What’s happening around Middle Tennessee
Support groups, sensory-friendly outings, workshops, and trainings for the autism and special-needs community. This calendar lives right here on the site — past events drop off automatically, and new ones are added all the time.
Sensory-friendly, any day you go
These Nashville-area spots keep standing accommodations ready — no special event required.
Nashville Zoo — Zooper Packs
Free sensory packs at the ticket booth any day (visual schedule, fidgets, earplugs, ID bracelet), plus a sensory map of loud and quiet zones.
Accessibility pageAdventure Science Center — sensory room
A calming sensory room available any time during your visit (ask Guest Services), free borrowable sensory kits, and tips on quieter hours.
Accessibility pageFrist Art Museum — Take-a-Break kits
Free sensory kits at Martin ArtQuest whenever you visit, plus a quarterly “Sensory Sunday Hour” with gallery sound turned down (dates on our calendar above).
Accessibility pageNashville Public Library — sensory room
A permanent sensory room in the Main Library’s Children’s Department — soft tiles, bubble tube, Break Box of fidgets, headphones — open during regular hours.
Sensory room detailsCommunity calendars we watch
Our calendar pulls the best of these — but they’re all worth a bookmark.
Autism Tennessee
Peer support groups, Teen Connect meetups, and Spectrum Socials across Middle Tennessee.
Their calendarVanderbilt TRIAD
Free and low-cost trainings, lectures, and workshops for parents and educators, filterable by county.
Events & trainingsSTEP TN
Free statewide workshops on IEPs, special-education rights, and early-intervention transitions.
Their calendarSomething Extra (DSAMT)
Down Syndrome Association of Middle TN — meetups, playdates, and family celebrations across 40 counties.
Their eventsFamily Voices of Tennessee
Trainings and events for families of children with special healthcare needs, from the TN Disability Coalition.
Their eventsKnow one we should watch?
If your group runs a calendar — or you heard about something great — tell us and we’ll add it to the rotation.
Never miss a week
Every event on this calendar also lands in the weekly newsletter — one email, every week, with what’s new and what’s coming up.