Chattanooga Fun Annual Events

Ready to spice up your weekend? Chattanooga’s got the magic touch! From shows to music festivals, there’s something for everyone this weekend.

Grab your sense of adventure, and let’s unlock the fun with events, unique activities, or classic Chattanooga charm—the possibilities are endless.

So, what are you waiting for? Come on down and let Chattanooga ignite your weekend!

Here are the most popular events held annually & Look at The Bottom of the Post for fun found every weekend: 

This post is a part of the top fun things to do in Chattanooga, TN.  Be sure to use the index below to see all the fun things this city has to offer tourists and locals of Chattanooga, Tennessee United States. 

Tourist walking over the bridge in Chattanooga, TN Image: Kathy Brown

Today’s post is a continuation of the top 99 fun attractions in Chattanooga, TN.

What’s going on Chattanooga, TN: The Top Annual Events and Festivals, by Season: 

Winter Time in The Scenic City:  

84. Chattanooga Holiday Market:

Weekends in December welcome the annual Holiday Market to the downtown convention center.  This much-anticipated event features over 200 vendors, crafters, and local foods.

The Chat Market is an indoor event, that keeps you out of the cold.  This is a great place to buy locally-made goods.

Days: Saturday & Sunday in December.

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Address: 2 Carter Plaza, Downtown Chattanooga, TN 37408

85. Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights:

Make memories at the top of Lookout Mountain with over one million holiday lights.  Rock Cities’ annual Christmas celebration is sure to be a family favorite.

Hours: Open nightly November through the beginning of  January –from 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Enchanted Garden of Lights: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (10:00 PM Fri-Sun)

Daytime Admission: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM

Address Rock City Gardens 1700 Chattanooga Ave Lookout Mountain, GA 30741

Cost Adults: $29.95 Children (3-11): $19.95

 

86. Ice On the Landing

Ice on the Landing is a great family-friendly activity for the entire family.

Enjoy a classic winter activity by ice skating on the rink currently held at The First Horizon Pavillion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd.

  This outdoor-covered event is held from late November through early January. 

86. MainX24

Adults will love 24 hours of fun in the Southside.  Though this annual event is family-friendly, it’s definitely more of an adult beverage kind of vibe.

Considered Southside Chattanooga’s best day of the year, visitors can take part in 24 hours of activities and fun.

Visit Mainx24 for for schedule of events and dates. Expect crazy costumes and fuzzy pajamas.

87. Head of the Hooch

Check your Chattanooga community calendar for this top regatta and rowing competition on the Tennessee River. 

Visitors flock to the downtown riverfront for one of the biggest rowing races in the USA. 

Expect fun activities that will be held all weekend in November to celebrate this exciting event. 

88. Lighted Boat Parade & Reindeer on the Riverfront

This popular family-friendly event is a local favorite and keeps growing in size each year.

The lighted boats on the Tennessee River adorn with festive lights are typically held one night in November.

This free event is a must-see for everyone who is lucky enough to be visiting at that time.  Be sure to check your calendars.

89. Chattanooga Symphony Home for the Holidays & Many Other Shows, Concerts and Productions at other Chattanooga Venues.

There is no better way to bring in the holiday spirit than purchasing a ticket to the popular Home for the Holidays show.

This is only one of the many productions that can be found in the Winter season.  Other notable events include productions at the Tivoli Theater, Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium, The Signal Concert Venue, and The Barrelhouse Ballroom.

Top Springtime Festivals and Annual Events in Downtown Chattanooga:

"Tennessee River in Chattanooga, TN at night with a view of a bridge illuminated by twinkling lights in the background. The Southern Belle dinner cruise sailing under the bridge adds to the scenic view."

Springtime is a beautiful time to plan a trip to Downtown Chattanooga, TN.  For it’s Spring when the weather is enjoyable and the city is heating up with some amazing things to do for couples, solos or families.  Listed below are few of this locals favorites.

90. Rock The RiverFront

Rock the Riverfront is a relatively new event with big possibilities.

Visitors are treated to live music, scheduled daily events, large open spaces, and art exhibits.

Now that the RiverBend music festival has been defunct, it’s my opinion that Rock on the Riverfront is poised to fill that empty space.

91. Four Bridges Art Festival

Typically held every April, the Four Bridges Art Festival is a must-see for all art lovers.

