Rutherford 250 Events

Self Evident Truths to a New Birth of Freedom
2026-05-30 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-05-31 14:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Stones River National Battlefied, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
Join a ranger for a 30-minute talk exploring the connections between the ideals expressed at our nation’s founding and the expansion of liberty and civil rights made possible by the struggle that gripped our country more than 80 years later. Meet at the park visitor center.

Battlefield Caravan Tour
2026-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Stones River National Battlefied, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
Meet the ranger at the flagpole in front of the visitor center.

Follow a ranger in your car for a tour of the battlefield. The group will make several stops at key battle locations, and the ranger will tell the tale of one of the most important Union victories of the Civil War. (90 minutes) This event is free.

Discovery Center - Take a Road Trip - New England
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-07 | Discovery Center, 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro, 37130, United States
Take a “Road Trip” through the US during June and July. Each week will feature a different region of the US with special activities. These activities are included with museum admission.

Summer of Celebration
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-30 | Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
This summer, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America and the 50th anniversary of Cannonsburgh, the village will be full of patriotic decorations showing its American spirit. During the months of June and July, celebrate American pride as you experience the history, culture, and heritage of our nation during a visit to Cannonsburgh Village. Blacksmith demonstrations will take place on Thursdays from 9am-12pm and the Murfreesboro Art League Gallery will open every Saturday and Sunday. Pop-up activities and planned programs will be available for visitors of all ages during regular hours and will be announced on our website https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/164/Cannonsburgh-Village and the Cannonsburgh Village Facebook page. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

All-Ages Storytime: America Revolution Experience at Linebaugh
2026-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Linebaugh Public Library, 105 W. Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
Throughout the week, there will be children’s programs and activities hosted by Linebaugh Public Library and by the Rutherford County chapters of the NSDAR. Activities include a patriotic scavenger hunt, colonial games on the patio, and a Revolutionary Bingo game. Linebaugh Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program events for the America 250 celebration: All-Ages Storytime. Free to the public!

The Patriot's Chest Presented by the Stones River Sons of the American Revolution chapter - American Revolution Experience
2026-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Linebaugh Public Library, 105 W. Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
Throughout the week, there will be children’s programs and activities hosted by Linebaugh Public Library and by the Rutherford County chapters of the NSDAR. Activities include a patriotic scavenger hunt, colonial games on the patio, and a Revolutionary Bingo game. Linebaugh Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program events for the America 250 celebration: The Patriot’s Chest Presented by the Sons of the American Revolution chapter. Free to the public!

American Revolution Experience Opening Night Celebration
2026-06-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Linebaugh Public Library, 105 W. Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
The Captain William Lytle, Stones River, and Colonel Hardy Murfree Chapters, NSDAR are excited to announce the opening of the American Revolution Experience at Linebaugh Public Library beginning on June 3, 2026. The innovative exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology, unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. Created through a collaboration between the American Battlefield Trust and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the exhibit is also made possible by generous matching funds from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program battlefield interpretation grants.
The exhibit will run June 3 – 10, 2026, at Linebaugh Public Library in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. To commemorate the premiere of the American Revolution Experience exhibit, there will be an Opening Night Celebration at 5 p.m. with guest speaker, Dr. Amy Sayward. Dr. Sayward is a professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University and the director of the campus American Democracy Project, where she promotes civic engagement and voter education among the student body. She is also chair of the campus’s Semiquincentennial Committee and has edited a two-volume tribute to the Semiquincentennial for The Journal of East Tennessee History.
Dr. Sayward will present on “Swamps, Swords and Sovereignty: The Southern Campaign for Independence.” A reception will follow with Colonial-style cookies from The Sweet Addiction.

Summer of Celebration - Black Smith Demonstration
2026-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
Free to all ages
This summer, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America and the 50th anniversary of Cannonsburgh, the village will be full of patriotic decorations showing its American spirit. During the months of June and July, celebrate American pride as you experience the history, culture and heritage of our nation during a visit to Cannonsburgh Village. Blacksmith demonstrations will take place on Thursdays from 9am-Noon. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

USA 250 Mural Mosaic "Painting Day" - St. Clair Senior Center
2026-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | St. Clair Senior Center, 325 St. Clair Street, Murfreesboro, 37130, United States
Main Street Murfreesboro, in partnership with Rutherford County Government and the City of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, is proud to announce the USA 250 Community Mural Mosaic Project—a landmark public art initiative celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

This unique project invites the community to help create “The Patriot’s Flag,” a large-scale, permanent mural composed of 650 individual hand-painted tiles. Designed to tell the story of Murfreesboro and Tennessee, the mural transforms the nation’s 250th anniversary into a meaningful, hands-on experience where residents can leave their mark on history.

