Jan. 4 – Brew Business Mixer
Brew Business Networking continues the first Thursday of each month at Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Thursday, Jan. 4, from 4:30–6 p.m. There is no cost to attend and network. For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com.

Jan. 5 – Family Campfire at the Wilderness Station Campground
Gather around a campfire for s’mores and fun with the Wilderness Station team on Friday, Jan. 5, from 4–6 p.m. Hike out to the campground for a fire, snacks, and a few campfire stories while cooking s’mores and socializing. Meet at Wilderness Station Campground (401 Volunteer Rd.). The cost to attend is $3 for ages 4–17, $5 for ages 18 and up, and free for ages 3 and under. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-642-1103.

Jan. 5 – Postpartum Moms Meet & Greet
Join the Postpartum Moms Meet & Greet co-hosted by Dr. Marilyn Campbell of Milestone Chiropractic and Kimberly Williams, a doula with Growing your Nest Birth Services. This group is meant for women in all stages of the postpartum journey. The intention is to build community, connection and support for women by providing a place to lean on each other. Siblings are also welcome; there is a small play area within the office. The meeting is Friday, Jan. 5, from 9–11 a.m. at Milestone Chiropractic (611 N. Maple St.). For more information, visit milestonefamilychiro.com.

Jan. 5–14 – The Glass Menagerie by MLT
In collaboration with Oaklands Mansion, Murfreesboro Little Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie. This classic play, set in the 1930s, is introduced to the audience by Tom, the narrator and protagonist, as a memory play based on his recollection of his mother, Amanda, and his sister, Laura. The performance is at Oaklands Mansions’ Maney Hall ballroom (900 N. Maney Ave.) on Jan. 5–7 and 12–14. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start at $10. For more information, visit mltarts.com.

Jan. 6 – Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason
Join hundreds of brave individuals Saturday, Jan. 6, at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) to support Special Olympics Tennessee athletes in Rutherford County. With a minimum of $75 ($50 for students) in donations, each plunger receives the official Plunge T-shirt and all bragging rights associated with a brave endeavor. Additional prizes are available depending on the amount raised. The “Arctic Adventure” festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with the plunge check-in, music, inflatables, games, hot chocolate, coffee and donuts. The costume contest is at 9:50 a.m., with the plunge at 10 a.m. The indoor pool will be open immediately after the plunge until 11:30 a.m. Each plunger needs to register and raise the required minimum. The $10 registration deposit is applied to the plunger’s fundraising total. Plunge as an individual or as a team. Costumes are encouraged. Awards and prizes are given to top fundraisers and best costumes/themes (youth and adult category for costumes). Funds raised provide sports training and competition for Special Olympics Tennessee athletes in Rutherford County. For more information or to register, visit classy.org/event/murfreesboro-polar-plunge-2024/e533214.

Jan. 6 – Mama Mia! Kids Class
Calling all young chefs to The Curious Kitchen (327 E. State St.) on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for Mama Mia! Kids Class. When many think about Italy, they think about delicious food. Learn how to make all-time favorites, passed down from Sicilian ancestors, at a cooking class specially designed for young chefs. Creativity is encouraged. Ages 6–15 are welcome. The menu includes: cheesy garlic bread, mixed green salad with homemade buttermilk dressing, spaghetti and meatballs, double chocolate brownies and Italian cream sodas. For more information, visit thecuriouskitchen.net.

Through Jan. 7 – Smyrna Ice Skating Rink
Smyrna’s Ice Skating Rink located at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (at 100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. East, Smyrna) is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 to 8 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. through Jan. 7. Skates are included with admission—Adults: $7; Children and seniors $5; under age 3: Free. For more information, call 615-459-9710.

Jan. 7 – Adult Maker Club
Paint a quilt block painting and enjoy the company of other makers at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Ages 16 and up are welcome. There is no cost to join and all materials are provided. Pre-registration is required by visiting rclstn.org or calling 615-225-8312.

