STEAM Learning Center

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

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Saturday, October 27th, 10:00am-6:00pm
The STEAM Learning Center will be available throughout the TN STEAM Festival during the Library's open hours. All activities are while supplies last.

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 501 Poplar View Parkway Collierville, TN 38017

WHAT: Explore the STEAM Learning Center during the Tennessee STEAM Festival, October 11-27! Located in the Children's Area, enjoy themed books, activities, and hands-on learning in science, engineering, art, and math. Topics rotate every few days, so there's always something new to discover!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.colliervilletn.gov/library

Trees are Terrific!

HOST: Middle Tennessee State University Center for Environmental Education

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 8:30am-7:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Middle Tennessee State University; 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132

WHAT: This is a self-guided tour available anytime, but weekends are preferred due to parking restrictions. Parking is free on the weekend but during the week you need to pay for a visitor pass. Go to: https://w1.mtsu.edu/parking/visit.php

Did you know that trees are the largest organisms most of us will encounter in our lifetime? Come visit the MTSU campus in early fall to view representative native Tennessee trees, with one exception, the Ginkgo. Be advised, several of the trees have been removed due to construction or storm damage but there are still beautiful specimens to view. It is suggested you begin with the grand Tulip Poplar near the President's home, adjacent to the driveway on the campus (not from Middle Tennessee Blvd.).

An update is in process, but for a general idea of where trees are located, you can also download the Native Tree map at: https://w1.mtsu.edu/facserv/arboretum/. Tree tags also have a QR code that will provide you with a walking map to specific trees that are part of the Arboretum.

In collaboration with Vanderbilt University, a virtual tour of the campus can be experienced via: http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu/mtsu/35

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://w1.mtsu.edu/facserv/arboretum/

Smart is Cool Day at the Chattanooga Market

HOST: Creative Discovery Museum

WHEN: Sunday, October 20th, 11:00am-4:00pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 1826 Reggie White Boulevard Chattanooga, TN 37408

WHAT: Chattanooga Market at First Tennessee Pavilion

AUDIENCE: Children, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: cdmfun.org

Musician-In-Residence

HOST: Creative Discovery Museum

WHEN: Sunday, October 20th, 11:00am-4:00pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 321 Chestnut Street Chattanooga, TN 37402

WHAT: Harpist Marissa Purnell will be our Musician-in-Residence on October 20 and 27 from 11-4.

AUDIENCE: Children, Families

COST: Included with museum admission.

WEBSITE: cdmfun.org

Virtual Symposium: Archaeology and Science

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Sunday, October 20th, 10:00-11:00am

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Virtual - Zoom

WHAT: Join the Parthenon for a virtual talk in honor of International Archeology Day, about the intersection of science, archaeology and anthropology, by Dr. Kaitlyn Stiles. Dr. Stiles is an archaeologist, osteologist and anthropologist who has done research in Greece, Poland, Egypt and the United States.

Pre-registration required here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GwcLqYTgTc-3mWwwipI9yg#/registration
Link also available on the Parthenon event calendar

AUDIENCE: Adults

COST: Free

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

Art Cart

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Daily from Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 1:00-1:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203

WHAT: Museum experts offer daily programs open to visitors of all ages. On weekdays during regular museum hours, one of our rotating daily programs will take place from 1:00-1:30 PM. Participation is included with museum admission. Art Cart Programs include Ancient Olympics (new!), AIA-Nashville Society Polychromy at the Parthenon, Cowan Challenge, Which Greek God is it Anyway?, and Ask an Expert.

AUDIENCE: Families

COST: Free for Centennial Park members or free with the price of museum admission for non-members

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

Atomic Glow Putty Discovery Lab Program

HOST: Hands On! Discovery Center

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 10:00am-5:00pm
This runs daily with programs announced periodically each day.

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 1212 Suncrest Drive, Gray, TN 37615

WHAT: We are stirring up something gloppy, goopy, and spooky in the lab for Halloween. Learn about the perplexing properties of polymers and make your own atomic glowing silly putty to take home. Discovery Lab programs announced periodically throughout each day. FREE with general paid admission.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: FREE with paid general admission

WEBSITE: visithandson.org

Falling for STEAM

HOST: Muse Knoxville

WHEN: October 8th - 20th, 2:00-4:00pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 516 N. Beaman St. Knoxville, TN 37914

WHAT: This Autumn, we’re FALLing for STEAM at Muse Knoxville! Enjoy quintessential Fall-time weekly programming takeover activities with us! We can’t wait to see you there!

AUDIENCE: Children, Families

COST: Included with Museum Admission:
General Admission (Ages 1-64 years of age): $12

Reduced Cost Admission for the following groups: $6
Senior Citizens 65+
Tennessee Educators (with valid ID)
Military member, spouse, and dependents of military personnel (with valid ID)

Members & Children under the age of 1: FREE

WEBSITE: www.themuseknoxville.org

Giant Screen Theater

HOST: Museum of Science and History

WHEN:
October 12th
11:00 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
4:30pm Frankenweenie

October 13th and 20th
11:00 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D

October 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
9:45 Teachers Choice
10:45 Teachers Choice & Public
11:45 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D

October 19th
11:00 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
7:00 pm Movies & Brews - Predator

October 26th and 27th
11:00 Oceans 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans 3D
2:30 NewFrontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans 3D

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 3050 Central Avenue Memphis, TN. 38111

WHAT: Giant Screen Theater Movies

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $12-Adults, $10-Youth and Seniors

WEBSITE: moshmemphis.org

Planetarium Shows

HOST: Museum of Science and History

WHEN: Saturday, October 12th
Sunday, October 13th
Saturday, October 19th
Sunday, October 20th
Saturday, October 26th
Sunday, October 27th

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 3050 Central Avenue Memphis TN. 38111

WHAT: Experience seasonal stargazing at the AutoZone dome at the Sharpe Planetarium. This is a full dome experience like no other.

