TN Maker Fest (Nashville)

HOST: TN Maker Fest

WHEN: Saturday, October 4th 2025, 10:00am-4:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: The Wond'ry at Vanderbilt University
2414 Highland Ave., Nashville TN 37212

WHAT: You’re Invited to TN Maker Fest! Calling all engineers, artists, scientists, and crafters! Are you ready to showcase your incredible hobbies, innovative experiments, and unique projects? Join us for a vibrant annual event where curious minds gather to learn, share, collaborate, and even sell their amazing creations! For more info, apply to exhibit, or for free tickets - TNMakerFest.com

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free Tickets & Parking

WEBSITE: TNMakerFest.com

Vanderbilt University presents the Southern Festival of Books a Program of Humanities Tennessee (Nasville)

HOST: Humanities Tennessee/Southern Festival of Books

WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 2025, 9:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, October 19th 2025, 10:00am-5:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville TN 37243

WHAT: The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word is among the oldest literary festivals in the country, annually welcoming hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville each October. Come engage with writers and visit the Fest's Creativityland to put your own words to paper.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE: humtn.org
sofestofbooks.org

49th Annual Harvest Days (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Cannonsburgh Village

WHEN: Saturday, October 25th 2025, 10:00am-4:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 312 South Front Street, Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: It’s time for the 49th Annual Harvest Days at Cannonsburgh Village! Join us on October 25, 2025, from 10am-4pm for hands-on demonstrations, food trucks, and handmade crafts. Enjoy live music and clogging at the gazebo. The Murfreesboro Art League will have art on display and for sale. Don’t miss blacksmithing demonstrations with the Rutherford County Blacksmith Association and a Car Show by the Stones River Car Club. Our Harvest Days Fall Festival is fun for all ages with free admission! Contact Cannonsburgh Office at 615-890-0355 or mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov for more information.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/164/Cannonsburgh-Village

Raptor Rhapsody (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Outdoor Murfreesboro

WHEN: Tuesday, October 21 2025, 10:00am-11:00am

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 401 Volunteer Rd., Murfreesboro TN 37128

WHAT: Have you ever looked an owl in the eye, glared at a red-tailed hawk, or check out a falcon’s wings? Here is your chance to learn about these master predators of the sky!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/203/Outdoor-Murfreesboro

Kidsville at the Parthenon (Nashville)

HOST: Kidsville of Centennial Park Conservancy

WHEN: Saturday, October 11th 2025, 10:30am-11:30am

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: Come join an exploration of Dogs in Greek Mythology - One that becomes a constellation of stars, one with three heads, and one who knew his owner by smell.
Pre-registration is required. Every family has to submit a survey to obtain free entry https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13TSKsnD8WDtFeqqABQrAIbpas0jeDCFSOLQVQF6jsB0/viewform?edit_requested=true

AUDIENCE: Children

COST: Free entry time to Kidsville at Parthenon 10:30-11:20
Every family has to submit a survey to obtain free entry: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13TSKsnD8WDtFeqqABQrAIbpas0jeDCFSOLQVQF6jsB0/viewform?edit_requested=true

WEBSITE: www.kidsvilleonline.org

Observe the Sky (Murfreesboro)

HOST: MTSU Astronomy Club

WHEN: Friday, October 17th 2025, 6:30pm-9:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 422 Old Main Cir., Murfreesboro TN 37132

WHAT: Join us at the MTSU observatory to observe the sky with us! We will have multiple telescopes set up for viewing alongside activities.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families

COST: Free

Eco-Explorers! (Cookeville)

HOST: Imagine Foundry

WHEN: Monday-Friday, October 6th-26th 2025, 10:00am-5:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 1225 S. Willow Ave. STE. 103, Cookeville TN 38506

WHAT: Join Daisy, Finn, and Liam, the Eco-Explorers of Sugar Creek, on an exciting journey! Through 12 hands-on STEAM Challenge Quests, they'll explore careers from Nature Photographer to Wildland Firefighter. Each activity, like building a pollinator hotel or designing a green city, offers engaging, real-world career exploration, inspiring young minds to protect our planet.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families, Children/Youth with Special Needs

COST: $8 per ticket
Buy tickets at imaginefoundry.org/programs and click on Daily Admission. Select the STEAM Festival ticket option.

WEBSITE: imaginefoundry.org

STEM Data Sharing (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Technology Engagement Center/RCLS

WHEN: Thursday, October 23rd 2025, 5:30pm-6:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 306 Minerva Dr, Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: Learn how to share observations via apps to aid scientists in data and research

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://rclstn.org/

Take and Make: Design and Create and Instrument (Nashville)

HOST: Country Music Hall of Fame

WHEN: October 10th-26th 2025, 9:00am-5:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: Imagine an instrument you would like to play. Does it have strings? Is it a percussion instrument? Join us in using commonly found objects to create new and amazing instruments of our own creation. Come dream big with us! Recommended for ages 5 and up, but all are welcome.
We will run this program every day of the STEAM Festival, except October 19th, 2025. The kits will be available in the Taylor Swift Education Center.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free

