MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Area residents, families, and out-of-town guests are invited to the historic downtown square in Murfreesboro for an evening of shopping, dining, and entertainment during Downtown After 5... That was Sarah Callender, Executive Director of Main Street Murfreesboro, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and promoting downtown Murfreesboro — considered the heart of the community, local government, the arts, and more.

On March 26 (Thursday), you can Sip, Shop and Stroll the downtown Murfreesboro area from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with several restaurants and nightlife spots continuing into the later evening hours. The quarterly event, held up to four times per year, encourages the community to explore the charm of the historic district while supporting locally owned businesses. Retailers will remain open past traditional closing times, offering unique gifts, stylish apparel, and specialty items... Meanwhile, nearly 20 downtown eateries will serve everything from homemade dishes to craft beverages... And when it comes to dessert, the downtown area has guests well covered. From homemade ice cream to chocolate-covered strawberries, you’re sure to find the perfect treat to satisfy the family’s sweet tooth.

Plenty of Local Businesses to Visit and Shop Local: Organizers say the event offers something for everyone — whether it’s browsing boutiques, enjoying dinner with family, or meeting friends for drinks after work. Believe it or not, the historic downtown area of Murfreesboro, TN, spans a 20-block district anchored by the 1859 courthouse and is home to approximately 400 locally owned businesses (See many of those businesses and find places to not only shop, but also dine HERE).

History – History comes alive in downtown Murfreesboro, where the local square surrounds one of only six pre-Civil War era county courthouses still standing in Tennessee today... Callender told WGNS News that the Main Street organization helps to ensure that history remains in-tact...  The courthouse was built in 1859, and according to the 1860 U.S. Census, Murfreesboro’s population at the time was approximately 2,861 residents. That number grew by just over 63.5 percent in the years that followed, and by 1910, the city’s population had reached about 4,679 residents.

Hidden Speakeasy Adds a Twist - At the start of Prohibition in 1920, Murfreesboro’s population totaled approximately 5,300 residents, reflecting another 14 percent increase from 1910 to 1920, according to U.S. Census data. 

For those looking to extend the evening fun on March 26, several nightlife spots will feature live music and late-night specials. One downtown venue offers a true speakeasy experience — complete with a hidden entrance tucked down a back alley. The doorway, marked by graffiti and what appears to be a garbage can (actually a stage prop), adds a playful nod to the Prohibition era. To find the location, look for the wood staircase behind 112 S Maples St.

Speakeasies first gained popularity in the 1920s following the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passage of the National Prohibition Act — commonly known as the Volstead Act. The law defined “intoxicating beverages” as drinks containing 0.5% alcohol or more, pushing alcohol sales underground and giving rise to secret bars across America.

The Volstead Act remained in effect for 13 years, 10 months, and 19 days — from January 17, 1920, until December 5, 1933. Although Prohibition ended more than 90 years ago, the themed venue brings a touch of that era back to life — without the secrecy or legal risks that once surrounded it.

Easy Parking, No Time Limits - Visitors will find ample parking throughout downtown Murfreesboro, including two public parking garages and numerous on-street spaces. There are no parking time limits in the evenings or on weekends, making it convenient for guests to enjoy the event at their own pace.

Whether starting the night with dinner, browsing shops for unique finds, or ending the evening with live music, Downtown After 5 promises a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to support small businesses in the heart of Murfreesboro.

The event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 — with entertainment continuing later at select downtown locations.