July 2 – NARFE Meeting
The Murfreesboro 0834 National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter meets for lunch at The Villages of Murfreesboro (2550 Willow Oak Trail) on Thursday, July 2 (and the first Thursday of every month) from 11 a.m.–noon. The meeting is in the second floor conference room. NARFE involves all active and retired federal workers and spouses. For more information, visit narfe.org.

July 3 – Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Celebrate our country’s birthday with a reading of the Declaration of Independence on Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m. until noon on the west side of the Murfreesboro Public Square at the Historic Courthouse. Enjoy the Art Gallery related to our country’s birthday and sing patriotic songs. Bring a lawn chair.

July 4 – Wartrace Freedom Fest
Visit the historic railroad town of Wartrace on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. for a 4th of July celebration of freedom. Shop a variety of vendors and food trucks, watch or participate in the freedom parade and entertain the kids with some summer activities. Stay afterwards for the town’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the fireworks show just across the street. Vendors are wanted at Jernigan Field (119 Bridgeview Ave.). For more information, call 931-240-0300 or visit wartracechamber.org.

July 4 – La Vergne Independence Day Celebration
Join the city of La Vergne to celebrate independence at Veterans Memorial Park (Floyd Mayfield Dr.) on Saturday, July 4. Enjoy music and food, and end the night with a spectacular fireworks show. Vendors are on hand with concessions for sale. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with festivities kicking off at 6 p.m. Bring the family and chairs or blankets. Admission is free. For more information, call 615-793-3224. Personal fireworks are not allowed.

July 4 – Heart of Tennessee: Murfreesboro Fireworks Display
Enjoy fireworks from your car, lawn chair, blanket or parking lots near the Medical Center Parkway area on Saturday, July 4. To bring the community together virtually, local radio station WGNS provides music and surprise guest appearances on air, culminating in a patriotic medley to accompany the fireworks display. WGNS can be found at AM 1450, FM 100.5, and FM 101.9 on the radio. Listeners can also stream the show at wgnsradio.com. The fireworks display by Pyro Shows lights up the sky at 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets to view the show; please clean up your area before you leave. Medical Center Parkway will be closed from West College Street to Gateway Boulevard from 8:30 p.m. until the conclusion of the fireworks show. For those unable to see the fireworks in person, ABC News Channel 2 will broadcast the display. Sponsors of the event include the City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, Murfreesboro Police Department, Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department and WGNS Radio. For more information, contact 615-642-3723 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.

July 4 – Freedom Festival at Hop Springs
Hop Springs will celebrate July 4 with its first-ever Freedom Festival, a benefit concert and fireworks show supporting area first responders and the frontline workers of Rutherford County. The property opens at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, with live music set to begin at 3 p.m. The Freedom Festival will include performances on two stages from End of the Line (an Allman Brothers Tribute band), The Smoking Flowers, Kirsten Arian, Kira Lynn, Andrew Millsaps, Madeline McDonald, My One and Only, Amanda Page Cornett & Almost Angels and Angela Sue Cheslock. At sundown, MAD Fireworks will present a fireworks show. Hop Springs offers 84 acres of open space. Only 2,000 people will be allowed on the property, which would give each individual a 45-by-45-foot square if they so choose. Tickets are $10; ages 14 and under are free. 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Rutherford County first responders and frontline workers. For more information, visit freeedomfest.com, or find tickets on Eventbrite. Hop Springs is located at 6670 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro. For more information on the brewery and the property, visit hopspringstn.com.

July 4 – Arrowhead Boys Ranch Fireworks Fundraiser
The Arrowhead Boys Ranch celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, with fireworks, hot dogs and lots of fun with proceeds benefiting the boys ranch (239 Cortner Mill Rd., Normandy). Admission is $10 per adult and free for children under 10 years old. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. at the ranch. Funds raised directly contribute to housing, counseling, food, health care, transportation and activities for the boys. The Arrowhead Boys Ranch is a nonprofit, long-term residential care facility for boys ages 10–18 years old who are dealing with conflict and misguided direction in their lives. While at the ranch, the boys learn the importance of hard work and team building in a Christian family environment. Tickets can be purchased at arrowheadranchtn.net/events-near-me. For more information, contact 931-857-4000 or info@arrowheadranchtn.net.

