Save the Date: Discovery Park Announces Important Dates for 10th Birthday Year

Get your 2023 calendar out, and mark the dates of some of the biggest and most exciting events in our museum and heritage park’s 10-year history. The ribbon was cut and doors opened for the
first time at Discovery Park on Nov. 1, 2013. Since that day, more than 2.5 million guests have visited and experienced the 100,000-square-foot museum and 50-acre heritage park. We are
celebrating this special date throughout the year, so make plans now to join us.

Dec. 10, 2022 – May 21, 2023
Inside the Cornerstone Box
A display of items the Discovery Park exhibits team discovered inside a cornerstone box that
was found in the rubble of Dresden First Methodist Church of Dresden, Tenn., after a devastating tornado.

Sat., March 4, 2023
Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards
An important night as Discovery Park pays tribute to a group of honorees whose lives and
careers inspire children and adults to see beyond.

Fri. and Sat., April 28 – 29, 2023
Military History and Armed Forces Symposium
This event features a variety of programs and interactive activities that explore the past, present
and future of the American military.

May 5 – June 30, 2023
Rhythm on the Rails Summer Concert Series
Live music outside at the Train Depot on Friday evenings in May and June.

Sat., May 13, 2023
Cardboard Boat Regatta
Boats can only be made out of cardboard and duct tape – nothing more. This is a fun project for
your family, friends or classmates to put their STEM skills, teamwork and creativity to the test.

June – Dec. 2023
Northwest Tennessee Photography Club Showcase
This semi-annual contest is open to all amateur photographers. The winners receive cash prizes,
and their work is displayed at Discovery Park. Visit nwtnphotoclub.com to enter.

June 1, 2023 – Feb. 4, 2024
Southern Artist Showcase: Southern Self-taught Artists
An exhibit featuring a unique assortment of painters, photographers, sculptors and other self-
taught artists living in or inspired by the South.

Sat., June 3, 2023
Discovery Park Cruise-in
Car clubs and individuals from around the region display their classic cars and trucks throughout
Discovery Park’s 50 acres.

Summer 2023
“Duck, Duck, Goose: Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway”
Our newest permanent exhibit uses three-dimensional objects, interactive elements and hands-on
experiences to tell the story of waterfowl hunting, conservation and the ecosystem of the
Mississippi Flyway.

Sat., July 1, 2023
Independence Day Celebration
Interact with living historians, be part of the Boston Tea Party, participate in the “Ringing of the
Bell” ceremony with the reading of the Declaration of Independence and enjoy colonial games
and activities throughout the park.

Fri. and Sat., August 4 – 5, 2023
Antique Tractor Show
Collectors from around the country display their tractors. Included is live music, food trucks and
a tractor parade.

Fri., Aug 11, 2023 – March 31, 2024
A special exhibit that will be announced soon.

Sat., August 12, 2023
David Crockett Birthday
Celebrate the lives of West Tennessee pioneers and the birthday of David Crockett, the folk hero,
politician and Tennessee settler who made his home here from 1822 until he departed for the
Alamo in 1835.

September 9, 2023
9/11 Stair Climb
Discovery Park partners with regional firefighters to host the annual stair climb as a way to pay
tribute to those who were lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sat., September 16, 2023
Discovery Dash 5K/10K/10-Mile Fun Run and Pediatric Day
A day celebrating and exploring health and fitness.

Sat., September 23, 2023
Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival
Vendors will have their unique creations displayed inside Discovery Center in the Natural
History Gallery and outside at STEM Landing. See homemade jewelry, pottery,
glassware, wood carvings and more as you walk through the galleries. This is the perfect place
for a little early Christmas shopping.

The Month of October 2023
Pumpkin Village
Explore the incredible, one-of-a-kind displays created by Discovery Park’s creative grounds
crew with more than 50,000 pounds of pumpkins along with fall flowers, hay bales and more
enhancing the decorations.

Fri. – Sun., Oct. 27 – 29, 2023
Native American Pow Wow
The goal of the event, unique in Northwest Tennessee, is to provide a place for Indigenous
people from tribes around the country to celebrate their culture while educating Discovery Park
visitors on this aspect of our nation’s past, present and future.

Sat., Nov. 4, 2023
Happy Birthday Discovery Park Celebration
A fun-filled day celebrating ten years of inspiring children and adults to see beyond.
Fri., November 10 – December 30, 2023
(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Let it Glow Light Show Drive-thru and Walk-thru
This event has become a popular holiday tradition. Drive through more than a million lights, then
park and explore the heritage park decorated for Christmas. Make your way up to Mill Ridge at
Discovery Park for refreshments, holiday music and shopping for gifts to put under the tree.
Polar Express is considered part of this event.

Dec. 2023 – May 2024
Northwest Tennessee Photography Club Showcase
This semi-annual contest is open to all amateur photographers. The winners receive cash prizes,
and their work is displayed at Discovery Park. Visit nwtnphotoclub.com to enter.