STEAM Night (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County Murfreesboro

WHEN: Wednesday, October 15th 2025, 5:30pm-7:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 820 Jones Blvd, Murfreesboro TN 37129

WHAT: We will be hosting our annual Family STEAM Night as an opportunity to invite our Club families out to experience a fun night in learning!
Instructions for pre-registration will be posted on our social media page ("Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County" on Facebook)

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.bgcrc.net

Make a Mask with Center for the Arts (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Center for the Arts

WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 110 W College Street, Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: Explore character creation and make a mask using found objects. Wear your mask for creative play time with our education team!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families, Children/Youth with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.boroarts.org

If I CAN DREAM (Nashville)

HOST: Nashville Ballet

WHEN: Friday, October 10th 2025, 7:30pm-9:30pm Saturday, October 11th 2025, 2:00pm & 7:30pm Sunday, October 12th 2025, 2:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: TPAC - 505 Deaderick St., Nashville TN 37243

WHAT: Join us as we open our landmark 40th year – The Ruby Season – with a dazzling program that embodies the passion, power, and artistry that have defined our company for four decades.

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Tickets start at $64.50. Use promo code INSPIRED to save 15%. Click link https://www.nashvilleballet.com/ticket-information/#discounts for more discount options.

WEBSITE: www.nashvilleballet.com

STEAM Day (Nashville)

HOST: Adventure Science Center

WHEN: Friday, October 10th 2025, 9:00am-3:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: STEAM Day at Adventure Science Center brings Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math together under one roof for a day filled with engaging programming. Visitors will learn alongside our staff scientists and have the chance to engage in real world science applications in subjects such as robotics, paleontology, and astronomy.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families

COST: Adults (13+): $22
Youth (2-12): $18
Toddler (under 2): Free
Members: Free

WEBSITE: adventuresci.org

Tri-Star Tennessee: FULL STEAM AHEAD! (Smyrna)

HOST: MTSU Department of Art and Design

WHEN: Saturday, October 25th 2025, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Sunday, October 26th 2025, 2:00pm-4:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 300 Doug Warpoole Rd, Smyrna TN 37167

WHAT: A juried exhibition at Smyrna’s Hollingshead Aviation Gallery, part of the Tennessee STEAM Festival. It connects art with science, technology, engineering, and math, highlighting how creative expression fuels innovation statewide, showcasing diverse media that explore Tennessee’s regional identity, cultural traditions, and visions for a forward-moving future.

Pre-registration is recommended. RSVP form at https://www.jotform.com/build/251836485333159

This exhibition will be available through January 21st 2026. Please Visit https://art.mtsu.edu/ for dates and times of related MTSU Saturdays At Todd events.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs

COST: Free to attend

WEBSITE: TBD

Fall Colors of Sedge Hill (Ashland City)

HOST: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation

WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 2025, 9:00am-3:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Boulevard Ashland City TN 37015

WHAT: Witness the transitioning colors of Beaman Park’s Sedge Hill Trail.
Leaders: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE:

Family Movie Night: Corpse Bride (Ashland City)

HOST: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation

WHEN: Friday, October 17th 2025, 6:30pm-8:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Boulevard, Ashland City TN 37015

WHAT: When a shy groom practices his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her.
Snacks provided. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Inside if rain.
Sponsored by: Friends of Beaman Park and hosted by Zach Knight
Age level: 8 and up

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens

COST: Free

WEBSITE:

Henry Hollow ROCKS! (Ashland City)

HOST: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation

WHEN: Thursday, October 16th 2025, 10:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Boulevard, Ashland City TN 37015

WHAT: Meet at the Nature Center to hike down to the creek in Henry Hollow. We’ll observe sedimentary rock, weathering, erosion, escarpment, and more.
Leader: Heather Gallagher

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens

COST: Free

WEBSITE:

Skulls (Ashland City)

HOST: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation

WHEN: Wednesday, October 15th 2025, 10:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Boulevard, Ashland City TN 37015

WHAT: Learn about skulls and other bones from different types of animals. Skulls from woodchucks to deer and everything in between.
Leader: Isaiah Francescon
Age level: 8 and up

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens

COST: Free

WEBSITE:

Kids’ Survival Skills (Ashland City)

HOST: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation

WHEN: Tuesday, October 14th 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Boulevard, Ashland City TN 37015

WHAT: Participants will be introduced to skills necessary for successful, and safe excursions outdoors in this hands-on class. We will be outside the entire time so dress for the weather! Parents are required to stay for the duration of the event.
Leader: Krista Allen, Outdoor Nashville
Age level: Ages 8 and up

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Senior Citizens

COST: Free

WEBSITE:

Sun Printing on a Fall Day (Ashland City)

HOST: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation

WHEN: Saturday, October 11th 2025, 11:00am-1:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Boulevard, Ashland City TN 37015

WHAT: Meet us in front of the Nature Center to cast fall shadows on cyanotype paper using the power of the Sun.
Led by the Nature Center Staff

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens, Children/Youth with Special Needs, Adults with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE: