May 2 – All About Owls
Owls have unique abilities that most other birds of prey lack. Visit the Wilderness Station (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Tuesday, May 2, from 2–3 p.m. to learn about these amazing superpowers. Interact with biofacts, investigate and dissect through an owl pellet, and meet the resident owl ambassador, Huckleberry. The cost to join is $5. Registration is required. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 2 – Child Safety Seat Checkpoint
Officers with the Murfreesboro Police Department hold a child safety seat checkpoint on Tuesday, May 2, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Antique Auto Garage Museum in Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Parents and caregivers receive educational information and get help with the proper installation of children’s seats in their vehicles. Members of the Stones River Region AACA Car Club will have the garage museum open from 10 a.m.–noon to show their antique cars. Look for the designated area to park for car seat help. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

May 6 – Shabby Lane Family Day Out
Shabby Lane Family Day Out is a free, fun shopping event on Saturday, May 6, at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R/ Rice Blvd.). Enjoy free Tiara’s Cupcakes and tea at the mini tea party and live music from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with small-business shopping from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Shop from 75 amazing local small businesses and artisans with free gifts to the first 200 adult shoppers as well as free popcorn. For more information, visit shabbylaneshoppingevents.com.

May 6 – VFW Day of Service
The Veterans of Foreign Wars will observe its National Day of Service on Saturday, May 6. VFW Post 12206 members will clean headstones at the Stones River Battlefield Cemetery beginning at 11 a.m. To participate, come out to Section Q of the Stones River Battlefield Cemetery (2552 Old Nashville Hwy.). For more information, call 615-243-9666.

May 6 – Kelly Knowles Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) is pleased to host local author Kelly Knowles for a book signing on Saturday, May 6, from noon–4 p.m. The author will be signing and selling copies of her book, Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in your 20s and 30s. This book is full of sensible tips and ideas alongside funny and inspiring stories, regardless of age. Kelly Knowles was born in the Midwest and grew up in East Tennessee. While not a lawyer, she works in a large law firm training lawyers and staff on technical and professional topics. She resides in Middle Tennessee with her husband, along with a now-9-year-old goldfish who came home with her from a carnival. Book copies will be signed and sold for $20 each. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

May 9 – Tennessee Trails Association Meeting
The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of the Murfreesboro chapter is Tuesday, May 9, from 7–8 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Road). Chapter member Jay Brain shares his photos of Glacier National Park located in northwestern Montana. For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org or call or text 615-971-8894.

May 9 – Rutherford Cable May Breakfast Meeting
May speaker Thom Coasts is the director of the Center for Professional Selling at MTSU, with over 25 years of experience in sales and new business development. He has held various roles throughout his career and has worked with corporations such as Century II, Paychex and NFIB, and is committed to providing world-class sales education and training students to be productive from day one. He also connects businesses with high-quality sales applicants. Thom is a bestselling author and a third-generation entrepreneur. Outside of work, he invests time and energy in various community organizations, including as the president and founder of the UnStuck Business Academy. The Rutherford Cable May Breakfast meeting is Tuesday, May 9, from 7:15–9 a.m. at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Bring plenty of business cards to make connections. To register and for more information, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

May 9 – Dedication of Gateway Island Benches
Come out to the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) on Tuesday, May 9, from 1–2 p.m., for the dedication of the mosaic benches at Gateway Island. There is no cost to join. For more information, email shicks@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439 x 6129.

May 9 – River Exploration at Barfield Crescent Park
Meet at the Stones River Overlook within Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Tuesday, May 9, from 2–4 p.m. Explore the river to catch and release crawfish, snails and other interesting macroinvertebrates. Discuss biodiversity and the importance of healthy waterways. Water shoes are recommended. There is no cost to join. For more information, email krendl@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 9 – Business After Hours
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its May Business After Hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, at Redstone Federal Credit Union (2404 Medical Center Pkwy.). 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.

