Sixth Annual Tennessee STEAM Festival Brings Science to Life

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 Oct. 14-23.

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 said. “I’m thrilled to be Honorary Chair of the Tennessee STEAM Festival in 2022, 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 popular “STEAM-a-Palooza” returns this year on Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Discovery Center. This free outdoor event (rain or shine) features local artists, scientists and engineers for all-ages, hands-on fun. In addition, Discovery Center’s general admission for indoor exhibits will be half-price from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 15.

“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?,” said Discovery Center CEO Tara MacDougall. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe Elmore as the Honorary Chair of our 6th annual Tennessee STEAM Festival. 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 event partners include:

• American Museum of Science and Energy
• Children’s Museum of Memphis
• Creative Girls Rock
• Cumberland County Playhouse
• Edge Motor Museum
• Fort Negley
• Frist Art Museum
• Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Murfreesboro Municipal Airport
• Mundito Spanish
• Muse Knoxville
• National Museum of African American Music
• National Weather Service
• Nashville Ballet
• Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
• Rutherford Arts Alliance
• Studio Tenn Theater Company
• Tennessee State MuseumThe Caverns
  Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
• WonderWorks
• …and much more to be announced!

Sponsored by Franke and Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.