Throughout October – Canned Food and Clothes Drive
Donate canned and nonperishable food items as well as winter clothes like coats, gloves and hats during October; items can be dropped off at Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) Tuesday–Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The museum is partnering with a local shelter and donating all the items collected at the end of the drive. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

Through Nov. 7 – Apples for Sight Fundraiser
The Murfreesboro Lions Club sponsors the Apples for Sight Fundraiser Oct. 1–Nov. 7. The Club is taking $100 donations for a big box (approximately 28–30 pounds) of the new crop of Gala apples. The proceeds benefit many areas and organizations including the Tennessee Lions Eye Center at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, eye screenings for children 1 to 6 years of age, to fight childhood pediatric cancer, for a MTSU scholarship for a blind student, to Middle Tennessee Lions Sight Service (MTLSS) for cataract surgeries and aids for the indigent blind and sight-impaired, and for other Lions Sight Agencies for Middle Tennessee. These apples are good for Halloween, for employees, for customers and donating to other charities. For more information or to order a box, call 615-896-1007 or 740-405-3621. Apples will be delivered Oct. 30–Nov. 7.

Oct. 1 – Dancing Away the Darkness
Now more than ever, mental health is an issue for people. Dance has been proven as an effective way to heal from many things including depression and anxiety as well as other mental and physical ailments. Dance therapy, as described by the American Dance Therapy Association, is the psycho-therapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being. Come by National Dance Clubs of Murfreesboro (710 Memorial Blvd., Ste. 122) on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. to Dance Away the Darkness. For more information, visit nationaldanceclubs.com.

Oct. 2 and 3 – Fall Native Plant Sale
Over 20 species of native trees, shrubs and perennial bunch grasses will be available at the Fall Native Plant Sale Oct. 2 and 3, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Get help deciding which plants work best in your yard. Be a part of habitat stewardship and reconnect fragmented habitat. For more information, khopkins@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 3 – Time Changes Tribute to Farmers
Stephanie Nash and Cait Belber present a fundraiser for the Time Changes scholarship bringing farmers together for a night of music, fun and advocacy for the agriculture communities. Come out to Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. To purchase a ticket or donate to the fundraiser, contact stephanienashmanagement@gmail.com or find the event on Eventbrite.

Oct. 3 – Crescent Corner Market Craft Sale
Brenda’s Treasures from the Trunk puts on its third fall show at Crescent Corner Market (4986 Barfield Crescent Rd.) Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Over 40 vendors offer jewelry, Pink Zebra items, boutique selections, embroidery, wood signs, T-shirts and more with direct sales and handmade booths. Crescent Corner Market offers breakfast and lunch for purchase. If you are interested in being a vendor, contact cagleb@comcast.net.

Oct. 3 – Wendy Hambrock Book Signing
Wendy Hambrock signs copies of her children’s fantasy book Sarah’s Journey on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sarah’s Journey is about 12-year-old Sarah Fenley, who feels like she doesn’t fit in. Her awkward appearance and rocky relationship with her mother leave her wishing for a better life, one including a particularly cute boy. After finding an old book one day, Sarah’s life begins to change drastically. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

Oct. 3 – Yoga at the Island
Yoga is a great way to wind down, especially outdoors in nature. Meet at the beautiful Gateway Island on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9–10 a.m. for a free yoga session. Yoga focuses on improving balance and flexibility while at the same time reducing stress. Beginning and intermediate levels ages 13 and up are welcome. For more information, contact bjohnson@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 3 – Murder Mystery Escape Game
There is a mystery to unravel, and your team of detectives needs to solve the crime. Assemble a team and reserve a time for the Murder Mystery Escape Room on Civic Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2–6 p.m. Teams of detectives have 30 minutes to find the hidden clues and solve challenging puzzles before the case goes cold. Groups of 1–4 can reserve a 45-minute time slot. Registration is required by calling 615-893-2141. Space is limited. Ages 10 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-893-2141 or hbelcher@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 5 – Wine & Dine at the Alley on Main
Wine and dine at the Alley on Main (223 W. Main St.) to benefit the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties on Monday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. Enjoy five courses and three wines. Tickets are $45 per person and are limited in supply. Call 615-203-3498 for tickets. For more information, find an event page for Wine & Dine at the Alley on Main on Facebook.

