MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Families across Rutherford County are invited to celebrate Earth Day this weekend as Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) hosts its annual Earth Day Celebration on the historic downtown square. The free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing together education, entertainment, and environmental awareness under this year’s theme, “Go Green, Breathe Clean.”

Organizers say the event is designed to both educate and inspire residents to take action in protecting the environment, particularly when it comes to improving air quality. “Every year, I’m encouraged to see the families and community members who come out to enjoy the festivities and prioritize the environment,” said Amy Byers, the 2026 Earth Day Celebration committee chair and MTE’s marketing and public relations coordinator. She added that the event remains free and open to all ages.

MTE will feature a variety of informational booths highlighting programs such as TreeWise, ProSolar, and energy efficiency initiatives, along with member services. Attendees can also explore the EV Car Club and the EnergyHub trailer. One of the most popular giveaways returns this year, with MTE’s vegetation management team distributing 1,000 redbud saplings while supplies last. Members of MTE’s senior leadership team and board will also be on-site to answer questions and connect with the community.

For younger attendees, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation and the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center are partnering to host a Kids Zone filled with inflatables, yard games, and hands-on activities. A scavenger hunt will be available for all ages, with completed entries entered into a prize drawing.

Live entertainment will run throughout the event, beginning with Steel De Boro at 10 a.m., followed by Everybody Drum Some at 11 a.m., the MTSU Salsa Band at noon, and QuarterLife at 1 p.m. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided by MTE, Lewis Bake Shop, and Kroger.

Additional highlights include a tote bag giveaway—400 bags available at the MTE member services booth—provided by Rutherford County Solid Waste, Murfreesboro Water Resources, MTE, and the Stones River Watershed Association. Visitors can also browse booths from local organizations and vendors offering eco-friendly and organic products, stop by the Rutherford County Library System Bookmobile, and purchase plants from Blackman High School FFA students.

The event will also showcase creativity from local students during the 2026 Earth Day Celebration Poster Contest. Winners will be announced at 11:45 a.m., with their artwork displayed throughout the event. The contest is sponsored by Murfreesboro Water Resources, Rutherford County Solid Waste, Consolidated Utility District, and MTE.

Organizers emphasize that the celebration is a zero-waste event, aiming to reduce environmental impact while still providing a high-quality experience. The event is made possible through support from several sponsors, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Recycle Rutherford, the Stones River Watershed Association, Waste Management, and others.

In the event of rain, activities will move to Patterson Park, located at 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. More information about participating booths and event details can be found online at RCEarthDay.com or on the event’s Facebook page.

Founded in 1936, Middle Tennessee Electric is the largest electric cooperative in the TVA region and the second largest in the nation, serving more than 750,000 residents across 11 Middle Tennessee counties.