Jan. 7 – Cripple Creek Cloggers
Cripple Creek Cloggers is a Murfreesboro-based troupe teaching and performing traditional Appalachian-style square dancing with a clogging step. They begin their 57th year on Sunday, Jan. 7. They will meet at 4:30 p.m. at the Smyrna Senior Activity Center (100 Raikes St.). There is no charge to participate and no previous dance experience is necessary. All interested persons are invited. This troupe organized at Kittrell School in 1967 as a part of 4-H Share the Fun. They have traveled and performed in every U.S. state and in international festivals. Cripple Creek Cloggers will host the next International Folkfest June 2–9, 2024. For more information, email appdancer@aol.com or call 615-896-3559.

Jan. 9 – Rutherford Cable
The topic for January’s Rutherford Cable meeting is Real Talk About Your Career on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 7:15 a.m.–9 a.m. at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Gary Harris, director of government and community relations with the north region of the TVA will discuss “Leadership – You Are the Message.” Members and guests are welcome. Bring plenty of business cards. Professional headshot sessions are also available before and after the meeting. For more information, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

Jan. 9 – Living Sent
Everyone is invited to the January 2024 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Living Sent Ministries inspires and equips business and professional leaders to live out their Christian faith and promotes the philosophy that God gave everyone their business or job to help build the Kingdom. A complimentary lunch will be provided. To RSVP, email bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com. Living Sent Murfreesboro meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

Jan. 9 and 10 – A Midweek Mini Retreat to Get Unstuck
If you are feeling stuck and uncertain, this free Midweek Mini Retreat is available through Zoom. This imagination activation is for trusting yourself and getting unstuck. It’s time to transition from busy to being, to trade chaos for clarity. This two-day event is for women ages 12 and up who are looking to gain clarity, confidence and courage by learning to activate their imagination and trust their inner voice to get unstuck. Meetings are Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan 9 and 10, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For more information, find A Midweek Mini Retreat to Get Unstuck (Murfreesboro) on Eventbrite.

January 12 – Coach Williams’ Riverdale Hall of Fame Induction
Riverdale High School will be inducting Coach Jerry Williams into the Sports Hall of Fame at the basketball homecoming game on Friday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. as part of the RHS 50th anniversary. At halftime, there will be a brief ceremony honoring Coach Williams followed by a tour of the new wrestling facilities named in his memory. Coach Williams graduated in 1975 from Antioch High School, where he participated in wrestling and played football under legendary coach Warren Dunn. He graduated from MTSU in 1980 and coached wrestling at Lebanon High School until 1982, then served as assistant coach at Ezell Harding until 1984. He continued his career at Riverdale High School, where he coached wrestling until 1993. Williams was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1991 and passed away on Feb. 1, 1993. His team was informed of his passing upon their return from the state championship tournament in Chattanooga. The event is open to everyone, and the Williams family looks forward to visiting with former RHS students, teachers, wrestlers, football players and countless others who knew Coach Williams.

Jan. 12–28 – Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors is set to open Friday, Jan. 12, at The Center for the Arts in downtown Murfreesboro. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II”—after his co-worker crush. This R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent of global domination! Find tickets at boroarts.org, by calling 615-904-ARTS (2787), or in person at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro. Showtimes include 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Jan. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27; and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays Jan. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Jan. 14 – Crafty Tween/Teen Club
The Technology Engagement Center’s Crafty Tween/Teen Club meets monthly to craft and socialize. January’s meeting is Sunday, Jan. 14, at 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to join and materials are provided. The TEC is located at 306 Minerva Dr. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

Jan. 14 – Seasons of Murfreesboro Community Appreciation
Seasons of Murfreesboro Restaurant & Lounge (2227 Old Fort Pkwy.) will hold a Community Appreciation Event on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 5–8 p.m. This family-friendly event is a token of appreciation to the Murfreesboro community. The day will consist of free food and inspiration for everyone who comes out. For more information, find Seasons of Murfreesboro Restaurant & Lounge on Facebook.

Jan. 15 – The Rutherford County Historical Society Presents Author Rick Glaze
The Rutherford County Historical Society presents author and Murfreesboro native Rick Glaze on Monday, Jan. 15, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Glaze will read his book Ralph & Murray and converse with Murfreesboro natives Kem Hinton and Cecil Elrod at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). The story follows Ralph and Murray’s adventures together, their lives as pets with their human families, and their love for the people of this picturesque small town, which informs their choices and decisions of its citizens as they make their way through the era of Elvis, TV westerns, Tennessee Williams and RC Cola in the late 1950s. This nostalgia-tinged story is about Ralph (a dog who fancies himself “in charge of security” for his home) and Murray (a cat convinced that rubbing his tail can cure warts). There is no cost to attend. Books and e-books will be available for purchase. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org or rickglaze.com.

