Discovery Center Announces March into the Arts Cultural Heritage Free Day

The Discovery Center recently announced its newest Cultural Heritage Free Day, March into the Arts, set for Saturday, March 22nd, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Sponsored by the Nissan Foundation, this event offers a day of artistic exploration through interactive exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities celebrating creativity and cultural expression. Admission to the Discovery Center and all special programming will be free throughout the event.

March into the Arts will feature a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame, where visitors can strum, pluck, and bow instruments under the guidance of experienced musicians. The petting zoo will be available in the Discovery Center’s STEAM Lab from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Additionally, Murfreesboro Little Theatre will present a live performance of Dragons Love Tacos at 12 PM, bringing the children’s book to the stage for audiences of all ages.

Another highlight of the event includes interactive art workshops led by local artists, including CatieBeth Thomas, one of the Discovery Center’s 2025 Artists in Residence, who will lead a fiber arts workshop, and Madison Pantuso, who will introduce collagraph techniques and relief stamps. Ansleigh Britain will guide participants in creating mixed media or watercolor still-life pieces, while Charles Key, a 2024 Artist in Residence, will offer a workshop on charcoal and oil pastel self-portraits. Guests can also participate in hands-on activities such as creating nature and pattern block mandalas.

“Cultural Heritage Free Days are an essential part of the Discovery Center’s mission to create an inclusive space where our community can learn and connect,” said Tara MacDougall, President & CEO of the Discovery Center. “With support from the Nissan Foundation, we’re able to host enriching events like March into the Arts, giving children and families in and around Murfreesboro the opportunity to explore art, music, and storytelling in a fun and engaging way.”

The Discovery Center’s Cultural Heritage Free Day Program celebrates the diversity of Murfreesboro and the surrounding communities. Each event highlights a specific cultural theme through performances, crafts, and storytelling, fostering an appreciation for global traditions. Thanks to the financial support of the Nissan Foundation, these free events provide visitors of all ages with interactive and educational experiences that showcase the cultural diversity of Rutherford County. 

The Discovery Center, located at 502 SE Broad Street in Murfreesboro, welcomes over 130,000 visitors annually. For more information about March into the Arts and upcoming events, visit www.explorethedc.org.