Support Us Button Widget

Your guide to the 2023 Moon River Music Festival

You have your Moon River festival tickets — now, read up and prepare for two days of music, food, and fun.

NOOGAtoday | Moon River 2023

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the 2023 Moon River Music Festival.

Photo by Grant Hodgeon via Moon River Music Festival

Table of Contents

Moon River is almost here. If you’re heading to Coolidge Park (150 River St.) Saturday, Sept. 9 + Sunday, Sept. 10, good news — we’ll be there with you.

Follow along on Instagram for live coverage of the festival. In the meantime, here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going + where to avoid if you aren’t.

Bonus: Limited tickets are still available for the two-day festival.

Closures + parking

  • All of Coolidge Park + the Chattanooga Theatre parking lot (next to the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center) will be closed until Monday, Sept. 11.
  • Tremont Street (between River Street + the waterfront) will be closed now through Sunday. Detours will be posted.
  • There is no parking on the north side of the park, but you can find paid lots on the south side of the river with easy access via the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.
  • For bikers — the festival has a complimentary bike valet (located off River Street by the Walnut Street Bridge + Outdoor Chattanooga).
NOOGAtoday | Moon River 2023 Festival Goer Experience

Use these helpful tips to keep the party going all weekend long.

Photo by Jenn Devereaux via Moon River Music Festival

Festival goers

  • Gates for both days open at 12 p.m. + the first performer takes the Poplar Stage at 12:30 p.m. — note: due to health issues, Caamp has dropped out as Saturday’s headliner and will be replaced by NEEDTOBREATHE.
  • Plan your time at the festival + get accustomed to the layout by exploring the festival map.
  • Pack up your approved small purses, fanny packs, or clear bags. Lockers can be reserved.
  • Drink plenty of water. Bring an empty container or hydration backpack to use at the free water refill stations (there are four for general access + one in the VIP lounge).
  • For the ones with kiddos — check out The Treehouse (where the carousel and splash pad is) for different activities for the little ones.
  • Pace yourself in between sets by seeing what’s beyond the music.

Pro tip: For easy entry and cashless payments, activate your wristband + don’t forget — you can’t bring chairs, wagons, drones, or hammocks into the venue (see the full list of prohibited items).

More from NOOGAtoday
See the update on “Evolving Our Riverfront Parks,” to create a place where everyone can play and be active year-round.
Songbirds will continue its 2024 Music + Food Series in August, where you can enjoy a meal made by a local chef and live music.
From East Ridge to Red Bank, we’re giving you all the pertinent details about some of the elementary, middle, and high schools in Chattanooga.
The Scenic City is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday weekend will take place Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28.
Once a textile mill, this site will now serve as a public park and urban ecological reserve for Chattanooga + the Lupton City area.
The world’s longest yard sale is passing through Chattanooga, and we’re here to help you prepare so you can make sure you experience everything you want to.
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Chattanooga nod there — these craft beers found around Scenic City take local pride seriously.
River City Co. has created a vision board for Hawk Hill, the current site of AT&T Field — see what the future could hold once the field gets demolished.
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Chattanooga.