Jan. 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day March
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by marching from Central Magnet School to Patterson Park Community Center on Monday, Jan. 15, from noon–2:15 p.m. Immediately following the march there will be a brief program to recognize the legacy of Dr. King at Patterson Park Community Center. The march begins at Central Magnet School (701 E. Main St.) and runs to Middle Tennessee Boulevard and on to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, concluding at Patterson Park. All ages are welcome. There is no cost to participate. For more information, email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439.

Jan. 18 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the January 2024 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 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. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

Jan. 19 – Dolly Parton Birthday Storytime
Help celebrate Dolly Parton with a special storytime on Friday, Jan. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.). Read one of Ms. Parton’s books, participate in a craft activity, and sign up for the Imagination Library. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

Jan. 19 – Third Friday Community Rhythm Event
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, Jan. 19, in the fellowship hall of St. Patrick’s Anglican Church (7103 Baker Rd.). There is no cost to attend, and people of all ages are invited to participate in 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. For more information, visit everybodydrumsome.com or call 615-631-7458‬.

Jan. 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, Jan. 22. For more information, email rmitchell@rutherfordcountytn.gov or call 615-426-7373‬.

Jan. 23 – Rutherford Arts Alliance Gathering
Join Rutherford Arts Alliance members, partners and guests as they gather at Liberty Station (850 NW Broad St.) on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 p.m. for the RAA’s first quarterly meeting of 2024. Liberty management will be showing attendees around their roomy and welcoming event space, market and cafe. They will also share their mission and heart to provide a progressive workforce pipeline for adults with disabilities or employment barriers. RAA interest groups will share a quick recap of 2023 and a few exciting plans for 2024. Mix and mingle with old and new friends while enjoying light refreshments. For more information, visit rutherfordartsalliance.org.

Jan. 26 – Comedy for a Cause
Comedy for a Cause, held Friday, Jan. 26, at the Walnut House, benefits the Murfreesboro Kiwanis Foundation. Featuring Paul Aldrich and Brian Bates, the evening will include two shows, beginning at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Bates opened last year’s sold-out inaugural Comedy for a Cause event and will return with new material. He has appeared on The Grand Ole Opry, on SiriusXM’s LaughUSA and on the weekly NateLand Podcast. Comedian/impressionist/guitarist Paul Aldrich—who has recorded and released 16 projects and whose “one-man variety show” has been featured at thousands of events around the world—will co-headline. The Kiwanis Foundation serves the Murfreesboro community through a variety of projects. With a focus on children, they sponsor Key Clubs in area high schools and they also support Candle Wishes, the Child Advocacy Center, Endure Athletics, Good Shepherd Children’s Home, Holloway High School Daycare and A Soldier’s Child. General admission tickets for Comedy for a Cause are $75. The Walnut House is located at 116 N. Walnut St. in downtown Murfreesboro. For tickets and more information, visit borocomedy.com.

Jan. 26–28 – Nashville Dance Fest
The Nashville Dance Fest is set for Jan. 26–28 at Williamson Family Farm (3250 Wilkinson Pk., Murfreesboro). The festival is designed as a fun and immersive experience, offering workshops for all skill levels, competitive events in line dancing and swing dancing, and daily concerts featuring an array of country artists. Nashville Dance Fest was co-founded by Adia Nuño and Taylor Winston, who, after meticulous planning and over 25 years of combined experience in the dance community, will lead the festival along with their veteran team of instructors. A variety of ticket levels are available at nashvilledancefest.com.