Community Participation Opportunities

Rather than the work of a single artist, the mural will be a collective masterpiece created by community members of all ages. Residents are invited to participate by attending one of several painting workshops taking place throughout Rutherford County in May and June:

May 13: Chamber of Commerce (3050 Medical Center Pkwy.) — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
May 16: Rutherford County America 250 Free Family Day, Oakland’s City Park (900 N. Maney Ave.) — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
May 17: Oaklands Mansion Free Day (901 N. Maney Ave.) — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Painting organized by Rutherford Arts Alliance)
May 22: Rutherford County Farmer’s Market (315 John R. Rice Blvd) — 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
May 22: Bradley Academy Event (511 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) — 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
May 23: Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
May 29: Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
June 4: St. Clair Senior Center (325 St. Clair St., ages 55+) — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
June 5: Friday Night Live Concert, Public Square — 6:30–9:30 PM
June 6: Murfreesboro Saturday Market, Courthouse — 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
June 15: Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Grand Opening (2668 Lascassas Pike) — 8:30–10:00 AM

A Lasting Downtown Legacy

The completed mural will measure 8 feet by 16 feet and will be installed on the historic Shacklett’s Photography building at 105 South Church Street, adjacent to the Rutherford County Historic Courthouse. The prominent downtown location ensures the artwork will be seen daily by residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Unveiling Celebration

The community is invited to celebrate the unveiling of the mural on July 3 during the Friday Night Live concert featuring Entice.

Mural Reveal: 6:00 PM
Concert: 6:30–9:30 PM
Location: 105 South Church Street, downtown Murfreesboro
Bonus: The Rutherford County Courthouse Historic Museum will be open for tours from 4:30–6:30 PM

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy an evening of music, history, and community as Murfreesboro kicks off Independence Day weekend and commemorates USA 250.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Main Street Murfreesboro at 615-895-1887 or visit www.mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.

Skype a Scientist: Archaeologist - American Revolution Experience
2026-06-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Linebaugh Public Library, 105 W. Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
Throughout the week, there will be children’s programs and activities hosted by Linebaugh Public Library and by the Rutherford County chapters of the NSDAR. Activities include a patriotic scavenger hunt, colonial games on the patio, and a Revolutionary Bingo game. Linebaugh Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program events for the America 250 celebration: Skype a Scientist: Archaeologist.

Tween/Teen Interactive Movie: National Treasure - American Revolution Experience
2026-06-05 14:30 - 17:00 | Linebaugh Public Library, 105 W. Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
Throughout the week, there will be children’s programs and activities hosted by Linebaugh Public Library and by the Rutherford County chapters of the NSDAR. Activities include a patriotic scavenger hunt, colonial games on the patio, and a Revolutionary Bingo game. Linebaugh Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program events for the America 250 celebration: Tween/Teen Interactive Movie: National Treasure.

America 250 Mural Mosaic "Painting Day" @ Friday Night Live
2026-06-05 18:30 - 21:30 | Murfreesboro Square, Murfreesboro, TN, United States

Murfreesboro Art League Gallery
2026-06-06 - 2026-06-07, 2026-06-13 - 2026-06-14, 2026-06-20 - 2026-06-21 | Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
Free to all ages
This summer, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America and the 50th anniversary of Cannonsburgh, the village will be full of patriotic decorations showing its American spirit. During the months of June and July, celebrate American pride as you experience the history, culture and heritage of our nation during a visit to Cannonsburgh Village. The Murfreesboro Art League Gallery will open every Saturday and Sunday. Pop-up activities and planned programs will be available for visitors of all ages during regular hours and will be announced on our website and the Cannonsburgh Village Facebook page. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

America 250 Mural Mosaic "Painting Day" @ Murfreesboro Saturday Market
2026-06-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Rutherford County Clerk, 319 N. Maple, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States

Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of Stones River National Cemetery
2026-06-06 19:30 - 20:30 | Stones River National Battlefied, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
Join a park ranger for an hour-long walk by lantern light through Stones River National Cemetery. Visitors will get a chance to appreciate the human stories within the cemetery by listening to soldiers and civilians share their experiences through the letters they wrote and received during the conflict.

Reservations are required. Reservations can be made at https://forms.office.com/g/Zh538A63qs starting at 10 AM on Saturday May 30, 2026. No walk-ons are permitted. Cancellations must be made by calling 615-893-9501 by 10 AM on the day of the program. Reservations are not transferable.

This program is not recommended for children under 10 years of age nor is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Pets are not permitted.

Photo by Volunteer Photographer Jane Powell.

Discovery Center - Take a Road Trip - Mid Atlantic
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-14 | Discovery Center, 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro, 37130, United States

Summer of Celebration - Blacksmith Demonstrations
2026-06-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States

Flag Raising Ceremony & Liberty Lap Color Walk - City of La Vergne
2026-06-13 | Public Works & Community Development Services Facility, 1500 E. Nir Shreibman Blvd., La Vergne, TN, 37086, United States
Flag-Raising Ceremony and Liberty Lap Color Walk – The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the Liberty Lap Color Walk to begin immediately after. Participants will walk the greenway for 1.776 miles and return to the Public Works & Community Development Services Facility, where they will be given a commemorative La Vergne America 250 challenge coin for their participation. Wear white to pass through the color station and get sprayed with red and blue powder. Participation is FREE.

