Events in Shelbyville, TN

Returning for its second year, this retreat gathers writers at Henry Horton State Park to develop their craft in lyric writing, poetry, creative nonfiction, and memoir. Registration begins with submitting a piece of creative work for review, after which participants are contacted to confirm their spot. Those who attended previously do not need to submit again. Early bird registration is available, and space is very limited.

Now in its sixth year, the Bow Wow Dash 5K is a dog-friendly run and walk that raises funds for Animal Rescue Assistance Team Tennessee. Set at The Old Rink Emporium in Lewisburg, this community event welcomes every pace, from runners to casual walkers, with or without a four-legged companion. It is designed to be family friendly and inclusive for all fitness levels, bringing people together for movement, camaraderie, and support of a local rescue cause.

Aspiring and accomplished writers can connect at the monthly gathering of Word Weavers South Middle TN. As a local branch of Word Weavers International, a nationally recognized group of writers, the meeting focuses on accountability, constructive critique, professional feedback on works in progress, collaborative brainstorming, encouragement, and building friendships with fellow creatives. Meetings are held every third Saturday at Edgemont Baptist Church in Shelbyville, with parking available behind the church.

A family-friendly celebration of rural traditions with mule competitions, lively bluegrass performances, and hands-on learning. Education takes center stage as students from area schools and homeschools discover pioneer life, agriculture, mule care, blacksmithing, and other time-honored skills. Throughout the festival, guests can explore vendor booths, enjoy food trucks, and take in homesteading demonstrations, with interactive opportunities like the Jr. Mule Skinner experience for younger participants. A special charity mule giveaway supports Mission Mules and offers one participant the chance to take home a mule. The atmosphere is community focused, welcoming all ages for a blend of tradition, learning, and entertainment.

Uptown Merchants will keep extended hours, and South Main Street will be closed to traffic for children’s activities. The courthouse area will host the Celebration City Car Club cruise in with live music by Chase Clanton, and food trucks and local restaurants will be on hand. Vendors are invited to set up on South Main Street for a $5 fee and can register by contacting Calvin at 931-639-3643.

A fundraiser in support of PTSD awareness at Rock Creek Park! features an evening of food, live musical entertainment, and a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood. A $25 per person donation covers dinner, with an additional $10 for a spouse, including lasagna, salad, a nonalcoholic drink, and dessert. Raffle prizes include memorabilia signed by local celebrities, and raffle tickets cost $10 each. Dinner leads into the entertainment and the raffle drawings. The gathering also serves as a send off for participants in the Ride Across America, departing from Harley-Davidson of Columbia, supporting the ongoing mission to raise awareness of PTSD.

Motorcyclists ready to move beyond the basics can spend a full day advancing control, confidence, and real-world skill in an intensive, hands-on course designed for intermediate to advanced riders. Over eight hours, training centers on low-speed precision and defensive techniques that translate directly to everyday riding, drawing on methods practiced by police motorcycle officers with an emphasis on focused repetitions, coaching, and practical skill-building. Riders tackle demanding drills such as slow and offset cone weaves, single and double 360s, lane changes, straight-line braking, brake and evade maneuvers, and rear-end crash avoidance, along with additional advanced exercises. Expect to work hard and see measurable progress by day’s end, including improved slow-speed handling, stronger braking and evasive responses, and greater confidence on the road. A certificate is provided upon successful completion. The session is held in Shelbyville, TN, between Murfreesboro and Lynchburg, and group size is limited to maintain training quality.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina band Loon & Crow brings gritty garage blues fused with improvisational jam energy to Grindstone Cowboy Shelbyville. Thunderous drums and fuzz-drenched guitar drive live performances that build from smoldering grooves to explosive peaks, and no two shows are the same. The music speaks to listeners who favor authentic blues rock paired with the exploratory spirit of the jam scene.

Octoberfest returns as the Lewisburg Lions Club marks its 35th year with a pancakes and sausage breakfast fundraiser. The celebration includes crafts, live music, a car show, and activities and games suitable for all ages. Vendor opportunities are available. More details will be shared as the event draws closer.

A fall dinner and auction celebrating 15 years of Homes of Hope takes place at Blue Ribbon Circle Club. The evening features dinner and an auction in honor of this milestone. Individual tickets are $50. For sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, contact Bridgette at 931.808.8158.

Two MGR sanctioned goat shows are planned, with judging by MGR judge Katie Bevels for the first show and MGR judge Debbie Mullins for the second. The lineup includes Doe, Buck, and Platinum Wether divisions. Additional details will be announced.

Mercury Red returns to Rock Creek Coffee for a cozy acoustic performance outside. The evening features live music alongside good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The 11th annual Boo & Brew unfolds in Historic Uptown Shelbyville with beer tastings at Torso, Toodlebug's Boutique, and Finn & Riley. Highlights include a car show with a Halloween theme, a costume competition, chili dog and pie eating contests, a pumpkin decorating competition, and an open mic.

Trick-or-treating will take place on the square. South Main St will be closed so people who are not on the square can hand out candy.

A salute to service from VFW Post 5019, this Veterans Day parade honors military veterans with a community procession along a set route. The parade begins at its starting point, continues to the county courthouse, and then proceeds along the remainder of the route.

Hosted by VFW Post 5019, this annual Veterans Day banquet brings the Bedford County community together for an evening centered on pride, remembrance, and connection. It honors the service and sacrifice of members of the armed forces and celebrates the strength of the local veteran community. The banquet welcomes veterans, their families, and community supporters. Guests can expect live music with songwriter sessions, a formal dinner and community celebration, recognition of local heroes, and opportunities to connect with the United Veterans Council, including the VFW, the Legion, and the DAV. The event also showcases progress on the post’s ongoing revitalization efforts, and proceeds support veteran assistance programs as well as riverfront conservation initiatives. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available.

Scotty Morton Band brings a high-energy mix of country and Southern rock to Momma’s Country. The performance ranges from timeless country tunes to modern country hits alongside Southern rock standouts, all geared for the dance floor. Bring friends, boots, and dancing shoes for an evening focused on live music and plenty of dancing.

Support local merchants by shopping small on the Square in Historic Uptown Shelbyville. Explore the area, connect with neighborhood businesses, and keep your spending close to home to uplift the community.