PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release, Please:
For more information, contact Lindsey Jennings at ljennings@explorethedc.org or
call (615) 890-2300 ext. 221.
Tennessee STEAM Festival Marks 9th Year With Statewide Events, October 10–26
Murfreesboro, TN – The Tennessee STEAM Festival returns this fall for its 9th
annual celebration, running from October 10th to 26th. Founded by the Discovery
Center at Murfree Spring, the festival has grown into a statewide tradition with
more than 300 events at 80 host venues, inviting Tennesseans of all ages to
experience the connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and
math (STEAM).
“This year’s Tennessee STEAM Festival represents the very best of collaboration
across our state,” said Tara MacDougall, President and CEO of the Discovery
Center. “Thanks to the tireless work of our community partners and the generous
support of our sponsors, we’ve curated one of our most ambitious lineups yet.
From cultural celebrations to cutting-edge science demonstrations, the festival
shows how STEAM can inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning for
everyone.”
The first weekend will include the return of STEAM-A-Palooza on Saturday,
October 11th, from 12 to 4 PM at the Discovery Center, located at 502 SE Broad St.
in Murfreesboro, TN. Admission is free to the kickoff event, which will feature live
demonstrations, hands-on activities, and half-priced museum entry.
Other signature programs across the state include:
● In West Tennessee, the University of Memphis Lambuth Planetarium will
host a Cosmic Dawn screening (Oct. 18), while the Museum of Science &
History will stage MoSH STEAM FEST (Oct. 22, 23, & 24), and Memphis Parks
will present a combined STEAM and Fall Festival (Oct. 25).
● Middle Tennessee highlights include Scopes at 100 at Middle Tennessee
State University (Oct. 16), the Tennessee Indian Education Pow Wow (Oct.
17–19), and International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon (Oct. 18).
● East Tennessee offerings include STEAM at the Stadium with MUSE
Knoxville (Oct. 10), multiple STEAM Experiment days at WonderWorks
Pigeon Forge, and Family STEAM Day: From Atoms to Art at the Children’s
Museum of Oak Ridge (Oct. 25).
“This is a festival that belongs to the whole state,” said Sarah Hicks, Community
Engagement Coordinator at the Discovery Center, who has spearheaded much of
this year’s planning. “Every community has its own way of engaging with STEAM,
whether through culture, the environment, history, or technology. My favorite
part is watching how these different perspectives come together to create one big
celebration of learning.”
This year’s festival is presented by Amazon and FRANKE. Other sponsors include
the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville Section of the
American Chemical Society, and the Nashville Academy of Science.
For more information about the festival, including the full event schedule, visit
tnsteam.org or check out updates from the Discovery Center at explorethedc.org.
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About the Discovery Center:
Located at 502 SE Broad St. in Murfreesboro, TN, the Discovery Center at Murfree
Spring is a hands-on museum and nature center focused on STEAM education.
Offering interactive exhibits and programs for children and families, it inspires
curiosity and learning through play. Situated alongside the Murfree Spring
Wetlands, the center also provides unique environmental education experiences,
blending science and nature in a fun, engaging way.
About the Tennessee STEAM Festival:
The Tennessee STEAM Festival is a dynamic, statewide event celebrating science,
technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Held annually across East,
Middle, and West Tennessee, the festival offers a diverse range of interactive
activities, workshops, and exhibits designed to ignite curiosity and foster learning.
By bringing together museums, schools, and community organizations, the festival
provides engaging experiences for all ages, showcasing the wonders of STEAM and
its impact on our world.