Oct. 6 – Dog Tail Detective Series
Maryanne VanDyke offers the first two books in her Dog Tail Detective Series on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.). VanDyke’s debut manuscript, Dog Daze of Summer, is an adult mystery told in the voice of Sammy, the protagonist’s Shih Tzu. Surrounded by her eccentric and complicated Southern family, some of whom hide dangerous secrets, Izzie is fortunate to have her faithful Shih Tzu, a loving companion at her side as she struggles to untangle her childhood memory of her father’s murder when she was only 6 years old. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

Oct. 9 – One Day Café
Oaklands Mansion features its first One Day Café—A Pop-up Restaurant on Friday, Oct. 9, with dinner served on the outdoor courtyard provided by several local restaurants including appetizers by CJ’s Catering, entrees by Five Senses and desserts by Olive Branch Bakery. Tickets are available in advance for $75; the two seating times are 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited. Like other museums, Oaklands Mansion has been hit hard by the current pandemic, and proceeds help continue the current mission of education and preservation. Before dinner, guests can wander the halls and read about the rich history that Oaklands has preserved over the last 60 years. For reservations, call 615-893-0022 or email events@oaklandsmansion.org.

Oct. 9 – Jamming 101
Jamming 101 is for those who want to try their hand at improvisational musical sessions with other players or to improve their jamming skills. International Bluegrass Music Association award recipient Andy May leads the workshop. A variety of topics include jamming common sense and etiquette, nervousness, judging the jam, practice techniques and face-saving performance tips. Group playing opportunities are available. Bring your instruments to City Plaza (111 W. Vine St.) Friday, Oct. 9 (rain date Oct. 16) from 7–8 p.m. (ages 12 and over). Cost is $5. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 9–18 – Tennessee STEAM Festival
The Tennessee STEAM Festival aspires to build interest and excitement in STEAM, cultivating the next generation of citizens, professional science advocates and practitioners by leveraging local partnerships from across the region. The Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.), whose commitment to Murfreesboro and the surrounding region marked its 30th year in 2017, is leading the statewide effort Oct. 9–18. For more information, visit tnsteam.com.

Oct. 10 – Long Hunter State Park Hike
Explore Tennessee’s amazing state park system at the Long Hunter loop paved trail (2910 Hobson Pk., Hermitage) as it meanders along Couchville Lake. Take a cross-country hike to the Bryant’s Grove area and back (rated easy to moderate) on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9–11 a.m. Sinkholes and cedar glades are just a few cool features to explore on this interpretive hike. Ages 12 and up are welcome (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Cost is $5. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 10 – Fish Fry and Bake Sale
Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) honors the past by hosting a drive-up Back to Our Roots fish fry and bake sale Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon–4 p.m. Years ago, before the City of Murfreesboro acquired the museum, a fish fry was often used as a form of fundraising. Enjoy a delicious fried fish sandwich and a sweet treat. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 10 – Tree of Life 5k
Join Tree of Life Animal Sanctuary in a 5k run/walk at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) to help build a new rescue in Murfreesboro on Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, find the event on Eventbrite.

Oct. 11 – Shabby Lane Virtual Holiday Market
Shabby Lane Holiday Market moves online with over 50 amazing small businesses Oct. 11–24. For more information, visit shabbylaneshops.com/pages/girlsdayvirtualmarket.

Oct. 12–Nov. 2 – Guitar 101
Grab your guitar and bring it to this 4-week workshop at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.) Monday nights Oct. 12–Nov. 2, from 4–5 p.m. for ages 7–15, and from 5:30–6:30 p.m. for ages 16 and up. Andy May makes it easier to understand flat-picking and finger-picking techniques for improving playing as well as building confidence. Beginning to intermediate level guitarists are welcome. Cost is $100. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 14 – Preschool Cultural Arts Pop-Up
Join Cultural Arts at the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9–10 a.m. and the second Wednesday of each month. Preschoolers (ages 3–6) can create a craft and learn something new with a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited, so sign up early. An adult should stay with each child participant. Classes are 11 a.m.–noon and 1–2 p.m. for ages 7 and up. Cost is $5. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 14 – Raptor Rhapsody
Have you ever looked an owl in the eye, glared at a red-tailed hawk up close, or checked out a falcon’s wings? Here is your chance to get up close and personal with a live bird of prey and learn about these master predators of the sky with presentations and photo opportunities next to live birds throughout the day. All ages are welcome. Come by the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 4–5 p.m. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 16 – Night Hikes
Late summer nights are great for spotting owls, bats, frogs and insects, discovering glowing eyes and finding other fascinating critters that are active at night. Visit the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7–8 p.m. Reservations are required by contacting 615-217-3017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov. All ages are welcome. Cost is $3 per person or $10 per family. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

