Oaklands Mansion Calendar of Events

March 2026


MLT Presents:
Elvis has Left the Building

March 6th & 7th
7:00 PM

March 8th
2:00 PM

$10 – MLT/Oaklands Members
$15 – Non-Members Tickets

It’s December 20th, 1970, and Elvis Presley has disappeared. No one, not even his wily manager, “The Colonel,” knows of his whereabouts. But the Colonel is all shook up because he has racked up a secret debt — and with the King himself missing, the only way to pay it off is to find an Elvis impersonator within 24 hours. Hijinks ensue as the Colonel takes desperate measures to replace a man who is irreplaceable, all while keeping the prying eyes of a nosy reporter at bay and figuring out what happened to the real Elvis.

Tea Leaves: Afternoon Tea and Reading

Saturday, March 14th
2:00 PM

$25 per person

Escape the ordinary and join us for an afternoon of tea, conversation, and discovery.

Come experience the unique blend of a cozy afternoon tea party and an interactive session on the history and cultural impact of tea leaf reading. 

Learn about how people throughout history have found stories and insights in their teacups.

Let’s see what message your cup holds.

April 2026


Dollhouse, Diorama & Miniatures Exhibition

March 29th-April 4th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

You don’t want to miss attending this wonderful revival of an old tradition. Follow the link to enter your handmade, antique, or vintage piece in the exhibition.  

The Mansion will have antique and vintage dollhouses displayed in different rooms. In Maney Hall, guests will find an Exhibition of dollhouses, dioramas, and miniatures made by local artists and hobbyists.

Roots and Remembrance: An Evening of Hair Art History

Friday, April 10th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

$15 Adults
$10 Students/Children

An enlightening presentation and discussion on the history of hair art with Zen Hansen and Jody Johnson. We will explore the cultural roots of hairwork, its role in sentimental exchange, and its surprising connections to global fiber traditions.

From tokens of friendship to memorial keepsakes, this presentation welcomes anyone curious about the craft and interested in learning more.

Light refreshments provided.

Hairwork: Beginning Table Braiding Workshop

April 11th & 12th
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sold Out

Join Zen Hansen of Hair Anthropology (from Idaho) and our local hostess and hair artist, Jody Johnson, for an enchanting weekend of hairworking in a picturesque, historic setting.

This immersive course blends craftsmanship with history as participants explore the endangered art of table-braided hairwork. Through a guided, hands-on experience, you will learn the fundamentals of the craft by creating a bracelet using provided hair.

David Maney, From Enslavement to Legacy

Elma Black McKnight

Saturday, April 18th

Free Admission
Open to the Public


For five generations, the legacy of David Maney has been rooted in Murfreesboro. Enslaved on the Oaklands / Maney plantation, David was a skilled blacksmith whose labor and craftsmanship helped sustain the very grounds where history is now preserved.

Today, that legacy comes full circle. Five generations later, his granddaughter, Elma Black McKnight, now serves on the Board of Trustees at Oaklands Mansion — the same site where her ancestor once lived and labored. Her service represents not only a powerful personal journey, but a living connection to history, resilience, and the enduring presence of David Maney’s family in Murfreesboro.  Join us as McKnight shares his story. 

Wild Goose Chase
Events Presents:
Rutherford Races to Read

Saturday, April 25th
2:00PM – 5:00PM


Get ready for Rutherford Races to Read, a family-friendly derby-style event full of fun and excitement! Mark your calendars for April 25th and join us as sponsors race inflatable horses with literary-inspired names.

Cheer on your favorite horse, show off your best derby hats and shoes, and enjoy a day of community fun—all while supporting literacy and our local libraries.

Proceeds benefit the Rutherford County Library Foundation, helping provide grants to enhance services at six library branches and a bookmobile.

6th Annual Ar”beer”etum

Sunday, April 26th
2:00 AM – 5:00 PM


Join Oaklands Mansion for a unique experience on the grounds of Oaklands Park and Arboretum. Explore this Nationally Registered historic and pre-historic site, now open as a public park. Along the pathways, you will find multiple beer sampling stations provided by downtown Murfreesboro’s Liquid Smoke.

Their expert staff members have chosen beer with notes that highlight the trees you will find along the way. You will be guided through the park by Connor Moss, Master Gardener at Oaklands Mansion and Liquid Smoke’s own Gavin Stark as they detail Oaklands Arboretum and the specialty beers that will accompany them.

May 2026


Free Day in May

Sunday, May 17th
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

It doesn’t matter if you are new to Murfreesboro, a long-time resident, or just passing through; you are invited to visit Oaklands Mansion and grounds for FREE on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Oaklands Mansion will be open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for self-guided tours. Signage inside the house explains the evolution of the historic site.

The Spring Party

Saturday, May 30th
6:30 pm

You are invited to Oaklands Mansion on Saturday evening, May 30th, 2026, at 6:30 PM for the Spring Party. Dinner will be served in the mansion and on the grounds by The Alley on Main. Guests will enjoy a full bar. Summer cocktails will be hand-crafted by Prichard’s Distillery.