May 10 – Living Sent Ministries
Come out for the May 2023 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Wednesday, May 10, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Speaker Basil Avery grew up in Southern California and had his share of struggles as a young man. He became a successful business owner, in the security industry, after he made God the CEO of his life and his business. Basil and his wife moved to Murfreesboro with their three children in June of 2022. Gene Garcia’s is a story of addiction and failure with no way out, and how God turned abject hopelessness into success for the Kingdom of God. A complimentary lunch will be co-sponsored by Red Barn Financial and Let’s Eat Catering. To RSVP, email bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

May 10 – Veterans Night Out
Sal Gonzalez hosts an open mic night in conjunction with the Romans Warrior Foundation and the Stones River VFW on Wednesday, May 10, from 7–10 p.m. All are invited to come out and enjoy live music and great foods at Single Tree BBQ (2805 Old Fort Pkwy.).

May 11 – Homeschool & Toddler Story Time
Come to Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) for story time and an activity with special guests from Linebaugh Public Library as they share about upcoming programs and talk about the summer reading program. Story time is from 10–11 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, and is free and open to all ages. No reservations are required and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

May 12 – Barfield Beach Party
Who said there were no beaches in Murfreesboro? Come out to Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Friday, May 12, for a real beach party from 5–7 p.m. Over 60 tons of sand are used to create the beach before it is used throughout the park systems. Enjoy music, dancing and a variety of games and activities. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email bgarrett@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-907-2251.

May 13 – Migratory Bird Day
Unruffle your feathers and explore the world of birds and their migration journeys with family-friendly activities throughout the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, May 13. Begin with a staff-guided birdwatching hike at 8:30 a.m., and meet a raptor at 11 a.m. There is no cost to join. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

May 13 – SOCM Day on the Water
Enjoy a day on the water with SOCM on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Jefferson Springs Recreation Area (7660 Jefferson Pk.). Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, picnicking and community. Learn more about The Statewide Organization for Community eMpowerment, information on Tennessee waterways and water safety tips. Beginners and advanced paddlers welcome. Bring your own vessel or flotation device (there will be a few available to share). For more information, find the “SOCM – A day on the water with your community” event on Facebook.

May 13 – Boro BBQ Festival
The Murfreesboro Breakfast Rotary Club is proud to bring back the 9th Annual Boro BBQ Festival, on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). Smell the blue smoke of some of the finest barbecue alongside live music, food trucks, craft vendors and a craft beer garden on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13. Last year 5,000 people came out. Smell that smoke, cast your vote in the People’s Choice, bounce in a bouncy house and watch some of the top cooks in Middle Tennessee compete in the KCBS Competitive Series-sanctioned Dr. George Smith BBQ Brawl. The event is free and open to the public. The festival encompasses other events including The Tennessee High School Steak Cook-Off and Tennessee Whiskey Tasting and Beer Garden (tickets purchased separately). You can’t eat the competition meat, but for $10 attendees can taste 10 2-oz. pulled pork samples and vote for their favorite. The club hopes to earn over $100,000 to support Rutherford County nonprofits. For more information, visit borobbqfest.com.

May 13 – Wild Art Fair
Art inspired by nature by many local artists will be on display and for sale at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Help welcome spring by supporting local artists, playing in nature and learning as a community. There is no cost to join. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 13 – Wartrace Strawberry Festival
The Strawberry Festival is the annual celebration of spring and all things strawberry on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Organized by the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce and held in Historic Downtown Wartrace, the day-long event features a variety of vendors selling their arts and crafts, baked goods, decor, boutique clothing, pottery, canned goods, handmade items and direct sales products, with each booth having something strawberry-themed. There will be a Kids’ Zone, food trucks, frozen treats and fresh strawberries for sale by local farmers. Wear a strawberry costume to join the Strawberry Parade at 10:30 a.m. (line up at the Dollar General at 10:15 a.m.) and be sure to enter the Strawberry Bake-Off Contest at noon for the chance to win a prize. All entries for the strawberry bake-off must be homemade and strawberry-themed. Those participating in the bake-off must submit the entry form along with the $5 fee to participate, and the baked item must be dropped off by 11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public; pets are welcome on leashes. For more information, visit wartracechamber.org/strawberry-festival.

