Ripley's STEAM Activities at Wears Valley (Sevierville)

HOST: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

WHEN: Friday, October 17th 2025, 9:00am-6:00pm Saturday, October 18th 2025, 9:00am-6:00pm Sunday, October 19th 2025, 9:00am-4:00pm

REGION: East

WHERE: 3179 Wears Valley Road Sevierville TN 37862

WHAT: Join the education staff from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies at Wears Valley Fall Fest in the kids area for interactive STEAM activities and to learn more about programs offered at the aquarium!

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

COST: FREE with festival admission

WEBSITE: https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies

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

STEAM at the Stadium (Knoxville)

HOST: Muse Knoxville

WHEN: Friday, October 10th 2025, 3:00pm-5:30pm

REGION: East

WHERE: 500 E Jackson Ave. Knoxville TN 37915

WHAT: Join us for an unforgettable evening of science, STEAM, and soccer as Muse Knoxville partners with One Knox SC for a special STEAM Night at Covenant Health Park!

Students from any county or homeschool group can participate in an Engineering Design Challenge to design a brand-new soccer stadium using any medium—think Minecraft, Popsicle sticks, Legos, and more!

For more information visit www.themuseknoxville.org

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

COST: Free
One Knox Soccer Game to follow. Tickets available to purchase online.

WEBSITE: www.themuseknoxville.org

NWS Memphis Office Tour (Memphis)

HOST: National Weather Service - Memphis, TN

WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 2025, 5:00pm-6:00pm and 7:00pm-8:00pm

REGION: West

WHERE: 7777 Walnut Grove Rd Suite #1 Memphis TN 38120

WHAT: Calling all weather enthusiasts! Ever wanted to get to know your local National Weather Service Office? Here's your chance! Come visit the National Weather Service in Memphis, TN for a presentation about the office and an office tour of the operations area.

The event will be capped at 30 people. Registration is required and can be accessed through this google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_fc9-LQCN6_sZQlVGOHcAAb_TvZvh4BE5kx8oPUI4kfNfCA/viewform You will receive a confirmation email at least one week in advance confirming your time selection.

While this event is meant for individuals and families, we strongly discourage children under the age of 6 as they can be disruptive to the entire tour group and will not get as much out of the experience.

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.weather.gov/meg/

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

Fuse Bead LED Circuits (Collierville)

HOST: Lucius E. & Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library

WHEN: Tuesday, October 14th 2025, 5:30pm-7:00pm

REGION: West

WHERE: 501 Poplar View Parkway Collierville, TN 38017

WHAT: Get creative with circuits! In this hands-on activity, students in grades 6 - 12 will use fuse beads and paper circuits to design and build a light-up project. Combine art and STEM for a fun, glowing creation. All supplies will be provided.

Registration is required and will open on September 30, 2025. Register on the Library's online Events Calendar at https://collierville.libnet.info/events.

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens

COST: Free

WEBSITE: colliervilletn.gov/library

Paint Your Own Pumpkin Patch (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Board and Brush

WHEN: Sunday, October 12th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, October 18th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm
Sunday, October 19th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, October 25th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm
Sunday, October 26th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 1500 Medical Center Pkwy. Suite 1E Murfreesboro 37129

WHAT: Pick a $5 pumpkin from our patch & stencil on a sweet or spooky face to add to your fall decor.

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

COST: $5

WEBSITE: boardandbrush.com/murfreesboro

STEAM Day at Nashville Zoo (Nashville)

HOST: Nashville Zoo

WHEN: Friday, October 24th 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 3777 Nolensville Rd Nashville TN 37211

WHAT: Let's go on a learning expedition thru the Zoo! Come join us from 10am-1pm. Hands-on activity stations and keeper talks will take place throughout the park.

The zoo will be open from 9am-4pm. The STEAM Day festivities will run from 10am-1pm.

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

COST: It is included with the cost of Zoo admission. Visit https://www.nashvillezoo.org/tickets and check the calendar to see ticket pricing for each day.

