Upcoming events at Discovery Park announced

From R&B to Elvis, another night of the Rhythm on the Rails concert series promises to entertain all at Discovery Park of America. Katrina Anderson and the BB King Allstars will kick off the evening on Fri., June 20, with an R&B performance, honoring the legacy of BB King.

Following them is Riley Jenkins, one of the top five Elvis Presley tribute artists in the world, who will pay homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, bringing the energy of the ’50s and ’60s back to the stage.

Families are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and fishing gear. The gate near the Train Depot will open at 5 p.m., and music will begin at 7 p.m.

Enjoy classic favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos, along with a selection of fun alcoholic beverages available for purchase throughout the evening.

“Rhythm on the Rails” is funded in part by a grant contract with the state of Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Commission. The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, musical and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. The concert series is also sponsored by Blue Bank Resort, Discover Reelfoot, Excel Boats, Northwest Tennessee Tourism, and The Citizens Bank.

Buzz into the Tennessee Room and beyond for a special STEAM Saturday on June 21. This month’s event has been moved up a week in honor of Pollinator Day. Bugs may be small, but they play a big role in our environment. Join us for a full day of hands-on activities, live demonstrations and expert-led experiences as we explore the fascinating world of pollinators.

Here’s what to look forward to: learning about different types of pollinators and their habitats; discovering how these tiny creatures support biodiversity; designing and building their your own pollinator hotel to take home; and creating your own bug and experience the pollination process hands-on by collecting and “pollinating” flowers in our interactive garden.

Join the Discovery Park wildlife team to meet animals commonly found in our area. Learn about the predators of pollinators and the important role they play in maintaining balance within the ecosystem.

Visit the Farm Credit Mid-American Greenhouse at 11 a.m. to explore the plants we grow for food and discover how different species pollinate. Learn about avrious artificial pollination techniques used to support plant growth.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a beekeeper. Local experts will share their knowledge about honeybees and why these pollinators are essential to our environment and food supply.

Get a close look at real insects with an entomologist from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

This family-friendly event is a fun and creative way to learn more about nature’s hardest workers and how you can support them right in your backyard.

Discovery Park is partnering with the Tennessee State Museum for another Teacher Development session, scheduled for Wed., June 25. Join us for an engaging and insightful six-hour workshop focused on the pivotal historical event known as the Scopes Trial, which challenged the teaching of evolution in American schools in 1925.

This is a free event for all educators, but registration is required.

In partnership with the Obion River Regional Libraries, Discovery Park of America will be turning Dinosaur Hall into a hub of reading and literacy activities featuring booths from libraries across the Northwest Tennessee area Sat., June 28 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Each booth will inspire young guests to use their imagination and interact with the workers and resources available at their local library. 

This year’s theme is “Color our World,” and guests will find that each activity and booth will represent that theme in a colorful and fun way. By participating in their local libraries’ summer reading programs, children can receive a ticket to access this event and explore the park afterwards free of charge. 

Free admission to Discovery Park and the associated event is available only to young guests who participate in their local library’s summer reading program. Tickets must be obtained through participating libraries. Discovery Park does not distribute tickets. Guests must present their ticket at the front ticket counter for free entry on the day of the event.

Discovery Park of America will take their Independence Day Celebration a step beyond in 2025 with a full weekend of festivities July 4-5.

Come celebrate America’s Independence and engage in a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, hear the ringing of our replica Liberty Bell, participate in patriotic community singing, interact with living historians and enjoy other activities throughout the park.

The ceremonial ringing of the Liberty Bell, followed by the Boston Tea Party reenactment, is always a guest favorite. Discovery Park’s replica bell is rung only once a year, making this a unique and memorable occasion.

The bell is rung at 2 p.m. 13 times nationwide as part of the “Let Freedom Ring” Bell Ringing Ceremony. It pays tribute to the 13 founding states symbolized by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This tradition is the sole Independence Day observance mandated by the federal government.

The 2025 Independence Weekend Celebration is brought to you in part by Walmart.

Explore the wonders of the human body through Sept. 1 like never before with “Real Bodies: The Exhibition” from Imagine. This powerful journey through anatomy and the human experience features preserved human specimens and over 200 anatomical displays that reveal how our bodies function from the first breath to the last.

Visitors can examine detailed cross-sectional views and discover the science behind circulation, brain function and human emotions like love and fear through this thought-provoking exhibit that offers educational benefits aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

This traveling exhibit is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.