October 15, 2026
Happy Thursday, Mt. Juliet! 🎃
We don’t know about your neighborhood, but ours is filling up with Halloween decorations, and some are seriously impressive! Giant skeletons and pirates climbing into houses, spooky haunted setups, and creative displays make driving around town extra fun this time of year. Add in that crisp fall air, trunk-or-treats (check out our guide below!), and Friday night high school football, and there’s plenty to enjoy. Grab a hoodie, enjoy this gorgeous fall weather, and let’s see what’s happening around town this week!
Denise & Mike
THIS WEEK IN MT. JULIET
Your Quick Look at What’s Inside
💗 MJPD Wears Pink
🥯 Around Town: Updates
🐩 Senior Dogs Week
🍴 Taste of Wilson County
🎃 Wilson County Trunk or Treats & Fall Festivals
🎬 This Week’s Poll
👟 DIstracted Driving is Scary Walk
🐶 Pet of the Week
💰 Insider Deals: Exclusive Coupon
📆 Things to Do in Mt Juliet This Week
☀ Weekly weather forecast
Mt. Juliet Police Wear Pink Badges for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Photo by Mt Juliet PD
Photo by Mt Juliet PD
The Mt. Juliet Police Department is showing its support for those affected by breast cancer in a special way this October.
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, officers are wearing pink badges to honor those currently fighting breast cancer, survivors, and the families who have stood beside them throughout their journeys.
The pink badges serve as a reminder of the strength, courage, and resilience shown by so many in our community. Here in Mt. Juliet, many of us have a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor whose life has been touched by breast cancer. This small change in uniform is a meaningful way to show support for those fighting the disease and remind survivors and their loved ones that they are not alone.
Breast cancer has touched the lives of many families right here in Mt. Juliet. If you'd like to help make a difference, consider donating to the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, patient resources, and families facing a cancer diagnosis. 💗
Coffee with a Cop: Evening Edition! ☕🐔
Don't miss a special Coffee with a Cop event taking place tonight, October 15th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chick-fil-A (401 S Mt. Juliet Rd)! This rare evening edition is a wonderful, informal opportunity to connect with members of the Mt. Juliet Police Department, ask questions, and enjoy coffee, conversation (and chicken!) with our local officers.
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👀 Around Town: A Few Things You Should Know
📚 The Open Shelf Is Now Open — Mt. Juliet’s newest bookstore celebrated its soft opening Saturday at 13260 Lebanon Rd, Suite A. Stop by Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–6 PM, to browse new and used books!
🪭 LUBU’s Modern Vietnamese Kitchen Coming This Fall — LUBU is getting closer to opening at 12910 Lebanon Road, with kitchen updates, dishes in the works, and plans to bring its patio to life. The restaurant is targeting an autumn 2026 soft opening.
☑ Early Voting Began October 14— Early voting for the November 3 election runs October 14–29. Mt. Juliet residents can vote at the Charlie Daniels Community Center, 1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway. Other Wilson County locations, voting hours and sample ballots are available at the Wilson County Election Commission website. Remember to bring a valid photo ID.
🛠️ First Horizon Bank Is Taking Over the Old Whataburger — Remember the Whataburger at the corner of Lebanon Road and North Mt. Juliet Road? The building is getting a new purpose! First Horizon Bank has signed a lease for the former restaurant and plans to renovate it for a new bank location, according to a report in The Tennessean. No opening date has been announced yet.
🐔 Chick-fil-A Fundraiser for Mt. Juliet Animal Care & Control — Saturday, October 17, from 5–8 PM, support shelter animals by placing your order through the Chick-fil-A app. Select “Community Care Event” and choose Mt. Juliet Animal Care & Control before ordering. Bring three cans of pet food or a bag of pet food, and you’ll get to spin the wheel for a chance to win free goodies!
Saving Senior Dogs Week Starts Right Here in Mt. Juliet 🐾
Photo by Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
October 25–31 is National Saving Senior Dogs Week, a time to celebrate older dogs who still have plenty of love to give. And right here in Mt. Juliet, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is making sure hundreds of senior and special-needs dogs get the comfort and care they deserve.
