Aug. 3 – Karen Ferguson Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) will host local author Karen Ferguson for a book signing on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m.–noon. The author signs and sells copies of her new children’s book Guess How Much God Loves You. This is the story of 7-year-old Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God. After one particularly hard day of being bullied by her classmates at school, Lucy feels like she doesn’t matter. She sits with Papa Joe, who has promised to answer her questions about God, launching them onto a journey to discover God’s never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love and a wild adventure through the Bible. Copies of the book will be available for $10 each. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

Aug. 3 – Stuff the Bus With United Way
United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ Stuff the Bus initiative is a community-sponsored program that provides school supplies for students in need. This year’s Stuff the Bus Collection Party is set for Thursday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in MTSU’s parking lot (off Greenland Dr. and Middle Tennessee Blvd.). The Stuff the Bus initiative has provided over 22,000 local students with school supplies since 2012. The initiative begins first with the collection of needed school supplies: backpacks, crayons, markers, scissors, glue sticks, #2 pencils, colored pencils, spiral notebooks, erasers, pencil sharpeners and rulers, dropped off at various collection sites across Rutherford County through Wednesday, Aug. 2. On Thursday, Aug. 3, all items will be dropped off between 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the party. All can attend and enjoy music, games and fun to celebrate the community’s hard work. Volunteers will pack backpacks full of school supplies before they are distributed to Rutherford County Schools, Cannon County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools. For more information, visit yourlocaluw.org/stuffthebus.

Aug. 4 – Friday Night Live Concert Series
The 2023 Friday Night Live Concert Series continues on Friday, Aug. 4. Main Street Murfreesboro throws a musical party on the Murfreesboro Public Square from 6:30–9:30 p.m. featuring Monsters of Yacht. There’s always room in front of the stage to cut a rug, or bring a chair and enjoy the music sitting down. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/friday-night-live.

Aug. 4 – Middle Tennessee Wind Orchestra Presents: An Evening at Oaklands
The Middle Tennessee Wind Orchestra presents An Evening at Oaklands Mansion, a concert chamber series in collaboration with the historic house museum. The program features chamber groups of many shapes and sizes, ranging from trios to octets to the entire ensemble. The repertoire includes a minimalist opening, a collection of three colorful octets and several member-driven chamber groups sprinkled throughout. The performance will take place Friday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. in Maney Hall (900 N. Maney Ave.). Admission is free and open to the public. Reservations are required due to limited space. Donations will be accepted both online and at the door. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org and find News & Events.

Aug. 4 – Family Movie Night
Bring your blanket, chairs, friends and family for an outdoor family movie night at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pwky. E., Smyrna) for the first Toy Story. Vendors will be onsite with tasty food and treats including Grady’s Classic Concessions and Mr. Kool’s Kool Treats. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. with the movie beginning at dark. All ages are welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is suggested through the Community Pass. For more information, email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org.

Aug. 5 – Poetry Workshop With Poet Laureate Mike James
Spend an afternoon writing new poems or short prose with Murfreesboro’s 2023 Poet Laureate Mike James on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 1–4 p.m. at the MTSU Academic Classroom Building, Room 112 (1751 MTSU Blvd.). This interactive three-hour workshop, free to RAA members or with a new RAA membership, begins with the idea that imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery, it’s also one of the key sources of inspiration. There is an optional brown-bag lunch and open mic. For more information, visit rutherfordartsalliance.org.

Aug. 5 – Youth Magic Group with Smyrna Library
Visit Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd.) on Saturday, Aug. 5 (and the first Saturday of each month) at 9:30 a.m. when, presto, kids turn into magicians. The Youth Magic Group is free to the public and geared toward ages 6–12. For more information, visit rclstn.org/events.

Aug. 5 – Free Yoga Class
Come out for a free community yoga class taught by a certified yoga instructor (beginner friendly) on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 8–9 a.m. at Royal Massage & Yoga Lounge (423B W. Lytle St.). Bring your own mat if you have one (mats are available for a $5 rental fee). These classes are free to the community. Bring yourself, a friend, a bottle of water and a mat. Class sizes are limited. For more information, visit royalmassageandyoga.com.

