What to expect from the Locals Only Music Festival

Five Wits Brewing Co. + Barrelhouse Ballroom is hosting the first annual Locals Only Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, featuring local area musicians and vendors.

NOOGAtoday | The Afternooners

Get a chance to see headliners like The Afternooners.

Photo provided by Barrelhouse Ballroom

In response to Chattanooga’s two major music festivals taking a hiatus for 2024, Five Wits Brewing Co. + Barrelhouse Ballroom will bring a new two-day concert experience open to all ages to its location.

“The vision for the festival came from a desire to raise awareness about the incredible music talent we have right here in Chattanooga, and to create a space where these bands can support one another,” said Co-owner Mike Monen.

The Locals Only Music Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12 + Sunday, Oct. 13, showcasing 16 local area bands and musicians. There will be two stages, along with local vendors, food, and brews beginning at 1 p.m. each day for attendees to enjoy.

Check out the full lineup online, but here are the headlining acts:

  • YGTUT & The Plugs | Hip-hop + rap
  • The Afternooners | Indie-pop + rock
  • Behold the Brave | Alternative indie-rock
  • Strung Like a Horse | Folk, rock + Americana

Bonus: Want to hear some of the music you can expect at the festival? Check out our playlist featuring the top songs from each of the acts.

NOOGAtoday | Locals Only Music Festival

Don’t forget to stop by the on-site market to shop from local vendors.

Screenshot via Barrelhouse Ballroom

Although the festival was created in order to fill a gap in this year’s local music festival scene, Elliot Kehoe of Five Wits Brewing Co. said he hopes this is just the beginning for the Locals Only Music Festival.

“We want people to see Chattanooga the way that we do, as a city full of talented people doing amazing things, and kick start this weekend of fun and celebration around that community,” said Kehoe.

Tickets are on sale now with one-day passes starting at $30 + two-day passes at $50 (with day-of tickets rising to $60).

Bonus: With major events like The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival + Chattanooga Oktoberfest also happening that weekend, the venue is allowing reentry for folks if they want to leave and come back at a later time.

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