Since 2012, the nonprofit has welcomed more than 1,400 dogs. Today, more than 500 receive care through the sanctuary and its Forever Foster program. About 120 live at the Mt. Juliet sanctuary, while roughly 400 live in permanent foster homes with “Geezer Guardians.” Old Friends covers their veterinary care and other expenses so these deserving pups can enjoy their golden years.
Could you give a senior dog a place to call home?
Older dogs are sometimes overlooked by families looking to adopt, but a gray muzzle and a slower pace don't mean there's any less love to give. If adoption isn't right for your family, you can still help by donating, volunteering, sponsoring a dog, or becoming a Geezer Guardian.
You can also book a one-hour guided tour of the sanctuary. Tours are available Monday through Saturday for ages 5 and up, with a suggested $10 donation per person. Reservations are required.
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
📍 765 Nonaville Road, Mt. Juliet
📞 615-314-5565
Whether you adopt, donate, or volunteer, you can help make life better for these deserving dogs. Learn more at ofsds.org. 🐾
🍲 Taste of Wilson County Returns October 22
If you love trying local food, this is one to put on your calendar! The 17th Annual Taste of Wilson County is back Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the West Lawn of Wilson Bank & Trust in Lebanon.
More than 50 local food vendors are expected, serving up samples from restaurants, bakeries, and food artisans across Wilson County. With more than 1,200 people expected to attend, there will be plenty to eat, see, and do!
Along with all that good food, the evening includes a Chili Cook-Off, Grill-Off Challenge, Culinary Challenge, Pie-Eating Contest, and Battle of the Mascots. There will also be family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, Kid Valley, Art Alley, and areas for shopping.
The Best Part? It Supports Local Teachers!
Taste of Wilson County is a fundraiser for the Wilson County Business & Education Coalition, which helps provide classroom resources, special projects, and professional development through its Extra Mile Educator Program.
Since the program began, more than $332,000 in educator grants have been awarded. That's a pretty great reason to enjoy some local food!
Event Details
📅 Thursday, October 22 | 5:30 – 8 PM
📍 Wilson Bank & Trust West Lawn, 623 West Main Street, Lebanon
🎟️ Tickets: $40 VIP, $30 adults, $20 teachers, $10 children ages 6–12, and free for kids 5 and under.
Get tickets and find more details at TasteOfWilsonCounty.com.
Trunk-or-Treats & Fall Festivals Around Mt. Juliet & Wilson County
October is flying by, and there’s still plenty of Halloween fun ahead! From decorated car trunks and candy to fall festivals, costume contests, and trick-or-treating, we’ve gathered local events to help you make the most of the season. Grab those costumes and save this guide for your family’s fall plans!
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This Week’s Poll…
Halloween movie night is calling! Which classic are you hitting play on first this week? 🍿👻
Last Week’s Poll Results…
🗳️ You Get to Pick What Goes in the Old Captain D’s. What Are You Choosing?
🤷♀️ Something completely different- 68.67%
🍔 A really good burger joint- 13.25%
🌮 Tacos- 13.25%
☕ Coffee + donuts- 3.61%
🍕Pizza- 1.20%
🏦 A bank or mattress store (It was a joke— You understood the assignment! 😂 )- 0.00%
🎃 Halloween Fun With a Life-Saving Message
A little Halloween fun comes with an important message this Saturday, when Kyler’s Impact Foundation and the Mt. Juliet Police Department host the Distracted Driving Is Scary Awareness Event.
The free, family-friendly event takes place at Mt. Juliet High School and includes pumpkin painting, face painting, Halloween activities, a scavenger hunt, candy, prizes, free snacks and drinks, and a costume contest. Families can also participate in a half-mile or full-mile walk.
The event honors Kyler Gatica, a beloved 16-year-old Mt. Juliet student who lost his life in an accident in 2024. Organizers hope to raise awareness about distracted driving and encourage safer choices behind the wheel. The message is simple: Eyes Up. Phones Down. Drive Focused.
Event Details
📅 Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Mt. Juliet High School, 1875 Golden Bear Gateway, Mt. Juliet
🎟️ Admission: FREE (Donations Welcome)
Contributions will benefit Kyler’s Impact Foundation and its safety education and prevention efforts.
🐾 Pet of the Week:
🐾 Happy Tails for Buggie and Blue Ribbon!
