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Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Chattanooga

Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.

NOOGAtoday | Fringe Fest

The Fringe Festival’s three-day lineup is packed with performances.

Photo provided by Barking Legs Theater

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 + markets

Chattanooga Beard Contest | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | Free | You don’t want to miss this contest at the Chattanooga Market, where the best beards take the spotlight.

Chattanooga Fringe Festival | Friday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | Various venues | $22+ | A celebration of bold performances in dance, theater, music, comedy, and more

Big Band Day at the Chattanooga Market | Sunday, Nov. 9 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | Free | It’s the same Chattanooga Market you know and love — with live swing, Latin, and waltz tunes from the Lodge Cast Iron Sizzle Stage.

Scenic City Wings | Sunday, Nov. 16 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | $15+ | Taste Chattanooga’s best wings, vote for your favorite, and support the Chattanooga Area Food Bank in this community competition.

Two performers sit behind a cardboard car prop on stage. The person on the left holds a newspaper, while the person on the right pretends to steer. A projected scene and text visible in the background suggest a playful and theatrical setting.

These are your last chances to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Barking Legs Theater.

Photo provided by Barking Legs Theater

Music shows

The Rocky Horror Picture Show | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $30+ | Celebrate 50 years of Rocky Horror with an interactive mix of film, live shadowcast, wild costumes, and audience props.

Vitamin String Quartet | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $64+ | This will be an electrifying night of classical-meets-pop with reimagined hits from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and more.

An Evening with Shawn Mullins | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Songbirds | $42+ | The Grammy-nominated singer best known for his hit “Lullaby” brings his soulful blend of folk, rock, and Americana to the stage.

DECADES: Back to the ‘80s | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $35+ | Rock out as three powerhouse vocalists and a full band bring the biggest hits of the 1980s to life.

NEEDTOBREATHE: “The Barely Elegant Acoustic Tour” | Friday, Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $41+ | Watch this South Carolina-based rock band known for its blend of rock, pop, and soul.

Clue: The Musical | Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | $81+ | Get ready for murder, mystery, and mayhem in this fast-paced stage comedy where the suspects, rooms, and weapons of the classic board game come to life.

People all sitting at long tables eating a Thanksgiving meal together under a banner that says "Gratefull"

Everyone is invited to fill their plates at this annual event. | Photo provided by Claridy Communications

Seasonal

Straight No Chaser: “Holiday Road Tour” | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $78+ | Get ready for a night of a cappella harmonies + holiday hits to get everyone in the spirit.

TEDxChattanooga Conference | Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m. | The Walker Theatre | $58+ | A day of inspiring talks + performances exploring what it means to be rooted in community

Gratefull 2025 | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Free | Celebrate 10 years of community and connection with this free Thanksgiving meal where everyone is welcome.

A Magical Cirque Christmas | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $77+ | Get in the mood for the holidays with Christmas carols and jaw-dropping circus acts.

Chattanooga Holiday Market | Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | First Horizon Pavilion | Free | Kick off the season at the Chattanooga Market with Thanksgiving goodies, unique gifts from local vendors, and ice skating at Ice on the Landing.

Christkindlmarkt | Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | Coolidge Park | Free | Step into a German-inspired holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, candles, and festive vendor booths.

NOOGAtoday | rowers paddling across Tennessee River with crowd on the shore.

More than 20,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s Head of the Hooch.

Photo via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Family Fun

Head of the Hooch Regatta | Saturday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | Ross’s Landing | Free | Gather along the Tennessee River and cheer on teams as they row a 4,500-meter course that will end at Ross’s Landing.

Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair | Friday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | McDonald Farm, Sale Creek | $11+ | Expect three days packed with entertainment, including live music, a pie-eating contest, pig races, amusement rides, agricultural exhibits, and mouth-watering fair food.

Public Sleep in the Deep | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 6 p.m.-8:30 a.m. | Tennessee Aquarium | $65+ | Spend a night at the aquarium and experience animal encounters, after-dark activities, and a behind-the-scenes look at how they care for their residents.

Drive-in Laser Light Show | Friday, Nov. 21 | 5 p.m. | Tennessee River Park | $35 | Experience a drive-in like never before with lasers synced to music from the 1970s to today.

Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade | Friday, Nov. 28 | 4-8 p.m. | Ross’s Landing | Free | A family-friendly celebration featuring live reindeer, Santa photos, festive treats, lighted boats, and fireworks over the river

Comedy shows

Magic and Laughs featuring Lawrence James and Lance Johnson | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Catch | $23+ | Enjoy a night of comedy + illusions as magicians combine quick wit, shocking escapes, and sleight of hand.

Kevin Smith | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $55+ | Spend an evening with filmmaker and comedian Kevin Smith as he shares hilarious stories + behind-the-scenes insights.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: “The Family Reunion Tour” | Sunday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $60+ | Enjoy a night of nonstop laughter as Anjelah Johnson-Reyes brings her relatable stories + unforgettable characters to the stage.

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.