Aug. 5 and 19 – Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturday Nights
Show off your car, listen to music and meet new friends at Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturdays, Aug. 5 and 19, from 4–8 p.m. at River Rock Baptist Church (2248 Highway 99). The Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club hosts the event, which will feature music, door prizes and games for the kids. Parking is a $1 donation to charity. Concessions are provided by the RRBC Youth Groups. Everyone is welcome. For more information, find the Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturday Nights event on Facebook, or call 615-405-5271 or 615-556-0547.

Aug. 6 – End of Summer Sip & Shop
Rustic Lace Events features handmade vendors at a special End of Summer Sip & Shop at The Public House (300 Bradyville Pk., Readyville). The bar will be open and an assortment of vendors will be onsite from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information, find the End of Summer Sip & Shop event on Facebook or Rustic Lace Events on Facebook, or call 931-952-0207.

Aug. 6 – Hip Hop Cypher Contest
The Hip Hop Cypher show is held the first Sunday of August and September at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.). Performers and all hip-hop crews in Murfreesboro are wanted on Sunday, Aug. 6, from 7–11 p.m. for Cypher Sundays, hosted by Yonna Movement. Emcees and producers can participate. All performers get in free; there is a $10 admission fee for others. For more information, find Cedar Glade Brews on Facebook.

Aug. 8 – Rutherford Cable August Breakfast Meeting
The Rutherford Cable—Women Moving Forward August Breakfast Meeting theme is “Declutter Your Mind: Create Freedom to Become Fulfilled, Driven and Inspired” by Hope Warfel, RN. Warfel is a life coach empowering women with practical tools, actionable strategies and unwavering support. She guides women not just to survive, but to truly thrive in a life that is filled with joy, purpose, clarity of direction and emotional peace. A healthcare executive, Warfel is the lead navigator and project specialist for Ascension’s national marketing and communications team. The meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 8, 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. For more information, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

Aug. 8 – Business After Hours
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its August Business After Hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Wild About Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (614 E. Clark Blvd., Murfreesboro). 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.

Aug. 8 – Tennessee Trails Association Monthly Meeting
The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of the Murfreesboro chapter will be held Tuesday, Aug. 8, (and the second Tuesday of every month) from 7–8 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Road). For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org, email ttamurfreesboro68@tennesseetrails.org or call or text 615-971-8894.

Aug. 8 and 22 – Yarn Love Murfreesboro
Yarn Love Murfreesboro is a casual group of yarn enthusiasts who love to knit and crochet. All levels of experience are welcome. Talk shop, bring your current works in progress, stitch a project for charity or just learn. Pointers are offered to anyone who wants to get involved; bring your own yarn, hooks or needles to get started. Help is also offered if you are stuck on a pattern. Yarn swaps are also held. YLM will meet in Linebaugh Library’s Conference Room on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6–8 p.m. For more information, find Yarn Love Murfreesboro on Facebook.

Aug. 9 – August Living Sent Murfreesboro
Join the August 2023 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Allen Jackson is pastor of World Outreach Church, and he’s been in Rutherford County most of his life. He’ll share his unique perspective on faith, life and business. Steve Sullivan knows what it means to bring your faith to work. He is head of legal operations at Nissan North America and is also involved in Rutherford County government. Sullivan will share his God Story. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Demos Restaurants. RSVP by emailing bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

Aug. 10 – Adult Maker Group at the TEC
Crafters and makers of all kinds are welcome to attend an Adult Maker Group at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.). Bring a project you’re working on or an idea to share. Consider this group as a sounding board and a crafting community of sorts. This meets the second Thursday at 6 p.m. Ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, email info-tec@rclstn.org.

