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.

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