Work It Out @ Linebaugh (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Linebaugh Public Library

WHEN: Monday, October 7th, 10:00-11:00am: Introduction to CT for Families
Tuesday, October 8th, 11:00am-4:30pm: CT Corner Makerspace
Wednesday, October 9th, 10:00-11:00am: Work It Out Wombats! Storytime
Thursday, October 10th, 11:00am-4:30pm: CT Corner Makerspace
Friday, October 11th, 10:00=11:30am: Create, Test, Improve, and Celebrate!

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130

WHAT: Join us at Linebaugh every day during Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City Schools’ Fall Break October 7 – 11 for special "Work It Out Wombats!" programming! "Work It Out Wombats!" is a national PBS KIDS series for preschoolers that focuses on the computational thinking (CT) skills that are at the core of computer science.

AUDIENCE: Children, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: rclstn.org

Making Spooky Keepsake Tins with Jill Mayo (Madison)

HOST: FiftyForward Madison Station

WHEN: Friday, October 25th, 12:00-3:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 530 Madison Station Blvd, Madison, TN 37115

WHAT: These stunning, hand-sculpted, hand-painted keepsake tins are made starting with the eye, and move out from there. Witches, dragons or skeletons - your choice. Beautiful and unique gifts or keepsakes. No previous experience required.
Reservations required. Sign up by October 21 by calling 615-860-7180.

AUDIENCE: Senior Citizens

COST: $25, includes all materials

WEBSITE: fiftyforward.org

Kidsville Storytime at The Parthenon (Nashville)

HOST: Kidsville of Centennial Park Conservancy

WHEN: Saturday, October 26th, 10:30-11:30am

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: The Parthenon, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville TN 37203

WHAT: Come hear how dandelion flowers are not a trick but a treat in myths, gardens, and more, then make art inspired by amazing dandelion flowers. Wear a costume if you want.
This story time is paired with an outdoor storybook walk display of the book, Little Dandelion Seeds the World by Julia Richardson and illustrated by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell. The book celebrates how dandelions thrive on all seven continents and are among the most resilient and adaptable blooms in the world. Book pages are displayed around Centennial Park's Lake Watauga near The Parthenon during the whole month of October.
Registration survey must be completed for free entry. Can be completed at event or prior with this survey link, https://forms.gle/rV5W1MgjX822gYDJ9

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

COST: FREE with registration survey completion prior to entry.

WEBSITE: kidsvilleonline.org

Trees are Terrific! (Murfreesboro)

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/

Baroque (Murfreesboro)

HOST: Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta

WHEN: Sunday, October 27th, 3:00-4:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 1439 Faulkinberry Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37132

WHAT: Join the Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm at MTSU’s School of Music for ‘Baroque’! Get introduced to the instruments of the orchestra with The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Britten, and enjoy The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas, featured in Disney’s Fantasia!

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

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://mtsinfonietta.com

Backyard Birds & Beyond (Clarksville)

HOST: Customs House Museum & Cultural Center

WHEN: Friday, October 18th, 10:30am-3:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 200 S. Second St, Clarksville TN 37040

WHAT: Join us at the Museum for an event-filled day of discovering birds and ways to keep them safe! In partnership with Montgomery County Parks and Rec, we will identify and explore our backyard birds and learn about threats to the birds and ways to protect them and their environment. Start the day with bird watching at Rotary Park before joining the events at the Customs House Museum.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.customshousemuseum.org

STEM Exhibition (Smyrna)

HOST: Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County

WHEN: Thursday, October 17th, 4:00-6:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 198 Culbertson Street, Smyrna, TN 37167

WHAT: Youth will have the opportunity to engage in various STEM stations. We are inviting parents to participate as well

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.bgcrc.net

The Mushrooms of Beaman (Ashland)

HOST: Beaman Park Nature Center

WHEN: Saturday, October 12th, 10:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015

WHAT: Check out all the fungal action on Beaman’s trails with us, where we will reveal basic identification techniques as well as the ecology of mushrooms in our area. Meet at the Nature Center. Leaders: Heather Gallagher and Jackie Shea

AUDIENCE: Ages 12+

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/nature-centers-and-natural-areas/beaman-park-nature-center

Nature Journaling (Ashland)

HOST: Beaman Park Nature Center

WHEN: Friday, October 11th, 1:00-2:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015

WHAT: Start a journal recording what you see, hear, feel and smell in the autumn woods. Bring your own journal or begin one with us. Leader: Zach Knight

AUDIENCE: Ages 6+

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/nature-centers-and-natural-areas/beaman-park-nature-center

Halloweekend (Nashville)

HOST: Adventure Science Center

WHEN: Saturday. October 26th and Sunday, October 27th, 9:00am-5:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 800 Fort Negley Blvd Nashville, TN 37203

WHAT: Celebrate Halloweekend at the Science Center! Trick-or-treat through exhibits, decorate your own treat bag, and explore spooky science activities. Don’t miss the 'Boo' Bubbles and our Fright Light Laser Show with lasers, stars, and Halloween hits. Costumes encouraged for a fun, family-friendly experience!

