Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) will come to life at events and activities across the state during the 6th annual Tennessee STEAM Festival, taking place Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 23.
The Festival was founded by the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and incorporates events hosted by a wide range of museums, schools, community centers and other attractions. More information is available at TNsteam.org.
This year, the Festival’s Honorary Chair is Joe Elmore, award-winning host of “Tennessee Crossroads,” the beloved TV program produced by Nashville Public Television that has aired on stations throughout the state since 1987.
“For 35 years, I’ve had the honor of exploring the many unique personalities, crafts, food, destinations and events that make Tennessee such a special place to live and visit,” Elmore says. “I’m thrilled to be Honorary Chair of the Tennessee STEAM Festival, giving me the chance to share how the ingenuity of Tennesseans is also making an impact in science, technology, engineering, art and math. I hope everyone has an opportunity to ‘be brilliant’ and participate in the Festival!”
The Festival’s “STEAM-a-Palooza” takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Discovery Center. In addition, STEAM-a-Palooza is free, outdoor (rain or shine) and features local artists, scientists and engineers for all-ages and hands-on fun. Futhermore, the Discovery Center’s general admission for indoor exhibits will be half-price.
“Where else can curious kids and adults navigate using the stars, hunt for bugs with an entomologist, engage with scientists, engineers, tech-industry experts and artists in a 10-day celebration across the state?,” asks Tara MacDougall, Discovery Center’s CEO. “The Festival wouldn’t be possible without the many organizations and businesses that are participating this year. Each one offers a very special opportunity to experience how important science, technology, engineering, art and math are in our everyday lives.”
Featured events include:
- Statewide Star Parties at locations across the state – Oct. 14
- Lantern History Tours at Chickasaw State Park, Hendersonville – Oct. 14
- Ramer Day at the Ramer Civic Center, Ramer – Oct. 15
- Zoo Knoxville Monarch Tagging at the Seven Islands State Birding Park, Kodak – Oct. 15-16
- Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley Celebrating Women & Girls In STEM at the Market Square Farmers Market, Knoxville – Oct. 15
- Conservation and Art at The Elephant Sanctuary, Hohenwald – Oct. 15
- Big Bug Hunt at the Historic Sam Davis House, Smyrna – Oct. 15
- Lantern Parade, Discovery Center, Murfreesboro – Oct. 20
- …and much more!
Featured event partners include:
- Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
- Adventure Science Center
- Children’s Museum of Memphis
- Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Creative Girls Rock
- Edge Motor Museum
- FiftyForward Senior Centers
- Friends of Mill Ridge Park
- Frist Art Museum
- Hands On! Discovery Center
- McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Memphis Botanic Garden
- Metal Museum
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Muse Knoxville
- Nashville Ballet
- National Weather Service
- Oz Arts Nashville
- Reelfoot Lake State Park
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- The Caverns
- The Parthenon
- WonderWorks
Located at 502 S.E. Broad Street in Murfreesboro, TN. For more information, visit explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.
