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

HOST: MTSU Department of Art and Design

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

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 300 Doug Warpoole Rd Smyrna 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:

Witches and Wizards Potions Workshop (Nashville)

HOST: Little Art House

WHEN: Wednesday, October 22nd 2025, 9:30am-10:15am (1-4yrs and 3-5yrs classes)
Friday, October 24th 2025, 9:30am-10:15am (3-6yr and K-3rd)
Sunday, October 26th 2025, 9:30am-10:15am

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 2106B Acklen Ave Nashville TN 37212

WHAT: Unleash your inner alchemist at our Witches and Wizards Potions Workshop! Perfect for young sorceresses and magic makers, this unique event promises a mystical blend of calm and creativity. We'll start with a calming mindful moment to focus our magical energy, before diving into a captivating book reading that sparks the imagination. The highlight of our workshop is, of course, creating incredible, bubbling potions using a dazzling array of special, wondrous ingredients that you'll get to bring home and cherish! Prepare for a spellbinding journey into the world of creativity and magic.
Pre-registration is required

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families

COST: $25
Pre-registration is required

WEBSITE: https://www.littlearthousestudios.com

Workshop: Accelerate with Chinese YoYo! Sum up with Abacus! (Nashville)

HOST: Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville

WHEN: Saturday, October 11th 2025, 10:00am-11:00am
Friday. October 17th 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
1900 Davidson St, Nashville TN 37206

WHAT: This workshop shows children how to add using a Chinese abacus as well as more advanced calculations from physics like speed, acceleration, motion, and balance. That abacus provides hands-on experience and a way to make calculations easier. We use Chinese yo-yo to help students see these concepts in action. The Chinese yo-yo is a Chinese children's game that has evolved into a performing arts form.
Pre-registration is required: https://www.chineseartsalliance.org/events-1/2025/10/11/accelerate-with-chinese-yoyo-sum-up-with-abacus

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families

COST: Free; pre-registration is required

WEBSITE: www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org

Fossils at the Fort (Nashville)

HOST: Fort Negley Park

WHEN: Saturday, October 25th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 1100 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: Fossils at the Fort is an exploration of Middle Tennessee's limestone landscapes, how they got that way, and the 400-million-year-old marine life fossils found here. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities and also dig for fossils to take home.

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: fortnegley.nashville.gov

Explore the Arts at Frist Art Museum (Nashville)

HOST: Frist Art Museum

WHEN: Friday, October 10th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Saturday, October 11th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Sunday, October 12th 2025, 1:00pm-5:30pm
Monday, October 13th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Thursday, October 16th 2025, 10:00am-8:00pm
Friday, October 17th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Saturday, October 18th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Sunday, October 19th 2025, 1:00pm-5:30pm
Monday, October 20th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Thursday, October 23rd 2025, 10:00am-8:00pm
Friday, October 24th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Saturday, October 25th 2025, 10:00am-5:30pm
Sunday, October 26th 2025, 1:00pm-5:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37205

WHAT: Visit the Frist Art Museum and explore the award-winning Martin ArtQuest®. This inclusive and interactive art-making space is for guests of all ages where they can be creative with activities that delight and inspire. ArtQuest's accessible art-making stations offer you an opportunity to draw, animate, make prints, paint, and more—and discover your unique talents and celebrate your creative energy, and just have fun!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families

COST: Adults: $20; Children 18 years of age and younger: Free

WEBSITE: FristArtMuseum.org

To the Moon and Back - Artemis 2 (Springfield)

HOST: Gateway STEM Center

WHEN: Friday, October 24th 2025, 10:00am-7:00pm
Saturday, October 25th 2025, 10:00am-7:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 4917 Highway 41N, Springfield TN 37172

WHAT: Two days of events focused on NASA’s upcoming Artemis 2 mission to the Moon. Explore a mockup of part of the Orion capsule donated by NASA. Investigate what it takes to survive in space and return safely through a variety of hands on activities, including an egg drop.

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

COST: $7/person, ages 3 and under are free.
Preregistration is required. Register at https://www.gatewaystemcenter.com/shows, no deadline to register

WEBSITE: www.gatewaystemcenter.org

Scopes at 100: What does history tell us about science and religion? (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Middle Tennessee State University

WHEN: Thursday, October 16th 2025, 6:00-7:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 422 Old Main Circle, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
MTSU Wiser-Patten Science Hall, Room 102

WHAT: This public lecture at MTSU is sponsored the Distinguished Lecture Fund, the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, the Nashville Section of the American Chemical Society and the Tennessee Academy of Science. Nicholas Spencer is Senior Fellow at the Theos Think Tank in London, England. He is the author of a number of books including Darwin and God and most recently Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion.

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Senior Citizens

COST: Free and open to the public

WEBSITE: mtsu.edu

TRCreator Lab: Build a Bot, From Zero to Hero (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC)

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

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 2231 NW Broad St, Ste D Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (Go Around Back)

WHAT: Join us for an electrifying day of innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning labs at our STEAM Festival: Build a Bot, From Zero to Hero! Whether you're a curious beginner or a budding robotics engineer, this event is your launchpad into the world of robotics and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

🔧 What to Expect:
Bot-Building labs: Learn the basics of robotic systems and build your own bot from scratch—no experience needed! (Age appropriate robotics activities)
Tech Demos & Exhibits: Explore cutting-edge tech and creative robotics projects from our students
STEAM Stations: Dive into interactive and artistic activities that blend science, art, and engineering.
Mini Challenges & Prizes: Test your bot in fun competitions and win cool prizes!

