Celebration Under the Stars held at McKnight Park on the 4th of July
Photo by Jim Davis/Murfreesboro Parks & Rec

July 3 – Smyrna Independence Day Celebration
On Tuesday, July 3, delight in music, food & fun activities for all at the annual Smyrna Independence Day Celebration from 5–9 a.m. at Lee Victory Recreation Park (110 Sam Ridley Pk., Smyrna). Kids can play on the inflatable playgrounds or take a train ride. Bring a picnic lunch or buy from any of the onsite vendors and enjoy live music featuring 2nd & Vine. Then get ready for one of Smyrna’s highlights of the year, the annual fireworks show. For more information, visit townofsmyrna.org.

July 4 – 4th of July Rock the Pool
Make a splash at the Boro Beach Independence Day bash, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will be a day complete with contests, games and fun in the sun. Cost is $7; $5 for youth and seniors. Boro Beach is located at 2310 Memorial Blvd.

July 4 – Celebration Under the Stars
Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs and blankets to McKnight Park (120 DeJarnette Ln.) for the annual 4th of July community event featuring games and activities for the kids, live bands, fireworks and refreshments for purchase from 5–9:30 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 615-890-5333.

July 4 – La Vergne 4th of July Celebration
Join the crowd of merry-makers at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.) for a free 4th of July celebration with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and music starting at 6:30 p.m. featuring Missy Garnett and the Two Dollar Pistols. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and your own picnic dinners. Dine from a selection of food vendors onsite and spectacular fireworks show beginning at dusk. For more information, visit lavergnetn.gov.

July 5 – What’s Up Night Hikes
Summer nights are great for spotting owls and bats, listening to a chorus of frogs and insects, discovering glowing eyes, and finding fascinating critters that become active at night. Discover the forest under the night sky beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). Reservations required. Cost is $3 per person, $10 per family. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

July 5–7 – Hometown Hero Days
Come out to Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville), Tennessee’s largest petting farm and family fun park, to salute Tennessee’s Hometown Heroes as the farm offers free general admission to Tennessee fireman, police officers, active/retired military, veterans and their immediate family from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Must present valid ID. Mention “Hometown Hero” at Lucky Ladd Farms admissions. For more information, call (615) 274-3786 or visit luckyladdfarms.com.

July 5, 10, 14, 19 and 24 – Free Meditation Classes
The public is invited to free meditation classes July 5, 10, 19 and 24 from 5–6:30 p.m. with meditation teacher Venerable Ekachai at Dhammakaya Meditation Center (2033 Ghee Rd.) and on Saturday, July 14, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Linebaugh Public Library. Join a Buddhist monk teacher in exploring a spiritual path that emphasizes insight and experience over dogma and belief. Both those experienced in meditation and novices can learn much in this relaxed and informal session for a healthy body, peaceful mind and life enhancement. For more information, visit The Facebook page at MeditationRightInTennessee or contact 615-752-1284 or meditationrighttn@gmail.com.

July 6 – Adult Evening Kayak Float
Ages 12 and up can float down the cool, meandering Stones River and forget about the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy the company of new and old friends. Wildlife, birds and summer wildflowers are sure to appear on the excursion. Cost is $15 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. All equipment and instruction are provided. The excursion begins at The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) and TBD depending on water levels. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

July 6–8 – TN Summer Exposure Tournament
Softball players 18 and under will play in the 2018 Tennessee Summer Exposure Showcase’s 10th anniversary July 6–8 at McKnight/Starplex (120 DeJarnette Ln.). For more information, visit tnexposure.com.

July 7 – Family Kayak Float
Beginning at 10 a.m. on July 7, ages 10 and up can explore the beauty and wildlife of Murfreesboro as you float the Stones River. Cost is $15 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. All equipment and instruction provided. Children must accompanied by an adult. The trip begins at The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) and TBD depending on water levels. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

Throughout July – Rainforest Adventure at Discovery Center
Embark on a tropical rainforest adventure at the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) and learn about life in a rainforest habitat through Sept. 3. Swing like a spider monkey, discover a rodent that weighs over a hundred pounds and learn about a beetle that can carry over 850 times its own weight. Explore one of the least known habitats on earth in a fully interactive maze exhibit, chock-full of the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest. The journey begins in the highest treetops surrounded by migratory birds and radiant sunlight as you venture into the four layers of the rainforest: emergent, canopy, understory and forest floor. Learn how essential rainforests are to human health and survival. Admission charged. For more information, call (615) 890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org.

Tuesdays – Chess Club
The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the McDonald’s at 1706 Memorial Blvd. Chess players of all levels are invited to come out and meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, call 615-713-9256.

Wednesdays – Boro2Square Runners
Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are between three and five miles, with runners of all paces. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Tuesdays and Fridays – Rutherford Country Farmers’ Market
Join local producers at the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) every Tuesday and Friday from 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Enjoy fresh produce, nursery items, local honey, farm-fresh cheese, meats, soaps and eggs; participate in a free class at 9 a.m. For more information, call 615-898-7710.

Saturdays – Murfreesboro Saturday Market
Attend the Murfreesboro Saturday Market every Saturday from 8 a.m.–12 p.m., held around the inner circle of the Rutherford County Courthouse. Shop for all-natural, farm-fresh foods, flowers and household items. For more information, call 615-895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

Saturdays – Smyrna Farmers’ Market
Smyrna Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays through Sept. 17 from 8 a.m.–noon at the Smyrna Train Depot (98 Front St., Smyrna). For more information, visit townofsmyrna.org.

Throughout July – Movies Under the Stars
Murfreesboro’s Movies Under the Stars series features family films shown at various parks in the community. Admission is free and movies begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, blanket or tailgate; concessions are available for sale.
Locations are:
Mondays – Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy. (near pavilions #1 and #2)
Tuesdays – Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, 312 S. Front St.
Thursdays – Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park, 515 Cherry Ln.
Fridays – Cason Lane Trailhead, 1100 Cason Tr.
Saturdays – Fountains at Gateway 1500 Medical Center Pkwy.

Showings are:
Week of July 2 (no movie July 4) – Wonder
Week of July 9 – Early Man
Week of July 16 – Deep
Week of June 23 – Emma’s Chance
For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/parks or find Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation on Facebook.