Aug. 12 – Brunch at the Fountains
The Women of First Baptist Church Murfreesboro and Mothers Ministry will be teaching “Godly Women Principles, Fashion Etiquette, Social Etiquette & Community Etiquette” at The View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pwky., #STE 4D) on Saturday, Aug. 12, from noon–2 p.m. The guest speaker will be June Marie of the Swan School of Protocol. Ages 14 and up are welcome. For more information, visit bit.ly/fbcwomensbrunch.

Aug. 12 – Back to School Art Gallery
Trellis & Vine partners with the Carpe Artista Arts Academy to showcase up-and-coming school-aged artists. Carpe Artista’s Arts Academy equips students to develop their art, and Trellis & Vine looks forward to hosting these budding artists throughout the month of August. See what the next generation is bringing to the art world. The Back to School Gallery is on display Aug. 1–31 at Trellis & Vine (27 S Lowry St., Smyrna). Visitors can experience the exhibit Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Community members are also invited to an after-hours evening with the young artists on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 6–8 pm. The event is free to the public and light refreshments and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, visit trellisandvine.art.

Aug. 12 – Peach Cobbler Festival
The second annual Peach Cobbler Festival & Craft Fair is set for Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). There is free admission and parking. Enjoy live music by Not Ashamed alongside 95 vendors, food trucks, handmade craft vendors, boutiques and a peach cobbler contest. There is free water while supplies last. Tickets to taste the cobblers are $5 (vote for your favorite one). First place wins $600, second place wins $300 and third place wins $150. This is a Brianna Victory event. For more information, email shawntain1998@gmail.com or text 931-952-0472.

Aug. 17 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the August 2023 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. 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. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

Aug. 17–26 – Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair
The Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair is Aug. 17–26 at James E. Ward Agricultural Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon). This year is the “Year of Corn.” Special events include barrel racing, a mule and draft show, a youth horse show and Ms. Wilson County Fair. Monster Truck Wars, America’s wildest monster truck show, will battle in the Motorsports Arena on Monday, Aug. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This energetic monster truck show features a superstar lineup, and kids can take a ride in a real monster truck. See world-famous Outlaw, Muddy Girl, Shark Attack and Backdraft Monster Trucks. Ride free of charge in the Sergeant Smash Monster Truck from 5–6:15 p.m. Fairgoers will have another opportunity to ride in Sergeant Smash after the show until 10:30 p.m. Different motorsports events are held every night including tractor and truck pulls, demolition derbies and more. Admission to the fair for adults is $12, children 6–12 are $6 and children 5 and under are free. A season ticket is $45 and is good for admission all 10 days. A mega ticket is $30 and includes gate admission and a ride armband. The fair hours are Monday through Friday beginning at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at noon. Buildings and exhibits close around 10 p.m. with rides closing at 12 a.m. on the weekends and earlier during the week. For more information, visit wilsoncountytnstatefair.com.

Aug. 18 – Everybody Drum Some
Everybody Drum Some founder Ross Lester continues the third 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, Aug. 18, 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.) There is no cost 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.

Aug. 19 – Southern Shopping Shindig
Shop over 50 local vendors including handmade, direct sales and food at the Southern Shopping Shindig on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Funds benefit the Tennessee Respite Coalition with a raffle and donation drive. Items that will be collected include fuzzy socks, lotion, blankets, adult coloring books and candles. These items will be given directly to caregivers as a thank-you. The first 50 shoppers will receive a free goodie bag filled with items donated from the amazing vendors. There is no entry fee. For more information, find Southern Shopping Shindig on Facebook.

Aug. 19 – MLT and Oaklands Mansion Membership Event
Murfreesboro Little Theatre and Oaklands Mansion join forces once again for the Annual Membership Event. Enjoy a night of barbecue, drinks, performances and awards at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) on Saturday, Aug. 19. The evening will consist of MLT’s Annual Awards Ceremony, as well as a joint Membership Barbecue Picnic and a performance of Kyle Thomas’ This House Is Not a Home. While this event is not limited to members of the organizations, attendees are encouraged to become members of both organizations. There is no cost to attend, however reservations are encouraged to supply enough for everyone. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org and find News & Events.