It’s been an AMAZING week of adoptions at the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter, with so many dogs and cats finding their forever homes! Two familiar faces we’re especially excited to celebrate are Buggie and Blue Ribbon, our former Pets of the Week. Both have found their forever families, and we couldn’t be happier for them! 💛
This Week: Professor Meatloaf needs a home to call his own!
This week, we are featuring Professor Meatloaf again. He is a lovable, sweet 2-year-old terrier mix with a playful personality and an even bigger heart! He’s smart, affectionate, listens well, loves giving kisses, and is convinced he belongs in your lap. He’s ready for adventures, snuggles, and most of all—a family to call his own.
❤️ Interested in adopting Professor Meatloaf? Visit the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter (115 Industrial Dr, MJ) during business hours or visit one of the adoption events going on this weekend!
💸 Insider Deals
☕ Have You Tried Red River Nomad?
Red River Nomad is just over the Mt. Juliet line, so it’s close enough that we’re happy to share a little local love! Their café serves up specialty drinks, many of them made with coffee, tea and hot chocolate, along with food that is seriously good. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s a great time—with 15% off your order using the coupon below!
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What you had. Who received it. Filed with a court, open to anyone.
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And the best part? You can buy it inside your retirement account, tax-deferred and penalty-free.
❤ Thank You to Our Local Sponsors!
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This Week’s Line Up
$= There is a charge for these events
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
🐾 FALL YARD SALE AT THE SHELTER
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter, Mt. Juliet
Shop the fall yard sale and support the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter.
🍝 JACQUE BENTON MEMORIAL SPAGHETTI DAYS | $
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | MJ Senior Center, Mt. Juliet
Stop by for the Jacque Benton Memorial Spaghetti Days.
🌷 FALL PLANT SALE
12:00 PM | The Hermitage, Hermitage
Shop the fall plant sale at The Hermitage.
🛍️ FRIDAY NIGHT FALL MARKET
4:00 – 8:00 PM | Circle P Ranch, Mt. Juliet
Browse the fall market and shop local vendors.
🏈 TRICK OR TAILGATE
4:30–7 PM | 365 S. Hartmann Drive, Lebanon
Shop local businesses, enjoy food and Halloween fun before the Green Hill vs. Lebanon High School football game.
👻 GHOST TOURS: TRAGEDY AND MYSTERY AT THE HERMITAGE | $
6:30 & 8:30 PM | The Hermitage, Hermitage
Hear chilling stories of tragedy and mystery on a nighttime tour of The Hermitage.
🐻 VARSITY FOOTBALL: MJHS VS WILSON CENTRAL | $
7:00 PM | MJ High School, Mt. Juliet
Cheer on your team as the Golden Bears meet the Wildcats in this Friday night lights classic.
🏈 VARSITY FOOTBALL: GREEN HILL HS @ LEBANON HS | $
7:00 PM | MJ High School, Mt. Juliet
This classic rivalry game always brings a crowd! Go cheer on your team and let’s get loud!
🎬️ MOVIE NIGHT: COCO
7:00 – 9:00 PM | Breeden’s Orchard, Mt. Juliet
Watch Coco during movie night at the orchard.
👻 RAVEN’S HOLLOW HAUNTED FOREST | $
7:00 – 9:30 PM | Circle P Ranch, Mt. Juliet
Explore the haunted forest for a spooky nighttime adventure.
💀 DEAD LAND HAUNTED WOODS | $
7:00 – 11:00 PM | Dead Land Haunted Woods, Lebanon
Navigate a haunted woods experience filled with scares.
👺 BACKWOODS NIGHTMARE | $
7:30 – 11:30 PM | 1520 McCrary Rd., Lebanon
Brace yourself for a frightening haunted attraction.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
🚴 TOUR MT. JULIET RED BICYCLE RIDE
8:00 – 11:00 AM | Mt. Juliet Train Station, Mt. Juliet
Take a group bicycle ride and explore Mt. Juliet on two wheels.
🐾 FALL YARD SALE AT THE SHELTER
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter, Mt. Juliet
Shop the fall yard sale and support the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter.
🍅 FARMER’S MARKET
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Charlie Daniels Park, Mt. Juliet
Shop fresh produce, local goods, and more at the farmer’s market.