July 11 – Southern Shopping Shindig
Southern Shopping Shindig features over 80 handmade gift, craft, and food vendors at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The Canjo Woman provides free entertainment, and guests can enjoy raffles to raise money for Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center. Admission is free. For more information, find the event on Facebook or contact southernshoppingshindig@gmail.com.

July 11 – 2nd Service Division BBQ
2nd Service Division hosts a FatGuy BBQ lunch on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at VFW Post 8422 (10157 Old Nashville Hwy., Smyrna). Admission is $20 for the first person and $5 for each after that. All donations help a veteran repair their homes. The day includes pulled pork sandwiches, beans, potato salad, water, a cornhole tournament and guest speakers. The VFW is one of the oldest military nonprofit organizations in the USA. The goal is to help all veterans in need, including during transitions from military to civilian life. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

July 11 – Memorial Butterfly Pick-Up
Each year, the Alive Hospice community comes together to remember loved ones with a butterfly release. Butterflies symbolize the lasting love and the spiritual renewal of a new season. For the health and safety of all, participants release their butterflies at home this year Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., but still uniting as a community remembering loved ones. Share pictures and videos from your home release to be included in the year’s memorial video. Email your photos or video clips to jpropst@alivehospice.org by July 15. For the first time, the hospice is selling butterfly houses handmade by local craftspeople for Alive. You can buy a kit to build and paint your own or buy one that is finished. Supplies are limited. All funds raised support the nonprofit services including grief counseling, community education and financial aid. Alive Hospice is located at 1629 Williams Dr. For more information, find the event on Facebook or visit alivehospice.org/murfreesboro.

July 11 – Kid’s Construction Fun Fest
Get your hard hats on and gear up for big-time fun with some oversized toys at Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville) on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. A special construction site is ready for operation where kids can help Digger Dan operate a real excavator, move sand, climb on a bulldozer and explore other farm and construction equipment. Plus, kids enjoy fun activity centers where they can practice skills of trades like building with life-sized Jenga games and giant Lincoln log sets. All the farm’s standard attractions are also included. Participation is free with paid admission. Required hard hats and safety goggles are provided; closed-toe shoes are required for participation. For more information, find Lucky Ladd Farms on Facebook, visit luckyladdfarms.com or call 615-274-3786.

July 11 – ’90s Tribute Band at Ridenour Rehearsal Studios
Ridenour Rehearsal Studios (1203 Park Ave.) is a premier music facility in Murfreesboro hosting live shows, rehearsals, recording, music lessons, gear rental and live streaming shows. Pivot, your favorite ’90s band plays tunes on Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information, call 615-956-7413.

July 11 – Conservative Caucus 2020
The Pledge of Allegiance states that we are one nation under God, not government. Yet in light of recent events, a growing number of Americans welcome the idea of a government “over the people”, when our forefathers fought for a government “of the people, by the people, for the people”. The Conservative Caucus was organized for those who intend to honor our forefathers and the Constitutional rights they laid out. On Saturday, July 11, hundreds of Tennesseans will gather for a day filled with patriotism, beginning with a Q&A featuring the U.S. Senate Candidates, followed by presenters on the Constitutional Amendments, along with a few special live music performances. Lunch will be available and parking is free. The event will take place at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro (1200 Conference Center Blvd.) from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. This is a free event, but registration is encouraged. Register at eventbrite.com, or for more information, visit www.conservativescaucus.com or visit facebook.com/cccevent.

