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.

Pool party, anyone?
Photo via @commonhousechatt
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.