Summer is almost here and Chattanooga is so ready. From live music and community celebrations to berry picking and festivals, summer is when the Scenic City comes alive.
Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring 30+ summer events happening between May and August.
Live music
Campfire Concert Series | Dates vary | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Listen to live music under the stars at this family-friendly concert series. Pro tip: Bring your camping chairs, blankets, and food if you want to enjoy a picnic.
Jfest | Saturday, May 18 | Tennessee Riverpark
Jfest is the Tennessee Valley’s largest Christian music festival + is designed for the whole family. Pro tip: Bring the little ones to enjoy activities in the Kids World area.
Songwriter’s Series | Dates vary | McLemore Resort, Rising Fawn, GA
Listen to live music atop Lookout Mountain. Note: Seasonal or individual tickets are available.
Nightfall | Fridays, May 24-Aug. 30 | Miller Park and Plaza
Listen to live music by local and national acts while shopping an artisan market and enjoying family-friendly activities. Bonus: See more of what you can expect.
Isaiah Rashad | Saturday, May 25 | The Signal
See this Chattanooga native return home for his “Cilvia Demo” 10th anniversary tour.
Riverfront Nights | Saturdays, May 25-Aug. 31 | Ross’s Landing
Bring your chairs and blankets and listen to free live music by the Tennessee River. Bonus: Check out this year’s lineup.
of Montreal | Saturday, June 1 | Barrelhouse Ballroom
See this American indie-pop band take the stage with Godcaster.
Food and drink
Hike Bike Brew Beer Festival | Saturday, May 11 | Lula Lake Land Trust, Lookout Mountain, GA
This festival is where brews meet the outdoors — all to support Lula Lake’s trail work + conservation efforts.
Spirits in the Wild | Saturday, May 18 | Chattanooga Zoo
Taste a variety of spirits and sample foods from local area restaurants while enjoying live entertainment.
Chattanooga Beer Fest | Saturday, May 25 | First Horizon Pavilion
Sip on craft beers from across the country while enjoying live music and food trucks — stay tuned for more information in an upcoming newsletter.
Street Food Festival | Sunday, May 26 | First Horizon Pavilion
Celebrate the diversity of food at this festival that boasts some of the best food trucks from the area.
Ice Cream Social | Sunday, June 9 | First Horizon Pavilion
Sample ice cream samples from local creameries — 100% of proceeds go to benefit Girls Inc. of Chattanooga.
Ice Cream Safari | Saturday, June 15 | Chattanooga Zoo
Enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream while exploring the zoo — the animals will also get their own special treats.
BBQ Bash | Saturday, June 22 | Coolidge Park
Experience the flavors of summer while shopping an arts, crafts, and farmers market.
Summer Cocktail Festival | Saturday, June 22 | First Horizon Pavilion
Your ticket includes 12 “fun-sized” summer cocktails and access to entertainment — ticket sales benefit the Chattanooga Market.
International Food and Arts Festival | Saturday, June 29 | McDonald Farm, Sale Creek
Taste dishes from around the world while perusing an artist showcase.
Chatta Town Tasting Festival | Sunday, June 30 | Miller Park
Sample dishes from all over the world at this foodie festival. Note: Vendor applications are currently being accepted.
Hot as He!l | Saturday, July 20 | Coolidge Park
Calling all spice lovers, this inaugural festival will explore a “sizzling selection” of hot and spicy foods.
Burgers and Wings Palooza | Saturday, July 27 | McDonald Farm, Sale Creek
Come hungry to try out a variety of burger and wing flavor combinations.
Margarita Festival | Saturday, Aug. 10 | First Horizon Pavilion
Sample margarita recipes from local restaurants + help crown the best margarita in Chattanooga — ticket sales benefit the Chattanooga Market.
Inaugural Watermelon Festival | Saturday, Aug. 24 | McDonald Farm, Sale Creek
Enjoy a day dedicated to everything watermelon, from refreshing drinks and candies to captivating art.
Community gatherings
Thrillville Fair | May 9-19 | Camp Jordan Park, East Ridge
Ride over 30 rides, snack on fair food, play carnival games, enjoy a petting zoo, and more at this family-friendly event.
Paw Palooza | Saturday, June 8 | Coolidge Park
Bring your pup to take part in the fundraising walk to benefit McKamey Animal Center + then enjoy games, contests, 70+ vendors to shop from, and a beer garden.
Father’s Day Blues & Brews | Sunday, June 16 | First Horizon Pavilion
Bring the father figure in your life to enjoy local blues music, craft beers, and food from a variety of vendors.
The Walnut Street Bridge Festival | Sunday, June 23 | Walnut Street Bridge
Walk the bridge while enjoying food, games, performances, and more. Bonus: New this year will be the Kidzone in nearby Coolidge Park.
Market Karaoke | Sunday, Aug. 18 | First Horizon Pavilion
Bring the family to the Chattanooga Market and belt out your favorite song on the Lodge Cast Iron Sizzle Stage.
Grand Market | Saturday, Aug. 31 | Coolidge Park
Immerse yourself in live music, sip on refreshing drinks, and shop from a diverse market at this event.
Berry picking + community gardens
Smith-Perry Berries, 9626 Ooltewah Georgetown Rd., Ooltewah
Get fresh pre-picked strawberries from this farm that’s open daily, weather permitting through a drive-thru.Bonus: See FAQs.
Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St.
Gardeners of all skill levels can participate in this farm’s community garden program + can enjoy monthly potlucks. Bonus: Check out the farm stand during operational hours to shop for seasonal produce and veggies.
LCCL Strawberry Farm, 3743 Old Dalton Rd., Rome, GA
Head to this farm in nearby Georgia to pick a bucket of strawberries + shop farm goodies — you’ll want to check the Facebook page for availability. Note: You must pay with cash or check.
The Blueberry Farm, 1363 GA-151, Lafayette, GA
You can pick blueberries at this Georgia farm in July and August. Note: All blueberries are of the Rabbiteye variety.
Seasonal essentials
- Tired of losing your sunglasses in the water? These floating sunglasses provide optimal clarity and comfort for all your summer adventures.
- Shield yourself from the sun while adding a touch of flair to your outfit with one of our hats.
- This iceless cooler keeps your drinks cold for 7 hours.