MTSU Fan Day – Aug. 20
The 2023 Blue Raider football, volleyball and track & field programs will be in attendance at the annual MTSU Athletics Fan Day, held this year from 3–5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, within Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium on the MTSU campus. MTSU fans of all ages can get autographs from their favorite Blue Raiders, while enjoying live music from Bizz and Everyday People. Inflatables, face painting and balloon artists will be available to all guests, as well as booths from MTSU Athletics corporate sponsors, who will have giveaways for fans. MTSU Athletics ticket staff, the Blue Raiders Alumni Association and the marketing department will also be available to answer questions and will have giveaways of their own. Football season ticket holders who renewed by March 15 can pick up their MTSU branded pint glass, while football season ticket holders who renewed by May 31 can pick up their 2023 Blackout T-shirt. For more on MTSU sports, visit goblueraiders.com.

Aug. 26 – Arts & Booze at Panther Creek Brews
Enjoy a local art market at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.) on Saturday, Aug. 26, from noon–3 p.m. Artists include Gregory Lannom, Ryan Frizzell and Meagan Armes. For more information, visit panthercreekbrews.com.

Aug. 26 – Caffeine & Chrome
Calling all car enthusiasts: on Saturday, Aug. 26, and the last Saturday of every month, join Gateway Classic Cars for Caffeine & Chrome 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.

Aug. 28 – 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, Aug. 28. For more information, email rmitchell@rutherfordcountytn.gov or call 615-426-7373‬.

Aug. 29 – Technology Council AI Talk
The Murfreesboro Technology Council presents a series looking at the future with artificial intelligence and how to make it work for you. Ever wondered what AI was or how to use it for your your business? Come out to a special session with the Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee Technology councils on Tuesday, Aug. 29, starting at 3 p.m. This installment, the second in a three-part series held at the Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy., first-floor event space), focuses on how to stay safe and manage your data and privacy with AI. Networking starts at 3 p.m. with the speaking session starting at 3:30 p.m. and running until 5 p.m. Following the talk, the Technology Council will hold its August Networking Social at Margaritas (352 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 5:30–7 p.m. For more information or to register, call 801-857-4233 or visit murfreesborotechnology.com.

Bubbles and Beakers – Sept. 1
The Discovery Guild presents Bubbles and Beakers at the home at Charlene Taylor on Friday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Donations will benefit free field trips for Murfreesboro City Schools students. For more information on the event, the Discovery Center and the Discovery Guild, email Lindsey Jennings at ljennings@explorethedc.org or visit explorethedc.org/discovery-guild.

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.

Tuesdays and Fridays – Rutherford County Farmers’ Market
The Rutherford County Agricultural Extension Cooperation continues its 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. There are also come-and-go informative sessions to the general public every market day from 9–11 a.m. in the lobby. Topics range from sustainable gardening, cooking, food preservation and environmental education to other local topics of interest. The Master Gardeners of Rutherford County are available 9 a.m.–noon in the demonstration garden for questions and tours. On Fridays, find treasures of all kinds from area artisans including soaps, jewelry, sewn items, woodwork, baskets, leathercrafts, home décor, artwork and so much more. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmers-market, email hlambert@utk.edu or call 615-898-7710 or 615-785-0862.

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 – 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 – C3 Networking at Prohibition Home Brewing
C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Prohibition Home Brewing (906 Ridgley Rd.) on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.

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 – Smyrna Depot Farmers Market
Carpe Artista presents 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.) every Saturday. For more information, visit carpeartista.com/farmers-market or call 615-984-4038.

Saturdays – Murfreesboro Saturday Market
The Main Street Saturday Market continues in downtown Murfreesboro. The weekly farmers’ market will take place 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 and find a wide variety of produce, locally raised meats, fresh breads and pastries, mushrooms, honey, soaps and lotions, sauces, jams and more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

Saturdays – Historical Society Coffee & Conversation
The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Murfreesboro’s local history since 1971. Whether researching your family, your property or perhaps just old fun facts, the RCHS is an exceptional resource. The RCHS hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). This is very informal, fun and informative. Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members. Enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.