Come build, learn, and be inspired as we take you from Zero to Hero in the world of robots. Let’s spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and celebrate the power of STEAM together!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Children/Youth with Special Needs
🎯 Who Should Attend?
Students (Grades K–12)
Educators & Parents
Hobbyists & Tinkerers
Anyone curious about robotics and STEAM!

COST: $35/hr to attend a TRCreator workshop: Time slots are 9:30-11:00, 11:30-1:00, and 1:30-3:00. Participants can also purchase from our selection of TRCreator Kits, robots, tools, and other educational products from our GearShop. We will also have T-shirts and other TRC gear for sale for visitors to purchase to support the program.
Register and pay for a time slot on our website: www.tennesseeroboticscenter.com

WEBSITE: https://www.TennesseeRoboticsCenter.com

Spooky STEAM Hour at Smyrna Public Library (Smyrna)

HOST: Smyrna Public Library

WHEN: Friday, October 17th 2025, 10:00am-11:00am

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 400 Enon Springs Rd W Smyrna TN 37167

WHAT: Join us for an hour of Halloween-themed activities focused on STEAM! Halloween Coding bracelets, Spooky Tower Building, DIY Bat Launcher (catapult building), and even more!

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: rclstn.org

Fall into STEAM at Vanderbilt University Peabody Library! (Nashville)

HOST: Vanderbilt's Peabody Library

WHEN: Saturday, October 25th 2025, 11:00am-2:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 1210 21st Ave. S. Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: Fall into STEAM! is a hands-on, autumn-themed event where children ages 3+ explore science, engineering, and coding through playful stations with scarecrows, pumpkins, ramps, and robots. All resources—including STEM Bins® and Botley® 2.0—are part of the Peabody Library’s collection and support creative, inclusive early learning.

Registration is open for Fall into STEAM at Peabody Library. We would like a head count in order to accommodate all guests and families. Registration will be open until Oct. 10, 2025. You can pre-register using the following link https://bit.ly/FallSTEAMpeabodylibrary

Once you pre-register, more details will follow via email regarding the day of the event.

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/peabody/

44th Annual NAIA Tennessee Indian Education Pow Wow (Nashville)

HOST: Native American Indian Association of Tennessee

WHEN: Friday, October 17th 2025, 9:00am-10:00pm Saturday, October 18th 2025, 9:00am-10:00pm Sunday, October 19th 2025, 9:00am-10:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike Nashville TN 37076

WHAT: Our Pow Wow serves to advance social change and growth with the surrounding communities through the sharing of diverse traditional Native American Indian artisans' works and their stories, educating visitors and younger generations, as well as advocating for the cultural revitalization of Native American Indians in Tennessee. An event such as the Pow Wow establishes and develops connections between the Native American Indians and the surrounding communities; connections that will expand and develop understandings for mutual benefit. There are are engaging enrichment activities for everyone which include inter-tribal traditional dancers, a hoop dancer, two drum groups, teepee and encampment, storytelling with demonstrations, with arts and crafts and food vendors.

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

COST: CASH ONLY at the gate; $8.00/adult; $4.00 senior citizen and children 6-12; free for children 5 and under and persons with disabilities.

WEBSITE: naiatn.org

Experience Music: Listen, Play, and Learn! (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Dow Street Community Music School

WHEN: Sunday, October 26th 2025, 2:00pm-5:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 1272 Dow Street, Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: Music brings people together - it enhances our lives, and allows us to blossom. 
Come visit Dow Street Community Music School and hear live performances and demonstrations by our teachers, participate in hands-on activities involving the physics and production of sound, and try out an instrument with the help of our staff. We have all kinds of instruments to try, including strings, piano, percussion, and more! We welcome all ages!

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: dowstreetmusic.org

International Archaeology Day (Nashville)

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 2500 West End Avenue Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: Join us for a morning filled with family-friendly STEAM activities at The Parthenon. The Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon will help you dive into the world of archaeology with hands-on learning. Meet Dr. Debby Sneed, an archaeologist whose research focuses on disability in ancient Greece. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the past, this event is perfect for all ages!

Eventbrite pre-registration link will be found on our website calendar listing for the event.

AUDIENCE: Families

COST: RSVP in advance for FREE museum admission, using the Eventbrite link on our website calendar. Or mention visiting for International Archaeology Day at the door for discounted, day-of admission.

WEBSITE: https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com/

Dino Day (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Earth Experience

WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 2025, 10:00am-4:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 816 Old Salem Road, Murfreesboro TN 37129

WHAT: Earth Experience is hosting Dino Day on October 18 as part of the TN STEAM festival. There will be a fossil dig for small children, geode breaking and a craft and rock sale. Event partners include MTSU Geosciences department and Middle Tennessee Gem and Mineral Society. The museum will be open extended hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.

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

COST: Museum admission $12 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4 to 11. Fossil dig and geode breaking will also have a small fee.

WEBSITE: earthexperience.org