October is full of things to experience and celebrate, especially in the great outdoors. Cookeville has 10 parks that are perfect for a variety of leisure activities like hiking, biking, fishing, playing and walking the dog. Fun things are happening at our facilities, too, such as concerts and movies at the depot, a new exhibit at the history museum, fitness classes at the recreation center and athletic leagues at the sportsplex and gymnasium. As always, nature’s paintbrush will be busy creating the perfect backdrop for all of these events and activities. (photo: Cane Creek Park)
Brown baggin’ it
Music and lunch are coming together four Fridays in October from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for the Brown Bag Lunch Concert series at the Cookeville Depot Museum, 116 W. Broad St. Performing first was The Jolly String Quartet on Oct. 1. Also scheduled are Friction Farm Duo on Oct. 8, Ava Paige on Oct. 15 and Ridin’ the Rails on Oct. 22. Admission is free. Blue Coast Burrito lunches may be purchased onsite. https://www.cookeville-tn.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=569
Classic Cinema at the Depot
We don’t show current blockbusters. Instead, we show old favorites during Classic Cinema at the Depot. This free movie series, presented each Friday in October at 7 p.m. at 116 W. Broad St., allows audience members to munch on popcorn in the warm glow of the Cream City sign. Films include “The Muppet Movie” (1979) on Oct. 1; “The Inspector General” (1949) on Oct. 8; “A Star is Born” (1937) on Oct. 15; “Steel Magnolias” (1989) on Oct. 22; and “White Zombie” (1932) on Oct. 29. Bring a lawn chair and blanket. Popcorn and drinks are $1 each. https://www.cookeville-tn.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=570
‘Cookeville HAIRitage’
Cookeville History Museum’s newest exhibit is all about hair! Hair is important to all of us and is a reflection of our identity as we change with the times. Join us in celebrating the last 100 years of hairstyles, hair implements, hair vessels and hair torture devices just like grandma used. We are also in search of photos from local beauty and barber shops, so please share any knowledge you might have of these Cookeville businesses. The exhibit continues through Nov. 6. See it free Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 40 E. Broad St.
Monthly meditation
Wash away negativity, stress, anxiety and tiredness at our free meditation workshop with Dr. Mohan Rao of Tennessee Tech University. This energy shower will take place Oct. 3 from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Cane Creek Recreation Center, 180 CC Camp Road. Just drop in; no registration required. Join us every first Sunday of the month. To learn more, call 526-7393.
Fall break fun
The next two weeks are going to be busy and fun at Cane Creek Recreation Center thanks for our fall break campers. This recreational day camp, to be held Oct. 4-8 and 11-15, is for children in kindergarten through age 12. Cost is $80 per week. Call 526-7393 for details. Space is limited.
Virtual costume contest
Get ready to dress in your Halloween best for our second “Come As You Aren’t” virtual costume contest. This is your chance to get creative and have some spook-tacular fun. Watch for contest details to be posted on the Cookeville Leisure Services Department’s Facebook page the week before Halloween. We’ll have categories and prizes for children, adults and groups for Spookiest, Most Creative and Best TV/Movie Theme costumes.
Friday stress relief
Here’s another way to enjoy your Friday. Our next Tai Chi class begins Oct. 8 from 11 a.m.-noon at Cane Creek Recreation Center and will continue on Fridays through Nov. 12. This ancient martial art coordinates deliberate physical movements with breathing to achieve inner calm and peace. Registration is also open for classes on Tuesdays, Nov. 9-Dec. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., and Thursdays, Nov. 11-Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m, with instructors Nikki Desch or Teddy Spivey. Cost is $30 per six-week session. For more information, call 526-7393.https://apm.activecommunities.com/leisureservices/Activity_Search?txtActivitySearch=TAI%20CHI&applyFiltersDefaultValue=true&cat=Activities
Who doesn’t enjoy a good ghost story? That’s why we’re having a Hair-Raising History Hike on Oct. 9 between the Cookeville History Museum (40 E. Broad St.) and Cookeville Depot (116 W. Broad St.). Each museum will offer its own hike, complete with legends and unexplained folklore, along either side of Broad Street. Complete one or both hikes between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to be entered in prize drawings sponsored by Select Designs, Lazy Cow Creamery, Halo Brand and Friends of the Cookeville History Museum.
Pickleball league
Ready for some pickleball? We’re starting a league at Cane Creek Gymnasium on Tuesdays, Nov. 2-Jan. 18. Participants will play five games between 8:30 and 11 a.m. with different partners. The top three players at the end of the league will win 35/30 passes (35 free visits to the gym). Cost is $10. Register by Oct. 25. For more information, call 520-5224 or 526-9767.
Enjoy the autumn sunshine and scenery while getting some exercise on a paddleboat, kayak or canoe on weekends through Oct. 30 at Cane Creek Park, 201 CC Camp Road. Hours are Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 1-7 p.m. The boats are available to rent at the park’s concession stand.
Cookeville Treat Trail
Dress your children in their favorite Halloween costume for a spooky stroll along the Cookeville Treat Trail on Oct. 30, 4-6 p.m., at Dogwood Park. This winding trail, presented by Cookeville Leisure Services and Hip Cookeville, will feature community-sponsored trick-or-treating booths, games and other activities. Be sure to bring a container for collecting candy. Participants must be in line by 5:30 p.m.
Train Tales
Stories and fun await preschoolers at Train Tales every Friday from 10:30-11 a.m. at the Cookeville Depot Museum, 116 W. Broad St. Admission is free. For more information, call 528-8570.
Youth hockey clinic
Learn about stickhandling, passing, shooting, safety and equipment with instructor Christopher DeVore during our youth hockey clinic Nov. 13 at Cane Creek Gymnasium. Grades kindergarten through 2 will play 9-10:30 a.m.; grades 3-5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration will be open Oct. 11-Nov. 5. Cost is $10. For more information, call 520-5224 or 526-9767.
Coming soon
The fall and winter edition of Leisure Life – a free guide to parks, museums, cultural arts and recreation opportunities offered by Leisure Services – will be available soon at numerous places around town, including Cookeville City Hall, Cookeville History Museum, Cookeville Depot Museum, Cane Creek Recreation Center, Cookeville Performing Arts Center, Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Putnam County Library and Cookeville Regional Medical Center. This issue features stories about the new Cane Creek Dog Park and Cookeville’s recreation master plan. For more information, call 520-4386. https://www.cookeville-tn.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/205
Group fitness
Join us for the camaraderie and health benefits in our group fitness classes at Cane Creek Recreation Center, 180 CC Camp Road. Just drop in and enjoy. Cost is $3 per class unless otherwise posted. For more information, call 526-7393. (Photo: Mixed Yoga Flow)https://www.cookeville-tn.gov/314/Fitness-Class-Descriptions