11:00 am – Faster Than Light
12:00 pm – Memphis Skies
1:30 pm – Faster Than Light
2:30 pm – Memphis Skies
3:30 pm – Faster Than Light

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $12-Adults, $10 Youth and Seniors

WEBSITE: moshmemphis.org

Nashville Children's Theatre's Snuggery Performances of "The Wheels on the Bus"

HOST: Nashville Children's Theatre

WHEN: Saturday, October 12th, 9:30-10:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, October 13th, 9:30-10:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm
Friday, October 18th, 9:30-10:30am
Saturday, October 19th, 9:30-10:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, October 20th, 9:30-10:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm
Friday October 25th, 9:30-10:30am
Saturday, October 26th, 9:30-10:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, October 27th, 9:30-10:30am and 11:30am-12:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 25 Middleton St. Nashville, TN 37210

WHAT: Get ready to go “up and down” on a remarkable ride! Bus Driver Bert is ready to take you all through a town full of colorful characters and comic conundrums in this interactive, immersive play for ages 0-5. Help navigate his route and sing along as the wipers swish, the horn beeps, and passengers move on back! For more information about the production, visit https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/production/wheels-on-the-bus/.
Reserve tickets at nashvillect.org or call the box office at 615-252-4675.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families of all abilities

COST: All tickets: $17.50
Family 4-Pack: $60.00 ($15/each)
All pricing includes ticket fees.
Financial assistance is available at https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/financial-assistance/
Reserve tickets at nashvillect.org or call the box office at 615-252-4675.

WEBSITE: https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/production/wheels-on-the-bus/.

Take and Make: Design and Create an Instrument

HOST: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 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. The kits will be available in the Taylor Swift Education Center.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens, Families of all abilities

COST: Included with museum admission

WEBSITE: www.countrymusichalloffame.org

Little Shop of Horrors

HOST: Studio Tenn Theatre Company

WHEN: October 11th - 27th, 7:00-9:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 230 Franklin Road Franklin TN 37064

WHAT: Studio Tenn’s 15th Season opens with this affectionate spoof on the 1960’s sci-fi movie about a twisted tale of botanical bloodlust. On the downtrodden streets of Skid Row, Seymour, a struggling floral assistant, becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a craving for fresh blood and world domination.
There is no formal pre-registration required but since Little Shop of Horrors is a ticketed event, we do require tickets to be purchased prior to show times.

AUDIENCE: Adults

COST: Superior price: $95, Premium price: $74, Classic price: $58

WEBSITE: www.studiotenn.org

Nashville Ballet Premiere's Dia De Los Muertos

HOST: Nashville Ballet

WHEN: Friday, October 18th at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 19th at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 7:30pm
Sunday, October 20th at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 3630 Redmon St., Nashville, TN 37209

WHAT: Experience the vibrancy of Dia de Los Muertos with Nashville Ballet's unique performance, inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Choreographed by NB2 Director Maria Konrad, this visual feast celebrates the life and death, family bonds, and our shared humanity. With dynamic pacing, the show ignites imaginations across all ages through vivid costumes, soul-stirring music, and sheer joy. Witness this world premiere that bridges Mexican traditions with Nashville's cultural landscape, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of this beloved holiday.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $35 per ticket

WEBSITE: www.nashvilleballet.com

Reelfoot Lake State Park Pelican Festival

HOST: Reelfoot Lake State Park

WHEN: Friday, October 18, 8:00am-4:00pm
Saturday, October 19th
Sunday, October 20th

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 2595 State Route 21, East Tiptonville, TN. 38079

WHAT: Love to see bird migration? Come see the white pelicans using Reelfoot Lake for a rest stop!! VENDORS, PONTOON TOURS, ART AND PHOTO CONTEST, GUEST SPEAKER: BOB TARTER WITH EXOTIC ANIMALS!!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens, Families, Adults, Seniors

COST: $20 SENIORS
$23.50 ADULTS FOR PONTOON TOUR.
Reservations are required. Register at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake OR call 731.253.9652

WEBSITE: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake

Ripley's Aquarium at Wears Valley Fall Festival

HOST: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

WHEN: Friday, October 18, 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday, October 19, 10:00-6:00pm
Sunday, October 20th, 10:00-4:00pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 3179 Wears Valley Rd. Sevierville, TN 37862

WHAT: Join us at the Wears Valley Fall Festival for engaging STEAM games and activities! Explore unique hands-on activities at the booth and learn more about STEAM careers at Ripley’s!
Guests may walk up to the Ripley's booth in the Kids Zone of the Wears Valley Fall Festival to participate in our offerings. All activities at the Ripley's Aquarium booth is FREE of charge! The festival is open Friday and Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday from 10-4.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens, Families of all abilities

COST: FREE at the booth, Wears Valley Fall Festival charges admission

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