Need something to look forward to? We’ve got a dozen. Here are some of Chattanooga’s biggest events for each month of 2026.
January | Lookout Wild Film Festival
We’ve mentioned this one before, and it’s worth repeating. The festival brings outdoor and conservation films from around the world to the Scenic City. This year’s event is already underway at the UTC Fine Arts Center and runs all weekend. Here’s what you need to know.
February | Romance at Ruby
You may have traveled to this beloved landmark, but do you know the love story behind the naming of Ruby Falls? During this limited-time event, you and your boo can take a cave and waterfall tour while learning the history of the site.
March | Chattanooga Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
This one’s for the foodies. Head to Coolidge Park to enjoy drinks and bites from the area’s most popular food trucks + vendors.
April | Chattanooga Outdoor Festival
This festival that celebrates outdoor adventure, conservation, music, and community returns to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens on Saturday, April 11. Stay tuned for a future newsletter diving into all the fun that’s planned.
May | Running of the Chihuahuas
There’s just nothing quite like gathering with the community to see chihuahuas racing at the First Horizon Pavilion, and the costume contest is pretty great, too. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, May 2.
June | Make Music Day
Chattanooga joins the globe in celebrating World Music Day on Sunday, June 21 with tons of live music events, workshops, and festivities. This is a great go-at-your-own-pace event, where you can pick which music events you’re most interested in attending.
July | Pops on the River
Don’t skip out on the huge fireworks show in Coolidge Park and the free outdoor concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Bring your lawn chairs + blankets to celebrate the Fourth of July with the community — this year’s date TBD, but typically falls on the day before Independence Day.
August | Chattanooga River Games
From wakesurfing and rock climbing to freestyle diving + slacklining, the largest extreme sports and music festival in the South has it all.
September | IRONMAN Chattanooga
More than 2,500 athletes from around the world come to the Scenic City to swim, bike, and run a total of 140.6 miles. You can cheer them on at the finish line at Ross’s Landing or get involved by volunteering.
October | World of Bluegrass
The World of Bluegrass will be held in Chattanooga through 2027, featuring a conference, showcases, awards show, and a festival downtown. This year’s event is set for Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Saturday, Oct. 24.
November | Hamilton County Fair
Bring your family and friends to make memories at the fair on the 2,100-acre McDonald Farm in nearby Sale Creek. We’re keeping an eye out for who will perform at this year’s event, but previous years have brought artists like Diamond Rio, Lauren Alaina, and Brandon Davis to the stage.
December | MAINx24
We refer to this event as the best day of the year in Chattanooga for a reason. This day of fun brings the whole community out to Main Street and the surrounding areas for a parade, a chili cook-off, food-eating competitions, and so much more.
Bonus: Be sure to bookmark our monthly Plan Ahead for a more complete look at what’s ahead.