June 2026



Murfreesboro Little Theatre Summer Camp

June 1st – 6th

More information coming soon!


Fanny’s 7th Anniversary

Monday, June 8th

Fanny Maney made her entrance when she walked up to staff members on a hot, rainy summer afternoon on June 8, 2019, while volunteers from the Rutherford County Archeological Society excavated Oaklands’ historic root cellar.  She was just a kitten then and decided right away that she would stay at Oaklands.

Lightning Bugs & Lemonade

Friday, June 5th
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Learn about lightning bugs and other insects, hear music on the back patio, shop nature-related art, and try local lemonade vendors.

American Cancer Society Presents:
Relay for Life

Friday, June 12th
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

At Relay For Life events, no one faces cancer alone. We come together every year at events around the country to support and celebrate survivors and caregivers.

Each Relay has special events and activities (many throughout the year) just for survivors and their caregivers, so they can connect with others and know there is a strong support system available to them.

RuCo Pride presents:
Annual Pride Celebration

Saturday, June 13th
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

You are invited to join RuCo Pride at Oaklands Mansion for their 2nd Annual Celebration. There will be Vendors, Food, Bands, Drag, and Family-friendly fun for all!

July 2026


Main Street Murfreesboro presents: Taste of Rutherford

Saturday, July 18th
6:00 – 9:00 PM

Taste of Rutherford is an annual fundraiser for Main Street Murfreesboro. Attendees will experience tastings from over 25 local restaurants in Rutherford County, live music, access to a craft beer garden. This event is a must to attend if you enjoy trying new foods, dancing, and experiencing new drinks.

Funds raised through this event go to help with revitalization efforts for the historic downtown business district through Main Street Murfreesboro, a 501(c)(3).

August 2026


MLT Presents: The Twelfth Night

August 13th – 16th
7:00 PM

Oaklands Annual Membership Dinner

Saturday, August 8th
5:30 PM

Join friends, neighbors, Oaklands, and Murfreesboro Little Theatre members alike for our annual joint membership meeting and dinner. We are proud to announce that this year, the event will be catered by The Gentleman Caterer.

MLT Presents: The Twelfth Night

August 20th – 23rd
7:00 PM

September 2026


2nd Annual
Fall Art & Craft Fair

Saturday, Sept. 5th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Games and Crafts, Door Prizes, live music, a community outreach area, and the Mansion will be open for $5 self-guided tours.

11th Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday, Sept. 26th
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

All tickets must be purchased in advance online by 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Tickets will not be sold at the event.

October 2026


Wild Goose Chase Events Presents:
Clue Party

Saturday, October 10th

Was it Miss Scarlett in the hall with the revolver? Or Mrs. Peacock in the lounge with the candlestick? Or could it be Col. Mustard in the conservatory with the knife? Everyone has a motive at the greatest whodunit costume party that Murfreesboro has ever seen at the Clue Party.

After Dark Mansion Tours

Friday, October 16th

This Halloween season, Oaklands Mansion opens its doors after dark for a self-guided tour.

Victorian Hair Art: History, Tour, & Class

October 18th & 19th

Admission$45

Learn the intricate history of Victorian Hairwork, enjoy a behind-the-ropes tour of Oaklands Mansion, and learn how to make a hair flower using the wire work method. Beginner-level and intermediate-level classes.

Halloween Speakeasy in the Mansion

Friday, October 30th

Adults 21+ only

Admission$75

This Halloween season, Oaklands Mansion opens its doors after dark — not for a tour, but for a night of forbidden revelry, ghostly glamour, and whispered secrets. Hidden within the historic halls of this 19th-century estate, a secret speakeasy awaits those brave enough to cross the threshold.

November 2026


Plein Air Painters
Fine Art Exhibit & Sale

TBD

December 2026


Annual
Christmas Dinner

Friday, December 4th
Sponsor Pre-Party – 5:30 PM
Dinner – 6:30 PM

Guests will enjoy a traditional holiday meal.

Candlelight Tour
of Homes

Saturday, December 12th
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

This special holiday tradition will take you through Murfreesboro’s East Main Street Historic District, to some historic homes on adjoining streets and then to Oaklands Mansion. Oaklands Mansion will be dressed in all its holiday splendor.

Guided Evening
Christmastime Tours

December TBD
5:00 PM, 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM

$20 for adults,
$10 ages 6-12
Free for children 5 & under

If you didn’t get a chance to see the Christmas decorations at Oaklands Mansion during the Candlelight Tour of Homes, we will offer two nights of special one-hour guided tours.

The tours will be led by one of our executive staff members and will consist of small groups of 20 individuals each hour. Tour times are available at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm. Come see all the beautiful decorations at night and learn some local history.

January 2027


February 2027


Valentine’s Evening in Oaklands Mansion

February
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This Valentine’s Day, let Oaklands Mansion be the destination where love stories are told, memories are made, and affection is celebrated. Join us for a romantic evening of dancing in Maney Hall and dining inside the historic walls of Oaklands Mansion.