Lucky you. You just found NOOGAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Chattanooga each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Festivals
IBMA Bluegrass Live! | Friday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.-10:15 p.m. | Multiple venues | $35+ | This is a two-day festival packed with live bluegrass performances from Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, and more at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square.
Beer and Cheese Festival | Saturday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | Chattanooga Choo-Choo | Free | Savor a weekend of world-class cheeses and craft beers, featuring gourmet selections from around the globe and flavorful creations from local artisans.
CultureFest at the Chattanooga Market | Sunday, Sept. 21 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | Free | Celebrate 25 years of cultural diversity with global food, music, art, and family fun.
Chattanooga Bacon & Barrel | Friday, Sept. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | $54 | Restaurants will be serving up their best bacon-themed dishes and attendees will get to vote for their favorite while sipping on bourbon.
Concerts
Corey Smith | Friday, Sept. 5 | 8-11 p.m. | The Signal | $40+ | Join country-rock artist Corey Smith for a night of heartfelt lyrics, Southern soul, and crowd-pleasing hits.
Yachtley Crew | Monday, Sept. 15 | 8:30-11 p.m. | The Signal | $52 | Sail back to the 1970s and 1980s with soft rock and nautical vibes from this Los Angeles-based band.
Chaka Khan | Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium | $167+ | Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, soul, and powerhouse vocals from the woman who sings “Ain’t Nobody” and “I’m Every Woman.”
Live Music
Noontunes 2025 | Thursday, Sept. 4, Thursday, Sept. 11, Thursday, Sept. 25 | 12-1 p.m. | Miller Park | Free | This lunchtime concert series features live music from Chattanooga musicians every week in September.
Nathan Bell and Butch Ross at St. Elmo Songwriter Series | Thursday, Sept. 4 | 8-10 p.m. | The Woodshop | $10 | Experience a night of masterful songwriting as two nationally acclaimed artists take the stage.
The Wide Open Bluegrass® Late Night Jam | Saturday, Sept. 20 | 11 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Signal | $28 | Keep the bluegrass energy going at the official IBMA afterparty — a late night jam featuring surprise collaborations.
Wheatus, Gabrielle Sterbenz, Good Cop Rad Cop | Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 8 p.m. | JJ’s Bohemia | $24 | Catch the alt-rock band behind “Teenage Dirtbag” in a special acoustic, all-request show.
Shows
Bo Johnson | Thursday, Sept. 4 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Catch | $23+ | Join this viral sensation and stand-up standout for a night of offbeat comedy.
36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards | Thursday, Sept. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium | $56+ | Fans can attend this award show hosted by actor and banjoist Steve Martin and Grammy winner Alison Brown.
Jo Koy: Just Being Koy | Sunday, Sept. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium | $59+ | Jo Koy is bringing his signature storytelling and razor-sharp wit to a Chattanooga stage.
Family Fun
SeptemberFest | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Station Street | Free | Enjoy a day filled with live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and over 100 unique vendors to explore.
2025 Adventure Days | Sunday, Sept. 7 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | Free | Library card holders 18 and under can take advantage of free zoo admission, hands-on activities, and a custom Adventure Days tote.
Scenic Stitches Spectacle | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Coolidge Park | Free | Step right up for a circus-themed fiber arts festival featuring interactive installations and live demos.
Active + sports
25¢ Hot Dog Night | Lookouts vs. Barons | Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 6 p.m. | AT&T Field | $10+ | The Chattanooga Lookouts are wrapping up the season with a sizzling deal that won’t come around often: 25¢ hotdogs (limit 4 per transaction).
UTC Football vs. Stetson | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 4:30-10 p.m. | Finley Stadium | $7+ | Cheer on the Chattanooga Mocs as they kick off the season at home against the Stetson Hatters.
Mountainside Yoga | Thursday, Sept. 18, Monday, Sept. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $8+ | Spend a guided 60-minute flow focusing on mindful movement, breathing, and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.