July 14 – Rutherford Cable July Meeting
Join Rutherford Cable for “What Is the Marketing Hourglass?” with Dean Heasley on Tuesday, July 14, from 7:15–9 a.m. at the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.). A “marketing funnel” is referred to when “a sale pops out the bottom of the funnel” and you have to start over. A “marketing hourglass” is an approach using the “7 steps of Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat and Refer,” Heasley says. The founder of Nashville Marketing Systems, Heasley focuses on digital trust and referrals to help create a sustainable business. Bring business cards and grab a card from the basket on the way out to make connections. For more information or to register, contact yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

July 16 – Charity Circle “No Show” Fundraisers
Charity Circle, one of Rutherford County’s key benefactors supporting nonprofits providing basic needs, is not immune to the effects of COVID-19. To err on the side of safety, Charity Circle will host “No Show” events for the remainder of 2020. In 2019, Charity Circle distributed $436,000 to 35 local agencies directed towards food, clothing, shelter and medicine-insecurity needs. Funds are distributed quarterly to nine ongoing Rutherford County nonprofits. Each fundraiser is a “No Show” party on their scheduled dates, and will highlight individual ongoing agencies, their missions, and benefits thanks to the gifts of Charity Circle’s contributors. Charity Circle’s “No Show” parties are:
July 16 – Cocktails at Copper Ridge, featuring Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center
Aug. 14 – Summer Supper, featuring Ann Campbell Early Learning Center and Nourish Food Bank
Sept. 11 – Tailgate Party, featuring Domestic Violence Center and Doors of Hope
Dec. 4 – Ladies Holiday Luncheon, featuring Community Helpers and Good Shepard’s Children’s Home
Dec. 11 – Christmas Cocktails and Cheer, featuring Child Advocacy Center and The Journey Home
To contribute towards the “No Show” fundraising parties and Charity Circle’s community support, and for more information about the historic women’s organization founded in 1910, visit charitycirclemboro.org.

CANCELLED: July 17–19 – Murfreesboro Antique Show
Murfreesboro Antique Show will host its 53rd annual show July 17–19 at Mid-TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). This long-lasting Murfreesboro tradition attracts some of the finest antique dealers from across the country. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18, and from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Admission is $7 for all three days. For more information, visit murfreesboroantiqueshow.com.

July 18 – Yoga at the Island
Yoga is a great way to wind down, especially outdoors in nature. Meet at the beautiful Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.) from 9–10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, for a community yoga session. Yoga focuses on improving your balance and flexibility, while at the same time reducing stress. Beginning and intermediate levels for ages 13 and up are welcome. For more information, contact bjohnson@murfreesborotn.gov.

July 24–26 – Murfreesboro Home Expo
The Murfreesboro Home Expo is scheduled for July 24–26 at Mid-TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). See the latest in home improvement, remodeling, design and outdoor living. Meet with local and national vendors to help tackle any size project. Participate in live demonstrations, food sampling, show deals and contests with prizes. The first 1,000 tickets are free, presented by Bath Fitter. After those supplies are exhausted, admission is $5 with free parking. All military, seniors and children 12 and under are free. Hours are Friday from noon–8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, call 800-201-HOME, find the event on Facebook or visit murfreesborohomeexpo.com.

July 25 – Mixtape at Hop Springs Amphitheater
Mixtape performs the best music of the 1980s live on Hop Springs’ new outdoor stage (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) from 7–10 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. There are 84 acres for safe social distancing and plenty of room to dance, sit at a picnic table or relax on a blanket. Tickets purchased for Mixtape’s show that was canceled due to COVID-19 will be honored for this show. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, call 615-450-1907 or visit hopspringstn.com/events.

July 25 – Splash Bash
Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd.) offers children fun in the sun with a “Splash Bash” on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kids can cool off on the inflatable water slides, splash pad and bubble blast enjoying a water balloon toss and games alongside all the regular fun activities of the farm. For more information, call 615-274-3786.

Throughout July – Movies Under the Stars
Movies Under the Stars returns this summer with a lineup of family-oriented shows. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs or truck bed and refreshments; the shows start at 8:30 p.m. (The double feature on July 11 starts at 7:30 p.m.). Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Locations are as follows:

Mondays: Barfield Crescent Park, near Pavilions 1 and 2
Thursdays: Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park
Fridays: Cason Lane Trailhead
Saturdays: Fountains at Gateway (No show July 4)

Movies scheduled for the 2020 Movies Under the Stars:
Week of June 29: The Secret Life of Pets 2
No Show July 4
Week of July 6: Frozen II; special double feature of Frozen and Frozen II on Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Week of July 13: Toy Story 4
Week of July 20: Overcomer

For cancellations and updates, find Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on Facebook.

