Major Events & Festivals in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Chattanooga, United States, Chattanooga, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

1. Riverbend Festival

A 10-day summer celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks over the Tennessee River.
  • Live Music: Enjoy a diverse lineup of both local and nationally recognized musicians.
  • Food Vendors: Savor various food options from around the region, including regional barbecue and vegan options.
  • Fireworks: Experience spectacular fireworks displays on select nights throughout the festival.

2. Tennessee Aquarium's Shamrock City

Irish-themed event filled with music, dance, and green beer during St. Patrick’s Day.
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about Irish culture through music, dance, and storytelling.
  • Green Beer: Indulge in a local tradition of green beer at participating venues throughout the city.
  • Festival Foods: Taste traditional Irish dishes and sweet treats, such as corn beef and cabbage, soda bread, and shamrock-shaped cookies.

3. Chattanooga Film Festival

Annual event showcasing independent horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and cult films from around the world.
  • Indie Films: Discover innovative and unique indie films in various genres.
  • Filmmaker Panels: Gain insights from filmmakers, writers, and artists during Q&A sessions and workshops.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other film enthusiasts and industry professionals to further your career or hobby.

4. Chattanooga Market

Weekly open-air market offering locally made goods, food trucks, and live music.
  • Local Goods: Shop for handmade crafts, art, clothing, and fresh produce from local vendors.
  • Food Trucks: Sample delicious food from a variety of mobile kitchens, serving international and regional cuisines.
  • Live Music: Relax to the sounds of local musicians while browsing the market.

5. Chattanooga Wine & Food Experience

Multi-day event featuring wine tastings, culinary workshops, and farm-to-table dinners.
  • Wine Tastings: Sample wines from local and international wineries during various events.
  • Culinary Workshops: Learn tips and techniques from professional chefs through interactive workshops.
  • Farm-to-Table Dinners: Enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals at unique dining experiences throughout the city.

6. Chattanooga Oktoberfest

A celebration of German culture with beer, music, and food during October.
  • German Beers: Taste authentic German beers from local breweries and breweries from around the world.
  • Traditional Music: Listen to traditional German music, such as polkas and waltzes, performed by live bands.
  • German Foods: Savor authentic German dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel.

7. Jazzanooga

Annual jazz festival featuring local and national jazz musicians.
  • Jazz Musicians: Listen to a variety of jazz styles, from traditional to modern.
  • Local Venues: Attend concerts and performances at venues throughout the city, such as clubs, parks, and theaters.
  • Workshops and Clinics: Learn from expert jazz musicians during workshops and clinics.

8. Chattanooga Football Classic

College football game featuring top teams playing in historic Finley Stadium.
  • Top Teams: Watch some of the best college football teams compete against each other.
  • Historic Stadium: Experience the excitement in one of the oldest and most iconic football stadiums in the nation.
  • Tailgate Parties: Join in on the fun with pre-game tailgate parties featuring food, drinks, and camaraderie.

9. Creative Discovers Tour

A self-guided tour showcasing Chattanooga's vibrant arts and culture scene.
  • Art Galleries: Visit various art galleries, studios, and public art installations.
  • Music Venues: Explore unique music venues that showcase local and touring musicians.
  • Cultural Experiences: Discover Chattanooga's rich cultural heritage through museums, historic sites, and educational centers.

10. Downtown Chattanooga Art & Sculpture Walk

A walking tour highlighting over 50 sculptures and murals throughout downtown.
  • Sculptures: Appreciate a diverse collection of contemporary sculptures, some created by renowned artists.
  • Murals: Discover vibrant and thought-provoking murals that add color and character to the cityscape.
  • Self-guided Tour: Explore at your own pace using a map or mobile app provided by the tour organizers.

11. Chattanooga Nightfall Concert Series

A series of free outdoor concerts held at Coolidge Park during the summer.
  • Free Concerts: Enjoy live music without the cost of admission.
  • Outdoor Setting: Relax on a blanket or lawn chair while taking in the beautiful river views and city skyline.
  • Family-friendly Atmosphere: Bring the whole family for a fun evening of music, food, and activities.

12. Chattanooga Market's Winter Market

A seasonal extension of the Chattanooga Market offering local goods, hot food, and live music during the winter months.
  • Local Goods: Shop for unique gifts, crafts, and artisanal foods from local vendors.
  • Hot Foods: Warm up with tasty hot foods, such as soups, stews, and hot drinks.
  • Live Music: Listen to live music while browsing the market or enjoying food and drink.

13. Chattanooga Whiskey Mainstage

A series of concerts featuring well-known artists performing at the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery.
  • Concerts: Enjoy a variety of genres and artists in an intimate setting.
  • Distillery Tours: Take a tour of the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery before or after the concert.
  • Food and Drink: Sample delicious food and cocktails from local vendors while enjoying the music.

14. Chattanooga River Raft Regatta

Annual race where participants build their own rafts and race them down the Tennessee River.
  • DIY Raft Building: Build a one-of-a-kind raft with friends, family, or colleagues.
  • Competitive Racing: Race your homemade raft against other teams for bragging rights and prizes.
  • Festival Atmosphere: Celebrate with live music, food trucks, and activities before and after the race.

15. Chattanooga's First Night

A New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music, food, and fireworks over the Tennessee River.
  • Live Music: Ring in the new year with live music performances.
  • Countdown to Midnight: Celebrate the start of a new year with friends, family, and strangers at the stroke of midnight.
  • Fireworks Display: Watch a spectacular fireworks display over the Tennessee River to cap off the night.