Oct. 16 – Isaiah 117 House Golf Tournament
The Rutherford County Isaiah 117 House cordially invites the community to the 2020 Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Indian Hills Golf Club (405 Calumet Tr.). Tee off to bring an Isaiah 117 House to Rutherford County. Registrations begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch following at noon. The shotgun start is at 1 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 5 p.m. Prizes are awarded to the top three local teams plus a special prize for the last place team. Golfers can pre-register at isaiah117house.com/golf; make sure the Rutherford County course is selected. Sponsorship opportunities are available via the website. When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their welfare, they are usually brought to the Department of Children’s Services Offices to await placement with a foster family; this wait can be several hours to nearly a full day. Isaiah 117 House provides a safe and comforting home where these children can wait, staffed by friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys and blankets. For more information, follow Isaiah 117 on Facebook and Instagram, or visit isaiah117house.com.

Oct. 16 – Toddler Time with Thomas
Little kids love to play, and that’s what they do while learning to wait their turn, follow directions and work together to accomplish simple goals at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) on Friday, Oct. 16, from 10–11 a.m. The focus is on body part recognition, cognitive skill development and fun. Ages 5 and under are welcome. Cost is $3 per visit. For more info, call 615-895-5040.

Oct. 17 – Bird Hike
Visit the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a birding hike with an experienced naturalist on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8–10:30 a.m. Both beginner and experienced birders are welcome, and a brief review of birding methods and common species is discussed before the hike. Expect to walk up to three miles round-trip on both paved and natural, rocky surfaces. Bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow some at the station. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or emoorman@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 17 – Family Kayak Trip
Grab the family and get paddling with Outdoor Murfreesboro on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. All equipment and instruction are provided. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Location is determined the week of the kayak. Cost is $8. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

Oct. 17 – Flashlight Nights in Oaklands Mansion
Explore Murfreesboro’s most mysterious mansion after dark Saturday, Oct. 17, at Flashlight Nights in Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). These special nighttime tours feature some of the unusual and creepy details and characteristics of the over 200-year-old house while it is decorated for the Halloween season. Explore the dark corners and low-lit parlors while finding unusual and curious items. Bring your own flashlight. Nights commence Oct. 17, 24, 30 and 31, at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at oaklandsmansion.org; there are a limited number of tickets available for each night. When your flashlight tour is over, take a walk if you dare on the dimly lit trails of the wetlands and see the dark reflections of Maney Spring. Parking is at Oaklands Park Picnic Pavilion (427 Roberts St.).

Oct. 17 – 2020 Backyard Bash
The Center for the Arts takes the Bash to the backyard this year for a new outdoor event to celebrate and raise money for the Center on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 5–7 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Tickets include food, drinks and parking. Tickets are $100 per ticket or $175 per couple. Attire is causal. For tickets, visit boroarts.org or call 615-904-ARTS (2787). This year honors 2020 Arts Advocates of the Year Ted and Gloria LaRoche.

Oct. 19 – Portico Fundraising Banquet
The annual Fundraising Banquet and Silent Auction for Portico, Be the Light, is Monday, Oct. 19. This year’s silent auction is online and the actual event is a combination of in-person at Embassy Suites (1200 Conference Center Blvd.) and virtual. Online bidding begins Oct. 15. Portico offers pregnancy support, from pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to post-abortion classes, for those who find themselves in a difficult chapter of their lives. For more information, find Portico on Facebook or visit porticostory.org.

Oct. 19, 21, 26 and 28 – Puppy Obedience Training
Learn basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “leave it,” “wait at the door,” “watch me,” “walk” and “come” at a puppy obedience training series. Socialization is encouraged with both people and other puppies, and trainers are on hand to offer advice on house-training, bite inhibition, jumping up and other inappropriate behaviors. Classes meet twice a week for a two-week period at General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.) from 4:30–5:30 p.m., Oct. 19, 21, 26 and 28. Dogs 8–16 weeks are welcome. Register at murfreesborotn.gov. Cost is $125. For more information, contact teddy@sitmeanssit.com.

