is no cost to join and all ages are welcome. For more information, email dthomas@murfreesborotn or krendl@murfreesborotn.gov, or call 615-217-3017.

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.

Fridays – Murfreesboro Community Chess
Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at the Murfreesboro Barnes & Noble (within The Avenue, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week.

Fridays – Funny Friday Comedy Showcase
The Holistic Connection in Murfreesboro presents “Funny Fridays,” a weekly comedy showcase and open mic hosted by Willi Will, every Friday. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. with open mic time following at 8 p.m. The Holistic Connection is located at 527 N. Thompson Ln. For more information, 615-603-7356 or visit theholisticconnectiontn.com.

Saturdays – Animal Encounters
During this program, the spotlight goes to the native animal ambassadors at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturdays in April from 1:30–2 p.m. Learn all about the animals on exhibit including an up-close interaction with some. The cost to join is free and all ages are welcome. For more information, email krendl@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Throughout April – Facebook Scavenger Hunt 2023
Each month the Murfreesboro Greenway posts on Facebook a picture of a landmark on a certain portion of the greenway. Participants send in a picture of themselves at that landmark to receive a day pass to Boro Beach. For more information, find Murfeesboro Parks and Rec and Murfreesboro Greenway on Facebook.

May 5 – Shakesbeer
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.) brings back “Shakesbeer” on Friday, May 5, from 6–9 p.m. Guests can enjoy samples of local craft brews, charcuterie from Graze Craze and theatrical performances by M-Prov. Food is available to purchase from other local vendors. The annual fundraiser, held at the museum’s outdoor Murfree Spring area, is for ages 21 and up. All proceeds support the Discovery Center and its programming. This year’s event features a fan favorite award for the brewer who receives the most votes for best beer. Tickets are available at explorethedc.org and are $35 in advance, $40 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. For more information, visit explorethedc.org.

Ongoing – Free Digital Literacy Classes
This entry-level computer class is designed for new users who are interested in learning basic computer terminology such as the use of a keyboard, mouse, icons, folders and applications, internet usage and navigation, use of email and basic résumé creation, skills and online job search skills. Classes are held at Goodwill (2955 S. Church St.). A valid ID and an active Gmail account (career coaches can provide assistance) are required. For more information, find Career Solutions and then Education at giveit2goodwill.org, email murfreesborocs@givegw.org or call 615-346-1818.