Jan. 27 – Author Dr. Rachel Louise Martin
Author Rachel Louise Martin, PhD, will speak at the Friends of Linebaugh Library’s Author Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at The Maple Room (415 N. Maple St.). Dr. Martin is a historian and writer whose work has appeared in outlets like The Atlantic and Oxford American. She is the author of Hot, Hot Chicken, a cultural history of Nashville hot chicken, and A Most Tolerant Little Town, the forgotten story of the first school to attempt court-mandated desegregation in Clinton, Tennessee, in the wake of Brown v. Board. Martin is especially interested by the politics of memory and by the power of stories to illuminate why injustice persists in America today. She grew up in Murfreesboro and now lives in Nashville. Members of Friends of Linebaugh Library can purchase discounted tickets for the luncheon for $15 or $25 without membership. This can be done at the circulation desk at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.). For more information, visit rclstn.org.

Through Jan. 28 – Winterfest at Fountains
Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) hosts Winterfest outdoor ice skating rink through Sunday, Jan. 28. Grab your family and friends and make plans to come and skate. For more information, cost and a full schedule, find Fountains at Gateway on Facebook and Instagram or visit fountainswinterfest.com.

Jan. 28 – Cryptid Club
Come out to the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr) for Cryptid Club on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. This is a fun, all-ages event where attendees learn about a new Cryptid Creature each month. Discuss the folklore, stories and theories surrounding the “sightings” of such phenomenal creatures. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

Through Feb. 15 – Shoe Us The Love
The Stones River chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is having a shoe drive called Shoe Us The Love to support its MTSU Scholarship Fund. Through a partnership with funds2orgs.com, the MOAA will collect gently worn used shoes. The project will not only help raise money for the local scholarship fund, but the shoes will also be reused and given a second life by those in need. The organization aims to collect 2,500 pairs of gently used shoes. Boots, athletic shoes, dress shoes, sandals, work boots, cleats and even flip flops are accepted as long as they are not torn. Murfreesboro shoe drop-off locations include Murfreesboro Hyundai (1625 S. Church St.), The Shoe Fixer (1004 Memorial Blvd.), St. Clair Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) and the Tri-Star Veterans Resource Center (439 Rice St.). For more information on the project and the Stones River Military Officers Association of America, call 845-325-8700 or email jamesheuberger@gmail.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.

Tuesdays – TinyTEC
Meet at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) for TinyTEC on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. TinyTEC is a STEAM-based program for pre-K-aged children, but all ages are welcome. Read a book about winter science and perform an experiment or make a craft item. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

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.

Wednesdays – Girls Who Code
Meet at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr) for Girls Who Code on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for 6th–12th graders. Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. This is a free after-school computer science program and it is not just for girls. Pre-register by calling 615-225-8312.

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

Thursdays – Poker at Panther Creek
The Murfreesboro Poker League hosts free games of Texas hold ’em each Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). Anyone can join during the first round, even after the game has begun, until after the break, when the elimination round starts. Players can receive additional chips with the purchase of food and drink. The winner of the nightly game receives a $50 gift card at Panther Creek and points for league champs are tallied by placement. For more information, find a Murfreesboro Poker League Facebook Group or contact Jeff Pooley at ‪615-877-4842.

Thursdays – TinkerTec
Come out to the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) for TinkerTEC on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. TinkerTEC is a STEAM-based program for elementary-aged children, but all ages are welcome. Read a book about winter science and perform an experiment or make a craft item. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

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 McAlister’s Deli (2357 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. Those attending may bring a board and a clock if they can, but there should be plenty of supplies on hand.

Saturdays – GlowForge Orientation
GlowForge Orientation is held at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) on Saturdays at 1 p.m. All ages are welcome; a parent/guardian must accompany makers under 13 at all times. Orientation covers the basics of the GlowForge laser cutter, including best practices, basic procedures, policies and an overview of the software. This orientation is required for using the TEC’s GlowForge. Advance registration is required by emailing info-tec@rclstn.org. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

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

Sundays – Coffee/Breakfast with a Veteran
All are welcome to join local veterans for coffee or breakfast and conversation on Sunday mornings from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Joanie’s, located on the Public Square in Downtown Murfreesboro.

Sundays – 3D Printer Orientation
The Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) hosts its 3D Printer Orientation on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. All ages are welcome; a parent/guardian must accompany makers under 13 at all times. Orientation covers the basics of 3D printing, including best practices, basic procedures, policies, and an overview of the software. This orientation is required for using the TEC’s 3D printers. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.