WEBSITE: www.nashvillezoo.org

STEAM Night (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Cason Lane Academy

WHEN: Thursday, October 23rd 2025, 5:00pm-7:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 1330 Cason Lane Murfreesboro 37128

WHAT: Join us at Cason Lane Academy for STEAM Night! Families will explore hands-on STEAM activities created by our K-6 students, walk our gardens, check out our animals, and enjoy creative displays. A fun night of discovery, learning, and community connection.

This event is for Cason Lane Academy students and families.

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.casonlaneacademy.net/

South-Doyle High School STEAM Fall Festival (Knoxville)

HOST: So-Kno Robo

WHEN: Thursday, October 23rd 2025, 5:00pm-7:00pm

REGION: East

WHERE: 2020 Tipton Station Road Knoxville TN 37920

WHAT: Get ready for a hands-on STEM experience like no other!
South-Doyle High School will be hosting engaging CTE (Career and Technical Education), robotics, and STEM booths featuring a variety of hands-on activities. Guests can enjoy interactive experiences such as bridge-building challenges, operating small robots, and exploring STEM through fun and educational materials.

This is a part of South-Doyle High School's fall festival. We will have tables set up for the STEAM Festival.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: soknorobo.com

Homeschool Science Fair (Nashville)

HOST: The Curve: Nashville's Homeschool Enrichment

WHEN: Friday, October 24th 2025, 1:00pm-3:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 477 McMurray Drive, Nashville TN 37211

WHAT: The Curve Homeschool Science Fair is open to all homeschooled students in the Middle Tennessee area in grades K-12.  Each student will prepare a science fair project and display their work at our science fair. All students will receive a certificate of participation. Students in grades 6-12 will be awarded ribbons for first, second, and third prize by our judges. Winning entries will be invited to participate in the Middle Tennessee Science & Engineering Fair.

Science fair participants need to register on the website by October 17, 2025.
https://www.nashvillehomeschoolers.com/event-details-registration/homeschool-science-fair-2

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens

COST: $5 for science fair participants, free for the public

WEBSITE: nashvillehomeschoolers.com

Lantern Parade (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Discovery Center

WHEN: Thursday, October 23rd 2025, 5:30pm-7:15pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 502 SE Broad Street Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: Come light up the night at our 4th annual Lantern Parade at Discovery Center! Participants can bring their own lanterns from home or make a lantern on-site with our provided materials. There will be an hour of lantern-making before the parade facilitated by the Rutherford Arts Alliance. The parade itself will begin around 6:40pm and last until about 7:00pm.

Lantern-making will take place from 5:30-6:30pm
Parade participants will line up at 6:30pm
The parade will take place from 6:40-7:00pm

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://explorethedc.org/

STEAM-a-Palooza (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Discovery Center

WHEN: Saturday, October 11th 2025, 12:00pm-4:00pm

REGION: Middle

WHERE: 502 SE Broad Street Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: The Discovery Center’s signature Tennessee STEAM Festival kick-off event, “STEAM-A-Palooza” returns this year on Saturday Oct. 11th, from 12pm to 4pm.

This free outdoor event (rain or shine) features local artists, scientists and engineers for all-ages, hands-on fun. People ages 1-100 can travel booth to booth and learn about the processes behind robotics, composting, cosmetics, creative arts, physics, environmental conservation, mathematics, meteorology and everything in between. Live performances! Food Trucks! And more!

In addition, Discovery Center’s museum admission for indoor exhibits will be half-priced from 12pm to 4pm on this special day.

Overflow parking for the STEAM-A-Palooza will be at Holloway High School, located on 619 S Highland Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

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

COST: FREE

WEBSITE: https://explorethedc.org/

Family STEAM Day: From Atoms to Art (Oak Ridge)

HOST: The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

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

REGION: East

WHERE: 461 W. Outer Dr. Oak Ridge TN 37830

WHAT: Family STEAM Day: From Atoms to Art is a hands-on celebration of art and science to inspire young minds! This fun-filled event brings together children and families for interactive art activities and science experiments. Children will have the opportunity to try new art skills while learning fun science concepts.

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

COST: Free with Museum admission

WEBSITE: https://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/