Good morning, Murfreesboro.

The Murfreesboro Saturday Market opens today from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Murfreesboro Square, offering local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods plus crafts and live music each week through Oct.

31.

Local fans are urged to vote for native Jordan McCullough on Monday, May 4 for American Idol Top 3, which could bring him back to town.

If he makes the cut, a hometown parade (4 p.m.) and live concert (6 p.m.) are set for Wednesday, May 6 downtown.

Press Forward Middle Tennessee launched a region-wide survey open through May 31 to learn how residents access local news.

The survey is available (English, Spanish, Kurdish-Kurmanji, and Kurdish-Sorani) for those across the region.

State Parks and TWRA will offer $15 beginner kayaking classes Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at selected parks (including Harpeth River and Booker T.

Washington) to kick off National Safe Boating Week, with limited spots at each session.

The Gumbo Bros expands to Murfreesboro later this month at the north end of the Publix shopping center on Veterans Parkway, bringing Cajun flavors and a sports bar vibe.

Media welcome events are scheduled for May 20 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and May 21 and will feature Adam Lathan.

The annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday in May from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free parking starting at 8 a.m. (attendees should plan for limited cell service and follow strict weapon policies).

During an April 29 performance at Middle Tennessee State University, Grammy‑nominated rapper GloRilla paused her show to donate $10K toward a student’s tuition & the act sparked buzz on campus and social media.

The school board approved a $142 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year on May 2.

The plan (which reallocates fund balances to cover revenue gaps) will be reviewed by City Council before taking effect on July 1.

Dozens of La Vergne High seniors earned associate degrees two weeks before graduation by completing an early college program with Motlow State Community College.

They celebrated with a college signing day on April 24 and many plan to pursue further studies at local universities.

Oakland baseball coach Mack Hawks retired on May 1 after 37 seasons, 760 wins and two state championships, making him the winningest coach in Rutherford County, and he also retired from teaching after 39 years to spend more time with his family (he cherishes quiet moments).

Blackman and Oakland ended the regular season in a 0-0 tie with records of 3-4-1 and 0-5-4; Oakland will travel to Blackman early next week for a district tournament rematch.

Area 16 Special Olympic Games for High School and Adults

10 a.m. — Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium — Free admission — Come support local athletes as they showcase their skills in a series of exciting events.

Brooks Herring Band Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Hop Springs — $20.97 — Experience the dynamic country music of Brooks Herring, blending grit and vulnerability in an unforgettable live show.

Line Dance Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free entry — Step out for a boot-stompin' evening with live country music and line dancing instruction.

Gallagher Guitar Fest 2026

5-9 p.m. — Walnut House Event Venue & Recording Studios — Tickets available now — Enjoy live music and support your favorite artists at this community celebration.

Murfreesboro Strawberry Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Hop Springs — Tickets starting at $0.00 — Celebrate the sweetness of strawberries with family-friendly activities and fun.

SciFri Book Club at Cedar Glade Brews

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Cedar Glade Brews — Free entry — Dive into discussions about 'Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law' with fellow science enthusiasts.

Paint Pour Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Payment required — Unleash your creativity by pouring paint on two canvases with guided instruction.