Special Events

Discover the impact one day can make on a lifetime of learning

Annual Events

Experience a day of wonder that sparks a lifetime of inspiration

Registration is not required unless noted

ACADEMIC RODEO AT DSP

More information to come…

Jan. 29, 2024

Engineer's Week

What’s a day in the life of an engineer like? Join us for a week of exploring, creating, and inventing to find out! UT Tyler engineering students often lead this engineering adventure, making it fun for the whole family. Join us Tuesday–Friday afternoon from 3–5 p.m. Activities are free with admission.
Feb. 18-24, 2024

Darwin Day

See biology come to life before your eyes as you interact with live animals, immersive displays, and hands-on activities.

Held near the date of the birth of famed scientist Charles Darwin, it’s the most fun and educational birthday party ever!

Date TBD

STEM Like a Girl

All middle school girls are invited to be inspired at this full day of STEM-based, hands-on learning!

Held every February during National Engineering Week, this event is led by local female STEM professionals and mentored by UT Tyler female STEM students.

This event is often free for attendees but does require registration, as attendance is limited.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024
Registration is not yet open

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead

The whole family is invited to celebrate and learn from makers of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics!

Dive headfirst into the greatest show-and-tell in East Texas with unique crafts, chemistry demonstrations, and a STEM lab, or browse local vendors’ creations – art, robots, rockets, woodwork, drones, and more!

This year’s theme, Totality Tyler, will feature 40+ maker booths to explore AND extend the fun with activities all weekend, including:

Saturday, Apr. 6th – FSA Event

Sunday, Apr. 7th – Hourly planterium shows

Monday, Apr. 8th – Special activities inside DSP, hourly plantearium shows, and an eclipse viewing opportunity!

2023 Sponsors: Sanderson Farms, Genesis Group, EMA Engineering, TransCanada PipeLines, Cavender’s Boot City, Heart of Tyler, and Altra Federal Credit Union.

founder's Day

Come help us celebrate our birthday with this family-friendly event every 2nd Saturday in June!

FREE activities are available to the public outside in the DSP parking lot or purchase a ticket to the museum to cool off in the A/C and explore the wonders of Discovery Landing and Buford’s Hometown!

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE

Every 3rd Saturday in July, DSP hosts an event specifically for the educators in our local communities to show our appreciation and allow them to explore our outreach & in-house field trip programs!

More details to come…

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024

Museum Day / GRAND RE-OPENING

Every September, you’re invited to help us re-open the museum after our annual fall shutdown. Play the day away with face paint, fire trucks, and more, or be the first to explore new exhibits at this one-day event!
SATURDAY, SEPT. 16, 2023

HALLOWEEN EVENT

Join us for a special spooky Halloween event at DSP that will include scary stories in the cave, a costume contest, and more!  

More details to come…

friday, oct. 27, 2023

boos & bourbon: a night of scary science

Get ready for a hair-raising & hauntingly delightful evening at our Halloween themed “Boos & Bourbon: A Night of Scary Science” event fundraiser!

Join us for spine-chilling fun & unique bourbon tastings, all for a great cause.  Event Highlights include:

  • Haunted Bourbon Tastings
  • Ghostly Costume Contest
  • Eerie Entertainment
  • Wicked Live Auction & Raffles
  • Spooktacular Food & Drinks
  • Creepy Cocktails

This is an ADULTS ONLY event!  Costumes encouraged, not mandatory.

2023 Sponsors: A.S. Genecov Foundation, Cavender’s Boot City, VeraBank,  Wright-Way, Altra Federal Credit Union, Landvisions, Raising Canes, Mewbourne Oil Company, Mary’s Alterations, Joshua Johnson, Jasper Ventures, Austin Bank, Jonathan & Diane Kavanaugh, Southside Bank, Penny & Mike Patterson, Azalea Orthopedics, Henry & Peters,
Joshua & Patricia Glass, Whataburger, Gollob Morgan Peddy, Pourly Educated, East Texas Brewing Company

Flight Sponsors: The Mortgage House, VeraBank, Rose City Pharmacy, East Texas Whiskey Club, Ironroot Republic Distilling

FRIDAY, OCT. 20, 2023
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Holiday Open House

Join Downtown Tyler’s community of museums and attractions for an evening of holiday wonder!

Every December, you’re invited to explore the museum, get a picture with Santa, get your face painted, enjoy holiday snacks, and participate in an exciting experiment! 

Bring a canned food donation to benefit the East Texas Food Bank in lieu of admission.

december 7, 2023
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Traveling Exhibits

Explore some of history’s greatest discoveries in these seasonal showcases

Start Date – End Date

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