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
Nearly eight months into its 18-month closure, the iconic blue bridge is showing fresh color and steady progress toward reopening in 2026.
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Chattanooga resources.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
From live music to pig races, here’s your guide to this year’s fair at McDonald Farm.
How to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most popular animals.
Experience one of the world’s largest rowing regattas right here in the Scenic City.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
These homes will make you want to get cozy with a blanket and cup of coffee.
Several coffee shops are offering deals on seasonal sips and pastries this week.
Directly north, east, south, and west of NOOGA, cities across the world await.