From live music and art installations to sporting events and holiday celebrations, each season ushers in a new batch of local events.
Here's what to expect in 2024.
Spring
Spring Break Safari
March - April
During Spring Break, Chattanooga transforms into a place where kids rule, and adventure is everywhere. Spring Break Safari participating attractions will offer kids the chance to use their imaginations to become RockQuest Adventurers, Conductors, Global Explorers, Cave Explorers, Innovators, Junior Naturalists, and many more. Kids won't be able to resist exploring the world with lots of hands-on activities and scavenger hunts throughout the city designed just for them.
Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend
March
Come experience the natural beauty and urban space of Chattanooga! Race weekend, you will explore Chattanooga's scenic qualities that define our community as the best outdoor destination! Runners will pass the Tennessee River and venture through our downtown district as they experience an innovative course unique to the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon.
Rock the Riverfront
March - April
Rock the Riverfront features not only Loop, an interactive work that plays short flipbook-style movies inspired by Quebec literature, but also each weekend will feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, music, performances and so much more.
4 Bridges Art Festival
April
The 4 Bridges Art Festival has cultivated and inspired an appreciation for the visual arts by bringing in artists from around the country to interact with our local community and display and sell their work.
Summer
Nightfall Concert Series
May-August
The free Nightfall Concert Series, continually held for over 30 seasons, takes place every Friday night from early May through late August. Nightfall features a diverse schedule of quality musical entertainment with local openers and national headlining acts, many of whom are performing for the first time in our city. Bring your kids, lawn chairs, pets and friends to enjoy great live music, food and an ice cold beverage in the outdoor social atmosphere of Nightfall.
Chattanooga Market
April-December
Chattanooga Market features over 50 farms bringing a variety of produce, meats, and cheeses to the market each week and over 130 artisans offering their unique crafts, arts, and farm-fresh goods. Live music is a staple at the Chattanooga Market with local and regional musicians on the EPB stage for two free shows weekly plus food vendors galore for the hungry shoppers.
Riverfront Nights
May - August
Join us for a free live concert series on Saturdays all summer long! Riverfront Nights brings you live music under the stars from some of the area's most vibrant and talented artists, various food and beverage vendors, and more family fun.
Chattanooga Margarita Festival
August
Chattanooga’s favorite restaurants compete for the title of Best Margarita in town! Work your way through your Margarita Festival Sample Passport that includes 10 mini margaritas, plus enjoy live entertainment by local DJs, a Margarita Fest photo booth, and some of Chattanooga’s tastiest food vendors.
Fall
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
October
The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival (named after the three daughters of Fletcher Bright)honors the musical legacy of bluegrass fiddler Fletcher Bright, by offering a free two-day festival to the community that features some of the biggest names in traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass.
Wine Over Water
October
This much-loved annual event has become a favorite destination for wine enthusiasts throughout the southeast.“WOW” is an evening showcasing a broad variety of wines and cocktails, delicious food from leading Chattanooga borrows the style of its European counterparts by incorporating unique classic car events tailored to the vintage and historical car collector and racer with the welcoming hospitality hallmark of the American South.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest
October
Don your German attire for the annual Chattanooga Oktoberfest festival featuring seasonal and local beers, live Oompah music, and food.
Chattanooga Motorcar Festival
October
The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival borrows the style of its European counterparts by incorporating unique classic car events tailored to the vintage and historical car collector and racer with the welcoming hospitality hallmark of the American South.
Winter
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Late November - Early January
The Enchanted Garden of Lights is a winter wonderland and Rock City is all dressed up for the occasion, with over a million sparkling lights and one of the world’s largest walk-through Christmas trees, it’s the first of its kind anywhere!
Ice on the Landing
Early November - Early January
Enjoy open-air ice skating at the First Horizon Pavilion. This classic win. ter tradition for all ages is offered during the holiday season and beyond in Chattanooga’s bustling southside community!
Chattanooga Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival
Mid-November – Early January
A spectacular celebration of art, culture, and the beauty of traditional Asian lantern festivals, this is one of the most unique light displays in the Chattanooga area. Festivalgoers enjoy more than 35 illuminating and interactive displays featuring guests’ favorite zoo animals, traditional Asian lanterns, and natural elements.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s North Pole Limited Adventure
Late December - Early January
A popular annual holiday event, North Pole Limited train rides have been a family tradition since 1999. During the magical holiday season, trains take riders on an imaginary journey to the North Pole. Along the way, you’ll be treated to refreshments and storytelling while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. As the North Pole Lim.ited train gently rolls down the rails, a number of lighted displays can be seen outside. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will come on board for a special visit with all the passengers.
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
Friday after Thanksgiving
Taking place the Friday after Thanksgiving for over the past 40+ years, The Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales have lit up the Tennessee River with extravagantly decorated boats. On shore, thousands gather to get in the holiday spirit with pictures with Santa, seeing real, live reindeer, and live music. Free to attend for everyone!
Want to add more Chattanooga events to your calendar?
Check out our Weekend Top 5 blog with a roundup of events happening this weekend.
Check out our Events page for a wider view.
Or plan ahead, and check out all the annual events happening in the Scenic City.
Chattanooga Travel Inspiration Magazine
A version of this story was previously published in the 2024 edition of our Travel Inspiration Magazine.
