Loaded up brisket nachos, Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, steaming steak bowls with jasmine rice and delightful, sweet treats. Once a month for eight months of the year, a tantalizing array of food trucks park at downtown Murfreesboro on Civic Plaza, and everyone is invited to dine.
During the spring of 2024, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation team members created a new event called “Lunch on the Plaza." It's become a fast-favorite for many people who work downtown and those around the area. Food trucks are very popular and a fun way to try out different types of food, drinks and desserts.
“The city was looking for a way to utilize our event space at Civic Plaza more frequently and create something fun for the downtown community,” recalls Cayce Neal, permits and event coordinator for Murfreesboro. “This has been a great way to bring people out in front of City Hall to enjoy great food, live music and socialize with friends on a Friday.”
Civic Plaza is located at 111 West Vine St., and is situated in front of City Hall and the Public Library.
The plaza houses a large, open-space brick area with amphitheater seating that will accommodate up to 400 people. The area also has a water feature, shaded walking path and gazebo. A free parking garage is directly below and makes for easy access in and out of the event.
Roland Justice, a local musician who has performed at Lunch on the Plaza, shares, “This is my second season of performing at Lunch on the Plaza for Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation. I set up in the shaded park area, and the local businesses, their patrons and families get to enjoy the fellowship of one another. People have told me that they heard the music and just followed it down to Civic Plaza, and that it turned out to be a wonderful break in their workday.”
Roland plays originals, favorite covers and also does requests.
Lunch on the Plaza is the third Friday of every month, March through October. The event is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and showcases four to five food trucks providing a wide variety of options, including vegetarian and something sweet. Tables and chairs are set up so people can sit and enjoy lunch, or preorder food and get back to work.
615.890.5333
MurfreesboroParks.com