May 13 – Honor the Fallen 5K
Memories of Honor, a nonprofit organization based in Nashville, welcomes everyone to the 8th annual Honor the Fallen 5K on Saturday, May 13 at The Grove in College Grove (6200 Wildings Blvd.). Participate with the community in honoring and showing respect for fallen veterans and their families. This event brings together families of the fallen, veterans, and civilians to a healing environment. The mission is to make every day Memorial Day. Participants will wear a Fallen Hero Memorial Bib containing the name of a fallen U.S. service member. Many of the families of the fallen are on hand to meet the participants. The event also features a songwriter round post race, hosted by country recording artist and Marine veteran Adam Warner and Army veteran Mark Addison Chandler. Race packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. with Color Guard at 8:50 a.m. and the race beginning at 9 a.m. Awards are at 10 a.m. with Passing of the Flag Ceremony at 10:10 a.m., Memorial Mile Start at 10:20 a.m. and food service and songwriters at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit honorthefallen5k.com.

May 16 – Spring into Wildflower Hike
Spring is here, so put a spring in your step at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, May 16, from 2–3 p.m. Hike around Barfield, explore and look for wildflowers while identifying and talking about the ones you find. Please dress for the weather. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information and to preregister, email krendl@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 18 – Homeschool Science Series: Amphibians & Water Quality
Help your student explore their world through science. Students will study different topics each class with hands-on demonstrations at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursday, May 18. Age groups are split into 5–8 and 9–12. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. The cost to join is $5 per person. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 18 – Wayfinding Art at Old Fort Park on the Greenway
The Murfreesboro Cultural Arts Department invites participants to have a part in decorating the greenways on Thursday, May 18, from 1–3 p.m. Add your own chalk masterpiece on Old Fort Park Trailhead (275 Golf Ln.). All ages are welcome and there is no cost. For more information, email smayo@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439 ext. 6111.

May 18 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the May 2023 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. 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.

May 19 – 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, May 19, at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro between the playground and outdoor tennis courts. (In the event of rain, drumming will be moved to the fellowship hall of St Patrick’s Anglican Church, but otherwise will take place in Old Fort Park; check the Everybody Drum Some Facebook page for updates.) It is free to participate, and people of all ages are invited to come join the drumming or to spectate. Participants may bring drums, shakers, tambourines, woodblocks or percussive instruments of any type, but instruments will also be available for use from the extensive Everybody Drum Some collection. For more information, visit everybodydrumsome.com or call 615-631-7458‬.

May 20 – Adult & Teen Challenge Pie Bakeoff!
The Adult & Teen Challenge Murfreesboro is holding a community and networking event on Saturday, May 20 at Turning Point Church (1033 Barfield Church Rd.) from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Come out for a pie-filled day, best pie contest, pie eating, a kids pie-eating contest, vendors and entertainment. For more information, visit atctn.org, email gene@atctn.org or call 615-624-7878.

May 20 – PossiBOWLity
Possibility Place works to discover possibilities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Come out for a fun afternoon at Smyrna Bowling Center (95 Weakley Ln.) on Saturday, May 20, from 1–3 p.m. while raising money for a great cause. The day consists of trophies (and bragging rights) for the top three teams, trivia contests with prizes, a prize for the team with the best costume and a silent auction. For more information, find Events at possibilityplacetn.org.

May 20 – Acorn Haven Open Studio
Acorn Haven Studios presents its 3rd Saturday Open Studio on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The day features displays from local artists, information on available classes and workshops, and more. This will be the final 3rd Saturday Open Studio until the fall. 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.

May 21 – Classic Cruise In
Come out to The Wildwood Reserve Barbershop (1330 NW. Broad St.) for the Classic Cruise In hosted by the Sleeper Car Club on Sunday, May 21, beginning at noon. Enjoy a day of music, food trucks and classic cars. For more information, find The Wildwood Reserve Barbershop on Facebook.

May 22 – 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.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, May 22. For more information, email rmitchell@rutherfordcountytn.gov or call 615-426-7373‬.

May 22 – Chord
The next Chord meeting is on Monday, May 22, 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. For more information, email thomchristy@gmail.com or gsc714@gmail.com.

May 23 – World Turtle Day
Celebrate the world of turtles and learn more about these shelled creatures and why they are important to protect. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) area with live animal demonstrations on Tuesday, May 23, from 3–5 p.m. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 23 – Design Your Own Planter at the Wilderness Station
Get your artistic side out and design a natural planter for your home at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, May 23, from 6–8 p.m. All materials plus a plant and soil are provided. Pre-registration is required. The cost to join is $15 per person. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

May 27 – Middle Tennessee Memorial Ruck
Stones River VFW Post 12206 presents the Middle Tennessee Memorial Day Ruck on Saturday, May 27 at 9 a.m. at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Barfield Crescent Rd., meet at Pavilion 3–4). Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen heroes that paved the way for our freedoms. Walk a total of six miles in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. and return at 10:30 a.m. Bring a rucksack (weight is up to you), water, snacks and a lawn chair if you plan to stay for post-ruck and afternoon libations provided by the sponsors. For more information, visit stonesrivervfw.com.