The event features talented artists from around the country.

Be sure to plan a trip  to the First Horizon Pavillion to check out this favorite local event.

92. JFest

The Tennessee Valley’s Largest Christain Music Festival JFest is an all-day event.  This music festival is made for everyone from children to seniors.

Tickets can be purchased for a full day of fun and worship.  JFest is held at the Roverfront Park off Amnicola Highway in April.

 

Summertime in the Scenic City, Downtown Chattanooga, TN:

93. Chattanooga Downtown River Market:

Saturdays in summer come alive downtown in front of the Tennessee Aquarium.   Every year this free market is open to the public with food vendors, artisans, and local designers selling one-of-a-kind goods.

This is a great time to take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful southern city. Starts in April.

94. Ironman - Annaul event is always one of the biggest.

Chattanooga’s IRONMAN 70.3 is an annual half-ironman triathlon held in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The event consists of a 1.2-mile swim in the Tennessee River, a 56-mile bike ride through the rolling hills of Chickamauga Battlefield National Military Park, and a 13.1-mile run through the historic streets of downtown Chattanooga.

The race is known for its challenging but scenic course and its enthusiastic spectator support.

95. Nightfall Concert Series

The Nightfall Concert Series is a Chattanooga institution, offering free live music every Friday night from May to September.

Held in the heart of downtown Chattanooga at Miller Plaza, the series has been bringing people together for over 30 years.

96. Riverfront Nights Downtown

Riverfront Nights is a fun, free summer concert series held in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Taking place on Saturday evenings from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, the series brings together talented local and regional musicians for an evening of unforgettable performances.

The scenic backdrop of Chattanooga’s majestic waterfront sets the stage for an unforgettable summer experience.

Sunset photo of the Chattanooga, Tn skyline as the sun is setting. 2 iconic bridges that Chattanooga is best known for are seen in the distance. The Tennessee River flows underneath.

Fall, Festivals & Foliage in The Tennesse City of Chattanooga:

97. Moon River Festival

The Moon River Festival is an annual two-day music festival held in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The festival takes place on the banks of the Tennessee River at Coolidge Park.  Moon River features a great lineup of national and regional acts, as well as local food vendors and activities for all ages.

Moon River Festival will take place in September. Tickets range in price from $59 for a single-day pass to $149 for a two-day pass. VIP packages are also available.

98. Chattanooga Comic Con

Chattanooga Comic Con is Chattanooga’s newest comic and pop culture convention.

Comicon is an all-ages, two-day celebration of comics, animation, gaming, and cosplay. The convention brings together fans with great artists and creators, celebrity guests, and outstanding vendors.

Typically this event is held in October at the Convention Center Downtown. 

99. 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival

This popular annual event takes place on the Chattanooga Riverfront each October.  Three Sisters Bluegrass features a variety of local and regional bluegrass bands. 

There is something for everyone at the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival. In addition to the music, there will also be food vendors, a beer garden, and plenty of space to dance and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Don't See Anything Going On While You Are In Chattanooga, TN?

Explore the Best Weekend Events in Chattanooga Every Week:

Looking for a great time this weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Whether you’re up for family-friendly activities, a solo adventure, or a memorable date night, this guide has you covered with exciting options.

Live Music Extravaganza:

Dive into the local music scene at Chattanooga’s top concert spots. Check out the weekend shows at the Barrelhouse Ballroom, The Signal, Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium, and The Tivoli Theater for a dose of live entertainment.

Sip, Savor, and Chuckle:

If you’re in the mood for laughs and a good time, head to the Comedy Catch, the go-to weekend spot. For a mix of fun and drinks, Sing It or Wing it,  is a lively karaoke bar that draws in enthusiastic crowds.

Nightlife Delights:

Indulge in a night of drinks and dancing at Chattanooga’s beloved speakeasy, Unknown Caller. Experience the retro 80s dance groove at Regan’s Place on Station Street, a favorite hotspot for the Chattanooga crowd. Head over to explore Station Street where the Choo Choo Entertainment District comes alive.

Weekend Fun with Your Furry Pal:

Enjoy a perfect weekend with your dog at Play Wash Pint on the Southside of Chattanooga’s downtown. This well-maintained dog park, complete with park rangers and a selection of refreshing beverages, ensures a happy time for both dogs and their owners.

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