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Adults (13+) - $22
Youth (2-12) - $18

WEBSITE: adventuresci.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/

International Archaeology Day (Nashville)

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Saturday, October 19th, 9:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

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

WHAT: International Archaeology Day & the TN STEAM Festival will feature family-friendly STEAM activities that highlight science and archaeology. Museum visitors can earn an “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” sticker.

Activities include “Ask an Archaeologist,” with Dr. Kaitlyn Stiles, an osteologist and forensic anthropologist; a gold leafing demonstration with the experts who helped gild Athena; and more.

Sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society, Centennial Park Conservancy and Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Admission is free to AIA-Nashville Society members; and free to employees of Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation; admission is discounted for visitors mentioning International Archaeology Day.

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

Sketching the Marbles (Nashville)

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Thursday, October 17th, 4:00-6:00pm
Thursday, October 24th, 4:00-6:00pm
Friday, October 25th, 2:00-4:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

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

WHAT: This is a rare opportunity to draw from casts of the Parthenon Marbles. Artists around the world have worked from these sculptures -- and now you can, too! Beginning artists welcome! All materials are provided thanks to Jerry’s Artarama: clipboards, paper, pencils, etc.

AUDIENCE: Recommended for ages 12-adult.

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

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

Centennial Park History Tours (Nashville)

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Wednesday, October 16th, 10:00-10:30am
Wednesday, October 23rd, 10:00-10:30am

REGION: Middle Tennessee

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

WHAT: See Centennial Park as you never have before, in this guided, outdoor tour that will help you picture the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Discover the stories of lost statues and buildings that once stood in the park as part of a six-month celebration of Tennessee’s 100th year of statehood.

This is an outdoor walking tour subject to cancellation due to poor weather. It includes walking on paved and unpaved surfaces.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Free and open to the public.

WEBSITE: https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com

Architecture Tours (Nashville)

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Saturday, October 12th, 3:00-3:45pm
Tuesday, October 15th, 3:00-3:45pm
Wednesday, October 16th, 1:00-1:45pm
Saturday, October 19th, 3:00-3:45pm
Wednesday, October 23rd, 1:00-1:45pm
Saturday, October 26th, 3:00-3:45pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

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

WHAT: Learn about the original construction of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and explore 2,500 years of architectural history as the structure transitioned from Greek temple to Christian church to Ottoman mosque.

This is an outdoor and indoor walking tour subject to cancellation due to poor weather. It includes walking on paved and unpaved surfaces, with an option to climb steps or remain on level ground. The indoor portion of the tour is accessible with ramps and an elevator.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Tours are free for Centennial Park Conservancy members or free with the price of admission for non-members.

WEBSITE: https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com

Museum Tour (Nashville)

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Friday, October 11th, 1:00-1:30pm
Friday, October 18th, 3:00-3:30pm
Tuesday, October 22nd, 3:00-3:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

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

WHAT: Explore art and history alongside our museum experts, including our permanent exhibition of American art, temporary exhibitions, and the interior re-creation of the ancient Parthenon.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

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

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

Art Cart (Nashville)

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/

Eyeshadow Extravaganza: Create Your Signature Look (Murfreesboro)

HOST: South Sudanese Girls Empowerment Front

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

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 502 SE Broad Street, Murfreesboro TN 37130

WHAT: Join us at STEAM-a-Palooza where, in this fun activity, you'll learn to craft dazzling eye shadows using simple ingredients: mica powder for shimmer, cornstarch for texture, and coconut oil for blending. Perfect for creating personalized, glamorous looks for young girls and teens!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens, of all ages and abilities

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://www.thessgef.com/

Measuring Early Interest in Science

HOST: Little Learners Lab/TN Girls Collaborative

WHEN: Wednesday, October 23rd, 12:00-1:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Zoom (live streaming)
https://vanderbilt.zoom.us/j/91228071490?pwd=U6y8XZcrgs4lHuZtG7X6iJgQhqpOSK.1

WHAT: In this seminar, researchers from the Little Learners Laboratory at Vanderbilt University will describe challenges and recent successes in measuring very early interest in science. Implications for evaluating the impact of early experiences and interventions will be discussed. The session will culminate in a Q & A open to all attendees.

AUDIENCE: Adults

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://my.vanderbilt.edu/littlelearnerslab/
https://ngcproject.org/about/collaboratives/tennessee-girls-collaborative-project

Meet an Elephant Vet Tech (Hohenwald)

HOST: The Elephant Sanctuary

WHEN: Saturday, October 19th, 11:00am-12:00pm

REGION: Middle Tenneess

WHERE: 27 E Main St. Hohenwald, TN 38462

WHAT: In honor of National Vet Tech Appreciation Week, join us at the Elephant Discovery Center to Meet an Elephant Vet Tech and ask all your elephant questions. The Elephant Discovery Center will be open from 9am-4pm but meeting the elephant vet tech will take place between 11am-12pm.
**The elephants' habitats are closed to the public. Visitors to The Discovery Center will not see or interact with elephants."

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.elephants.com