May 27-29 – Murfreesboro Healing Field
The Healing Field “Flags of Remembrance” returns for its 14th year and will be presented Memorial Day Weekend, May 27, 28, 29, in the grassy field next to First United Methodist Church, located at 265 West Thompson Lane near Regency Park Drive in Murfreesboro. Creating an awe-inspiring panorama, 500 three-by-five-foot American-made USA flags will fly on eight-foot staffs with gold toppings, aligned in a military grid to create an unforgettable patriotic display. This event reminds the community of the real reason for Memorial Day. Flags can be sponsored in honor or memory of personal heroes for $35 each. To sponsor flags visit HealingField.org/event/MurfreesboroTN23 in advance, or one can sponsor at the event. After the closing on Memorial Day at 5 p.m., sponsors can retrieve their flag(s) to take home, fly in their hero’s honor, or present to the honoree and family. Volunteers from the community are invited to assist the posting of the flags on Saturday at 8 a.m. Church groups, service organizations, businesses are invited to help for about an hour. Volunteers are needed at Closing on May 29 to retrieve flags. Volunteers can contact 615-641-0121 or exchangerutherford@gmail.com for duties. Boy Scouts will have a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Healing Field on Saturday, May 28 at 6 p.m. The community is invited to bring old, tattered, worn-out flags by 4 p.m. to be properly retired. The 14th Healing Field, a local tradition, is presented by The Exchange Club of Rutherford County and TriStar Veterans Resource Center, both non-profit organizations. This community Americanism project is made possible through corporate sponsorships, flag sponsorships and donations. Walk among the flags, teach your children about Memorial Day, remember your family heroes in honoring them by sponsoring a flag over Memorial Day Weekend. We will never forget our heroes. More information can be found at HealingField.org.

May 27 – Caffeine & Chrome
Calling all car enthusiasts the last Saturday of every month: join Gateway Classic Cars for Caffeine & Chrome on Saturday, May 27, 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.

May 29 – Memorial Day Bash at Boro Beach
Enjoy a day of swimming, music, fun and prizes at Boro Beach at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) on Monday, May 29, from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. The cost to join is $7 for adults and $5 for youth. For more information, email kgoss@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-895-5040.

Weekends in May – Tennessee Renaissance Festival
By decree of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, all subjects are summoned to the village of Covington Glen for the 37th Annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival as you sing, dance and play in the merry month of May. Shop talented artisans’ exceptional wares in the streets of Covington Glen. Take part in song and laughter with jesters, minstrels, jugglers and magicians demonstrating their unique skills. Listen to the tall tales of pirates and prepare to watch the royal joust. Feast like kings and queens on the variety of delicious food and beverages offered. Test your mettle at games of skill and enjoy rides powered by man and by pony. The festival is open Saturdays and Sundays in May as well as Monday, May 29 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For more information, visit tnrenfest.com.

June 2–4 – Secret Garden Party and Tour
The Secret Garden Party benefiting the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) at Murfree Spring returns for its 31st year on Friday, June 2, from 7–10 p.m. at the home of Susan and the Honorable Royce Taylor. The night features a “Farm to Table” theme with a seasonal menu crafted by Five Senses Restaurant alongside an open bar, live music, demonstrations by local artisans and a live auction. All proceeds benefit the Discovery Center. Tickets are $100 per person; you must be 21 and up to attend. In addition, the night includes an auction of trips, experiences, and gift packages donated by local businesses for attendees to bid on. A VIP cocktail hour for sponsors is at 6 p.m. The Secret Garden Party kicks off the return of the Secret Garden Tour on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, June 4, from 1–4 p.m. The Secret Garden Tour is a self-guided walking tour that allows participants to explore and view private and public gardens in and around Murfreesboro. The tour is for all ages and tickets are $10 per person. For more information or sponsorship, visit explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.