A Bicentennial Village Turns 50: The Significance of Cannonsburgh (America 250 Lecture Series)
2026-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Linebaugh Public Library, 105 W. Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
Join us as we welcome Dr. Stacey Graham, research professor at the Center for Historic Preservation, on Saturday, June 13, at 11 AM at Linebaugh Library in the upstairs Conference Room for a lecture titled A Bicentennial Village Turns 50: The Significance of Cannonsburgh.
Cannonsburgh Village was created in 1976 as a Bicentennial project for the City of Murfreesboro to celebrate its pioneer heritage. To mark Cannonsburgh’s 50th year in operation, this talk will explore its significance as a historic commemorative site.
*This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquicentennial.*

Simply Smyrna Celebration
2026-06-13 17:00 - 21:30 | Historic Depot District, 101 Front Street, Smyrna, TN, 37167, United States
Simply Smyrna Celebration 2026 joins Tennessee’s America 250 celebration by presenting 250 years of American history through the music that shaped our nation—while highlighting Tennessee’s unique role in the development of major music entertainment genres and the artists and communities behind them. Carpe Artista will also be celebrating 15 consecutive years of serving our community and providing events like Simply Smyrna Celebration for our area. We have served hundreds of students through quality entertainment and arts training and preparation for career readiness in entertainment and arts industries.

This FREE, family-friendly event brings together our community through artistic engagement, cultural experiences, and live entertainment. This event is Carpe Artista’s largest Fundraising event. It allows us to keep serving our community.

WE RELY HEAVILY ON VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN EVERY YEAR BUT ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR FOR THIS SPECIAL FOCUS CELEBRATION.

Here’s just a glimpse of what’s in store:
👂🏻 Hear the how Tennesseean’s influenced our country’s music for 250 years
🎶 7 live music stages 🌍 International Folkfest dancers
🎨 Local artists & artisans 🍷 Wine tasting & craft beers
🍴 Food trucks & local vendors 🚗 Classic Car Show
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 8,000–10,000 attendees
✅ School volunteer hours available!
✅ Tennessee Promise Hours Available
🌦 Rain or shine!

America 250 Decorating Contest - La Vergne
2026-06-14 - 2026-06-22 | TN
Help us celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by showing off your patriotic spirit!

We are excited to announce the America 250 Decorating Contest with two categories:
Business Division
Residential Division

Decorate your storefront, home, yard, porch, windows, or outdoor spaces in red, white, and blue as we honor this historic milestone in our nation’s history.

Registration Dates: June 14 – June 22
Judging: June 23 – July 2
Prize Awards: Winners will be announced during our Independence Day Celebration on July 4.

Prizes for the residential and business categories include:
• 1st Place — $250 gift card
• 2nd Place — $150 gift card
• 3rd Place — $100 gift card

Participants will be judged on overall patriotic display and creativity.

Let your creativity shine and help make our community festive, patriotic, and proud during the America 250 celebration!

Visit our website at https://www.lavergnetn.gov/685/America-250 to register. We can’t wait to see your displays!

Discovery Center - Take a Road Trip - South
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-21 | Discovery Center, 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro, 37130, United States

America 250 Mural Mosaic "Painting Day" - MMC Grand Opening
2026-06-15 08:30 - 10:00 | Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, 2668 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States

Exhibit - 250 Years of Commemorating American Independence
2026-06-16 10:00 - 2026-08-31 14:00 | Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
To open the exhibit, Dean Vile will present talks in the Jaycees Building at Cannonsburgh Village on June 16 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. with no reservations required.

A special summer exhibit developed in collaboration with the historic Cannonsburgh Village and MTSU Honors College Dean John R. Vile invites visitors to explore “250 Years of Commemorating American Independence.” Running from Tuesday, June 16th through Monday, August 31st , the exhibit of prints and other artifacts traces how Americans have celebrated independence across generations, set against Cannonsburgh’s immersive recreation of 19th- and early 20th-century Tennessee life. The exhibit will culminate on August 31st with the introduction of the Fall 2026 Buchanan Lecture Series in the Jaycees Building at Cannonsburgh Village. This exhibit is part of the MTSU Semiquincentennial event series, commemorating 250 years of American independence. Hours for the exhibit may vary during the operating hours of Cannonsburgh Village.

Free Guided Tour of Cannonsburgh Village
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
In honor of Cannonsburgh Village’s 50th Anniversary, we are offering free guided tours! June 4th, 18th, and 25th at 10 am. Limited spots are available so register now at 615-890-0355 or email sthompson@murfreesborotn.gov. Weather permitting.

Juneteenth Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center
2026-06-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center, 415 South Academy Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
Presented by Cultural Arts Murfreesboro, the annual Juneteenth Celebration is held at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center along South Academy Street. This year’s festival will take place on June 20, 2026, and we are looking forward to another excellent celebration of community and culture as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America! This event is free for all ages and will include a Kids’ Zone with free games and activities, Food Vendors, Artists and Live Music and Dancing.
