Chattanooga is a happenin’ city, especially in the spring and summer.
Hardly a weekend goes by when there’s not something exciting happening somewhere in the city. I’ve never been a social butterfly, per se, but since moving here, I’ve learned to get out and enjoy the social scene. Am I a socialite in training? Maybe.
Special events in Chattanooga drip in Southern charm and excitement. Here are seven awesome upcoming events in Chattanooga that y’all shouldn’t miss!
Fresh-picked strawberries from the Chattanooga Market!
Sunday Farmer’s Market – This happens every Sunday at First Tennessee Pavilion, right across from Finley Stadium. Last weekend was opening weekend, and almost everyone and their mothers in Chattanooga came out to see what’s in store at the market this year. Vendors from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and sometimes beyond bring their best produce, baked goods, artwork, home decor and much more to show off and sell to Chattanoogans and visitors. The market is one of my favorite stops to make on the weekends, and I’m so glad it’s finally back! Seriously, I’m here much more often than I’m not.
Nightfall Concert Series – Nightfall is the perfect way to end the work week. Every Friday starting May 6, a section of downtown–right next to my office, conveniently–closes off to make space for the city’s best nighttime street festival and concert series. We bring in acts from around the country that provide the musical entertainment while we enjoy delicious local food and drink. It’s a highlight of many Noogans’ summer nights. Check out the lineup.
Tennessee Whiskey Festival (May 21) – Tennessee is home to some of the nation’s best whiskey. Chattanooga celebrates that amazing whiskey and those that make it this May at the Tennessee Whiskey Festival. Guests sample whiskey from around the region, enjoy food along with their spirits and try their feet at dancing (which may be difficult, depending on how many whiskey samples you’ve had). The whiskey festival benefits H*Art Gallery, a non-profit organization that provides outreach and support to other local non-profits that offer art classes and art therapy to clients. Ready to taste over whiskey from over 20 distilleries? I am.
Uncorked (May 21) – I love wine and I love music, so the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s Uncorked event was basically made for me. Uncorked is an evening of music, food, wine and a good time, all benefiting the CSO and their programs.
Photo via Nooga.com.
Riverbend Music Festival (June 10-18) – Who knew Chattanooga had a whole week-long music festival with some pretty sweet headlining acts? Riverbend celebrates 35 years this June with a crazy awesome festival in store. This year’s acts include Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, Heart, Hawk Nelson, .38 Special, REO Speedwagon, Salt & Pepa (what a throwback) and more. And it all happens down on the Riverfront. It’s the perfect summertime event.
Pops on the River (July 3) – One of the best ways to celebrate our nation and its freedom is at Coolidge Park with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s Pops ensemble. Bring your blankets, picnic baskets and patriotic spirit and enjoy an evening of American-spirit-fueled music on the banks of the Tennessee River. And of course there’s fireworks at the end. And yes, you can see the fireworks from Finley Stadium across town.
Southern Brewer’s Festival (August 20) – Beer? Yes. Craft beer? Even more yes. I went to this event last year and tasting over 30 brews made me appreciate craft beer so much more. Breweries from around the country bring their best to the Chattanooga Riverfront for everyone to taste and enjoy. Last year I absolutely loved a watermelon wheat beer from a brewery in Alabama. There’s also lots of koozies. Every Southerner loves koozies.
Catch me at any of these events and spots around town. Summer is about to get kickin’ up here in Chattanooga and I could not be more excited! My calendar is filling up fast.
A version of this post originally appeared on Kate’s blog, A Thought and a Half.