June 3 – Pup Parade
The Pup Parade and Costume Contest hosted by Rutherford Business Builders is Saturday, June 3, from noon–2 p.m. at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.). Proceeds benefit Beesley Animal Foundation and other local charities. This is free and open to the public. Contestants can register at bit.ly/rbbpupparade. Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be prizes for Best Costume, Most Creative Costume and Best of Show. For more information, visit rutherfordbusinessbuilders.com.

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-minute-period 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 educational snakes getting fed at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) from 11:30 a.m.–noon on Mondays in May. The program is free with no registration required. For more information, email challwalker@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Tuesdays – Antique Auto Museum
The Stones River Region AACA Car Club will have its garage museum open every Tuesday in May from 10 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Club volunteers show their antique cars in the garage and talk to guests about the automotive memorabilia they have on display. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

Tuesdays – Crochet Demonstrations
Crochet demonstrations are every Tuesday in May from 10 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). During the month, visitors will see demonstrations of stitches, techniques and beautiful completed projects. If you are just beginning or want to join in the crocheting fun, feel free to bring your own project and sit for a while. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up that project you have been meaning to finish. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

Tuesdays and Fridays – Rutherford County Farmers’ Market
Beginning the second Friday in May, the Rutherford County Agricultural Extension Cooperation returns for 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 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. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmers-market, email hlambert@utk.edu, or call 615-898-7710 or 615-785-0862.

Wednesdays – Blacksmithing
The Rutherford County Blacksmith Association demonstrates their talents every Wednesday in May from 9 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). All ages are welcome. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

Wednesdays – Wild Things
Let the smaller among us get in touch with their wild side at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Wednesdays in May 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. Focus on a different nature theme each week. Pre-registration is required by calling the Wilderness Station the day before at 615-217-3017. Ages 1–4 are welcome. The cost is $3 per child. For more information, email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

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 – Art Demonstrations
The Murfreesboro Art League demonstrates their talents every Thursday in May from 10 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

Thursdays – Textile and Handwork Demonstrations
Living history demonstrations of textiles and handwork is every Thursday in May from 10 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). During the month, visitors will witness demonstrations of weaving, spinning, rug hooking and hand embroidery. These living history demonstrations are provided by local artist Terri Goodrich as she shares her talents. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

Thursdays – Hike With A Naturalist at the Wilderness Station
Enjoy a weekly hike at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursdays in May from 2–3 p.m. Along the hike, stop and talk about things you see along the way. Each week, hike different trails at Barfield to get more familiar with the park. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov 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 – Live Music at Cannonsburgh Village
Grab a lawn chair and sit for a spell while enjoying live music in the village every Friday in May from 10 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). During the month, visitors can come and enjoy live music provided by local musicians Elaine Winters and Rob Pearcy. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-801-2606.

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 Animal Encounters, the spotlight is on the native animal ambassadors. Learn all about the animals on exhibit including an up-close interaction on Saturdays in May at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) from 1:30–2:30 p.m. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to join. For more information, email krendl@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Saturdays – Smyrna Depot Farmers Market
Beginning May 20, Carpe Artista returns with the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market in partnership with the Town of Smyrna from 8 a.m.–noon at the Historic Smyrna Front Street Depot District (98 Front St.). For more information, visit carpeartista.com/farmers-market or call 615-984-4038.

Saturdays – Murfreesboro Saturday Market
Beginning May 6, Main Street Saturday Market returns to 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.

Throughout May – Coffee Marathon
Participants have three months to complete nine routes totaling 26.2 miles from April through May. Buzz by each of the nine participating coffee shops, then walk or run all nine routes. You can choose one per week, one per day or all in one day. Each time you complete a route, ask the participating coffee shop to sign your passport. After completing all nine, bring your signed passport to Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.) to receive your commemorative mug. Maps and passport are available during the registration process. The cost to join is $25 plus the registration fee. For more information, email rbrady@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439.

Throughout May – Facebook Scavenger Hunt 2023
Each month, visit the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Facebook page for the Facebook Scavenger Hunt where you’ll get a photo of a landmark on a certain portion of the greenway. Participants will send in a picture of themselves at that landmark to receive a day pass to Boro Beach. There is no cost to participate. For more information, email adavidson@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-895-5040.