🍂 FALLING FOR BISCUITS RESTAURANT POP-UP
9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Sweet Biscuit Co., Mt. Juliet
Stop by Sweet Biscuit Co. for a fall-themed restaurant pop-up.
🍁 OKTOBERFEST
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Wilson Bank & Trust, Lebanon
Celebrate Oktoberfest with an afternoon of fall festivities.
🏃 7TH PRESIDENT 7K | $
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | The Hermitage, Hermitage
Take part in a 7K run at the historic home of President Andrew Jackson.
🏋️ FAITH RXD: FREE WORKOUT AND DEVOTIONAL
10:00 – 11:30 AM | 3 Star CrossFit, Mt. Juliet
Join a free workout and devotional combining fitness and faith.
🛻 WWMS FUNDRAISER: TOUCH-A-TRUCK | $
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | West Wilson Middle School, Mt. Juliet
Touch-A-Truck fundraiser benefiting West Wilson Middle School.
👟 DISTRACTED DRIVING IS SCARY AWARENESS WALK
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mt. Juliet High School, Mt. Juliet
Raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving at this community awareness walk.
💐 HALLOWEEN COFFEE CUP BOUQUET EXPERIENCE | $
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | The Flower Patch, Hermitage
Create a festive Halloween coffee cup bouquet.
🍪 MONSTER MASH COOKIE BASH | $
10:30 AM | Hammer & Stain, Mt. Juliet
Decorate Halloween-themed cookies at this hands-on class.
♣️ CARD CLUB
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage
Spend some time playing cards at the library.
🍫 BUILD YOUR OWN BAR | $
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Durci Chocolate, Lebanon
Create your own custom chocolate bar.
🌷 FALL PLANT SALE
12:00 PM | The Hermitage, Hermitage
Shop the fall plant sale at The Hermitage.
👻 FRONT PORCH COMMUNITY CRAFT EVENT
12:00 – 2:00 PM | The Village Forager, Mt. Juliet
Connect and craft, creating a cute little fabric ghost
🍂 FALL FOLIAGE EXCURSION TRAIN | $
12:00 – 2:00 PM | Tennessee Central Railway, Nashville
Enjoy a scenic train excursion to take in the beauty of fall foliage.
🍲 CHILI COOK-OFF & ADOPTION EVENT
12:00 – 2:00 PM | MJ Wine & Spirits, Mt. Juliet
Sample chili and meet adoptable pets at this community event.
🍂 OKTOBERFEST
12:00 – 6:00 PM | Stars & Stables Farm, Lebanon
Celebrate fall with Oktoberfest festivities at the farm.
🍁 HARVEST FEST AT LC
3:00 – 6:00 PM | Lifestyle Communities, Mt. Juliet
Celebrate the season at this community harvest festival.
👻 GHOST TOURS: TRAGEDY AND MYSTERY AT THE HERMITAGE | $
6:30 & 8:30 PM | The Hermitage, Hermitage
Hear chilling stories of tragedy and mystery on a nighttime tour of The Hermitage.
🟣 PURPLE EVOLUTION: A PRINCE TRIBUTE | $
7:00 PM | Caribbean Vibes Venue, Mt. Juliet
Celebrate the music of Prince with this live tribute show.
🦝 KID’S TITAN TRADE NIGHT
7:00 - 9:00 PM | NashCards, Mt. Juliet
Bring the kids, bring your cards, and come hang out for a night of trading, football, and fun!
👻 RAVEN’S HOLLOW HAUNTED FOREST | $
7:00 – 9:30 PM | Circle P Ranch, Mt. Juliet
Explore the haunted forest for a spooky nighttime adventure.
💀 DEAD LAND HAUNTED WOODS | $
7:00 – 11:00 PM | Dead Land Haunted Woods, Lebanon
Navigate a haunted woods experience filled with scares.
👺 BACKWOODS NIGHTMARE | $
7:30 – 11:30 PM | 1520 McCrary Rd., Lebanon
Brace yourself for a frightening haunted attraction.
