Support Us Button Widget

Spending the longest day of the year in Chattanooga

The Scenic City is ready for the official start of summer — here is how to spend a full day around town.

The Walnut Street Bridge during sunset

“Summertime, and the livin’s easy” with this guide.

Oh, the summer nights. Friday, June 20 marks the summer solstice + the beginning of the longest day of the year — more specifically, at 10:42 p.m.

Judging by our events calendar, the Scenic City is ready to celebrate on Saturday, June 21. So, we’ve made a full day’s itinerary on how you can begin this new season.

Pro tip: Exchange any of these ideas out for other events happening around town.

Morning

  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Head to the Sunrise Summer Solstice Festival for yoga, sound baths, lawn games + food.
  • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Get sun-dried during a free workshop on how to prune, trellis, and care for your garden tomatoes.
  • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Take to the river to learn local history during a special Currents of Culture event.
  • 10 a.m. | Spend your full day or go back + forth to the Chattanooga Theatre Center for the Chattanooga Film Festival’s lineup.
  • 10 a.m. | Make Music Day will kick off, bringing over 50 performers + events around town all day — including the Big 9 Music Fest and Riverfront Nights.
A lively pool scene with people relaxing, swimming, and conversing. Two women sit at the pool's edge, surrounded by cheerful summer vibes and greenery.

Pool party, anyone?

Afternoon

  • 12-4 p.m. | Cool down with a dip in Common House’s pool as they open to the public for its themed Pride Dive.
  • 1-4 p.m. | Pack a picnic (and sunscreen) to join the Barnard Astronomical Society in observing this solar event.
  • 4-6 p.m. | Experience the dark side of the sun with FX artist, director, actor, writer + mad scientist Shane Morton during a free discussion.

Evening

  • 5-9 p.m. | Grab your skates and rollerblades for Go Skate Day + enjoy food, vendors, and more.
  • 8 p.m. | Close out the fun with a free screening of “The Wild Robot” at dusk with your friends + family.

Bonus: Celebrate another way by spending a full day completely outdoors in Chattanooga.

More from NOOGAtoday
From seating and snacks to preserved history, here’s what to expect at the new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Check out our tips for what to do, where to eat, and places to stay in the Scruffy City.
How the $153M e2i2 project will help keep local waterways clean during heavy rain.
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
See your neighbor’s porch become a stage at this annual festival, offering free live music.
Chattanooga has an incredibly rich history that is showcased in museums throughout the area. From the Hunter Museum of American Art to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, pay a visit to these various spots to learn all there is to know about the Scenic City.
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these local businesses to come and spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
A new tri-state collaboration will work to conserve natural areas found in Tennessee, Georgia + Alabama.
Your favorite free bluegrass festival is almost here — check out the lineup.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.