Oct. 21 – She Social with Sara
Women can feel shame, anxiety, and even depression when it comes to the past, hiding stories and the pieces of oneself. But what if the things that divide us are the very things that actually unite us? This month’s special guest speaker, Sara, shares her own personal story of how she worked her way out of a toxic marriage surviving depression, anxiety and the fear of not being accepted because of her shame. Sara shares her story to help empower women and encourage them to pick up the pieces and move forward at The Social Exchange (224 W. Main St.) on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 6–8 p.m. For more information, find The Exchange Boutique on Facebook.

Oct. 21–24 – Frightensburgh
Travel back in time, if you dare, through Frightensburgh at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) Oct. 21–24, from 7–11:30 p.m. each night. This walking tour through historic Cannonsburgh Village is not suitable for young children; groups are small (2–6 people). Cost is $10 per person. For more information, contact 615-890-5333 or tlaird@murfreesboro.gov.

Oct. 22 – Movie Night at The Grove
Gear up for Halloween with the The Grove at Williamson Places’s first family movie night featuring Hocus Pocus on Thursday, Oct. 22. Food trucks will be onsite at 5 p.m., with the movie starting at 7 p.m. The Grove (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) offers plenty of room for social distancing. Tickets are $3 per person for the movie only. Tickets for The Grove Family Movie Night can be purchased at thegroveawp.ticketleap.com or at the door. The first 75 kids with a movie ticket purchase enjoy a free goodie bag; each bag contains a free popcorn ticket. Bring your own chairs or blankets. Fire pits are available in the movie area. For more information, find the event on Facebook or visit thegroveatwilliamsonplace.com.

Oct. 22 – Ladies Halloween Roller Skate Party
Join the ladies-only, Halloween-themed roller skate party Thursday, Oct. 22, from 7–9 p.m. at SkateCenter West (849 W. College St.). Best dressed attendee wins a prize, and bring two or more friends to be entered for a prize. Cost is $15 and includes the boot rental. For more information, find Rockin Roller Queens on Facebook.

Oct. 23 – Cookie Decorating Class for Beginners
Learn the basics of decorating sugar cookies with Tennessee Sugar by practicing basic piping and flooding techniques at Brass Horn Coffee Roasters LLC (410 W. Lytle St.) on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Take home five beautifully decorated cookies like a personalized name-tag cookie, and enjoy refreshments, goodie bags, royal icing and sugar cookie recipes. Tickets are $55 and are available on Eventbrite.

[CANCELLED] Oct. 23 – Paranormal Investigation of Nonie’s Bakery
Get spooky with a paranormal investigation of the 100-year-old building that is home to Nonie’s Bakery (115 N. Maple St.) on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m., with Southern Ghost Stories. Experienced ghost hunters Mark Walsh and Eric Freeman set up in the basement and main floor with ghost hunting equipment. Local author Allen Sircy talks about his new book Southern Ghost Stories: Murfreesboro, Spirits of Stones River. All proceeds from the event benefit the Rutherford County Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20. For more information, find the event on Facebook or Eventbrite.

Oct. 23–25 – ReVintage Lemon’s Holiday Open House
The holiday season is approaching fast, and ReVintaged Lemon’s (302 W. Vine St.) Holiday Open House is Oct. 23–25, from 5–8 p.m., with discounts, drawings and freebies. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

Oct. 24 – TN Raffle for Burn Foundation
The Brayden Garrett Burn Foundation, Inc., Mayday Brewery and Donny Garrett present the second annual Tennessee Raffle on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3–9 p.m. at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.). Proceeds benefit the nonprofit foundation The Brayden Garrett Burn Foundation, Inc. and Shriners Hospital for Children Cincinnati. The whole family is welcome to enjoy great food and live music, raffle prizes and a silent auction from 5–8:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the venue the day of the event from 3–5:45 p.m.; tickets are $5 per person or five tickets for $20. For more information, find the event on Facebook and Eventbrite.

Saturdays – Animal Encounters
Visit the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Oct. 10, for a short program being introduced to one of the educational animals from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Learn about the animals’ cool adaptations and natural history. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesborotn.gov.

Saturdays – Murfreesboro Saturday Market
Join the fun on the historic downtown Square at the Saturday Market every Saturday until the end of Oct. from 8 a.m.–noon. Find local produce and baked goods, pumpkins, flowers, crafts and more. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.