🎹 DUELING PIANOS
7:30 – 11:30 PM | Mt. Juliet Sport & Social Co., Mt. Juliet
Enjoy a lively night of dueling pianos and audience-requested favorites.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
☕️ ADOPTION EVENT
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Starbucks at Division St. & N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet
Meet adoptable pets at this community adoption event.
🍂 OKTOBERFEST
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Wilson Bank & Trust, Lebanon
Celebrate Oktoberfest with an afternoon of fall festivities.
🌷 FALL PLANT SALE
12:00 PM | The Hermitage, Hermitage
Shop the fall plant sale at The Hermitage.
🎶 GRACE AND GLORY LIP SYNC BATTLE FUNDRAISER
5:00 – 8:00 PM | East Nashville Beer Works, Lebanon
Enjoy a lip sync battle and support a good cause.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
😎 TEENS 7TH & UP CLUB
4:15 – 5:15 PM | Mt. Juliet Public Library, Mt. Juliet
Teens in 7th grade and up can hang out and enjoy activities at the library.
🎴 MAHJONG MONDAY
5:00 – 8:00 PM | The Trailer Park, Lebanon
Enjoy an evening of Mahjong with fellow players.
🚲️ COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE
5:30 – 7:00 PM | Charlie Daniels Park, Mt. Juliet
Join a community bike ride starting at Charlie Daniels Park.
🀄️ MAHJONG NIGHT | $
6:00 – 8:30 PM | Braingineers Lab, Mt. Juliet
Play Mahjong and enjoy a fun evening with fellow enthusiasts.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
🏢 JOB FAIR
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Goodwill Industries, Mt. Juliet
Meet employers and explore job opportunities at this local job fair.
🖥️ COMPUTER CLASS: EXCEL
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Mt. Juliet Public Library, Mt. Juliet
Learn Excel skills in this library computer class.
🎃 HALLOWEEN CRAFT: SUNCATCHERS
4:30 – 5:30 PM | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage
Make a festive Halloween-themed suncatcher at the library.
📗 HERMITAGE BOOK CLUB
6:30 – 7:30 PM | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage
Connect with fellow readers and discuss books at the library.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
🚴 CYCLISTS IN CADENCE GETTING COFFEE
8:00 – 11:00 AM | Hamilton-Denson Park, Mt. Juliet
Join fellow cyclists for coffee and conversation.
🎨 PAINT & SIP | $
5:30 – 9:00 PM | The Goat, Mt. Juliet
Get creative with a night of painting and sipping.
🔢 BINGO NIGHT
6:00 PM | The Trailer Park, Lebanon
Try your luck at bingo night.
🧘 GENTLE YOGA
6:00 – 7:00 PM | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage
Unwind with a gentle yoga session at the library.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
🚙 EXPLORER ST EXPERIENCE | $
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon
Experience the Ford Explorer ST at this special automotive event.
🧪 LIBRARY LAB: A STEAM PROGRAM
4:30 – 5:30 PM | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage
Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities.
🍽️ TASTE OF WILSON COUNTY | $
5:30 PM | West Lawn of Wilson Bank & Trust, Lebanon
Sample local flavors and enjoy an evening celebrating Wilson County’s food scene.
👑 KING TRIVIA
6:00 PM | The Trailer Park, Lebanon
Put your knowledge to the test at trivia night.
🎼 WRITER’S ROUND
7:00 – 9:00 PM | Breeden’s Orchard, Mt. Juliet
Enjoy an evening of original music and stories from songwriters.
Our Weekly Weather Forecast
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Meet the Team
Denise is a SoCal native who has called Middle Tennessee home for 25 years. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the hunt for the area's latest and greatest restaurants—though during football season, you’ll likely find her locked into a game.
Mike originally hails from New Jersey and has lived in Mt. Juliet for over 30 years. When he isn’t cheering on his favorite college and pro football teams, he loves getting out to catch some live local rock music.
Together, we started What’s Up Mt. Juliet because we believe there is so much to love about this great city. Each week, our goal is to bring you the best of Mt Juliet…and hopefully brighten your day along the way!
Thanks for letting us be a small part of your week!
Publication Disclaimer:
While we work hard to keep all information accurate and up to date, event details can change unexpectedly. We highly recommend double-checking the event links directly before heading out to ensure you have the latest updates. This newsletter contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We deeply appreciate your support, which helps keep our content running.