Tuesdays and Fridays – Rutherford County Farmers Market
Shop local produce, fruits, honey, cheese, meat, flowers and other plants at the only 100 percent producer-only farmers market in Rutherford County at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.–noon. Everyone is required to wear a mask (until further notice). For more information, call 615-898-7710, visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford or find Lane Agri-Park Community Center on Facebook.

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 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Thursdays – Pool Tournament at Van’s
Van’s Bar and Grill hosts an 8-ball pool tournament every Thursday at 7 p.m. Registration is $20 and opens at 6 p.m. The tournament is double elimination. Payouts depend on number of entries. Van’s Bar and Grill is located at 2404 Halls Hill Pk.

Thursdays – Mayday Open Mic
Mayday Brewery hosts open mic night the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7–9 p.m. with pianist Jackson Harrison. Try out your new songs, or just listen to your neighbors. Admission is always free and all ages are welcome. Mayday Brewery is located at 521 Old Salem Rd. For more information, call 615-479-9722 or visit maydaybrewery.com.

Saturdays – Murfreesboro Saturday Market
The Main Street Saturday Market continues each Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon at the historic Murfreesboro Public Square. Over 45 vendors offer produce, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, tea, snow cones, flowers, plants, fresh eggs and more. No pets this year, and one person per family is recommended to reduce the size of the crowd. For more information, contact mainstreetmarket@downtownmurfreesboro.com, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/main-street-farmers-market or find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

Throughout July – City Parks Summer Camps
Sign the kids up for summer camps in the city like Zoologist Camp, Summer Kayak Club, Sports Camp at Sports*Com, Pioneer Camp, History Through the Arts Camp, Broadway Theatre Camp and more. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/1550/Summer-Camps or contact 615-890-5333 or dterry@murfreesborotn.gov.

Throughout July – Stones River National Cemetery
Stones River National Cemetery (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) plans to feature many events throughout July including Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of Stones River National Cemetery, Civil Warriors Suffragettes, Battlefield Caravan Tour, Ranger-Walk Never Forget, Breaking Boundaries: Women in the Civil War and more. For more information, follow Stones River National Battlefield on Facebook or visit nps.gov/stri or call 615-893-9501.

Throughout July – Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
Murfreesboro Water and the United Way encourages the community to stuff the bus throughout July. Donate school supplies to K–5th grade students to start their school year right. Supplies needed include backpacks, Crayola crayons, color pencils, dry erase markers, glue sticks, scissors and notebooks. Collect school supplies at your company, with your friends or civic organization through July 27. Supplies can be delivered to Hobgood Elementary School on Monday, July 27 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information, visit yourlocalaw.org/stuffthebus.

Online Classes
Transparent Heart Yoga Class offers yoga classes on Zoom. Email contact@transparentheartyoga.com for more information, to receive the meeting ID and be added to the general email list. For a complete list of classes, visit transparentheartyoga.com/live-schedule-virtual-classes.

Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate offers a variety of workout and karate videos online, from stretching and warm-up exercises to advanced kata and karate instruction. Visit bskonline.com and click on “Home Dojo.”

Premier Athletics continues to host virtual cheer and tumbling classes throughout July. For more information, contact amajors@premierathletics.com or visit premierathletics.com.

The Chattery, a nonprofit learning collective located in Chattanooga, offers fun, affordable and accessible classes and workshops for adults to learn from a variety of community leaders, experts and hobbyists. Upcoming online classes include “Branding 101,” “Beginner Macramé,” “Super Simple Summer Dinners!” and more. For more information, visit thechattery.org.

Join Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation and Murfreesboro Sports*Com on Facebook for a schedule of live workout videos throughout the month.

Murfreesboro Academy of Music Virtual Lessons practice social distancing while students enjoy lessons in a safe setting. For more information, contact 615-905-1882 or info@murfreesboromusic.com, or visit murfreesboromusic.com/2020/03/20/virtual-lessons.