Are we the only ones who feel like 98º-weather is a bit too intense for September? We’re less than two weeks from the official start of fall on Sept. 23 and we’re still sweltering in sticky, summer-time heat. 🥵
But do you think that’s gonna stop us from planning for and looking forward to all the fall festivals coming up? Nah.
🍂 For the amateur sommelier
Wine Over Water | Oct. 5 | 5-8 p.m. | Walnut Street Bridge | $80-$130 | Sample wines from over 100 wineries. There are also Off-The-Bridge events, starting Oct. 1. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Cornerstones, Chattanooga’s historic preservation organization. Bonus: This year, all food and wine is included in the ticket price. 🍷
🍂 For the Bluegrass fan
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival | Oct. 4-5 | Chattanooga Riverfront, Ross Landing | Free | This is one of Chattanooga’s best events. It’s free. It includes local, regional and national bluegrass all-stars and honors the legacy of Chattanooga businessman + musician Fletcher Bright, who died in 2017. He founded the festival, naming it after his three daughters.
🍂 For the beer lover
Chattanooga Oktoberfest | Oct. 12-13 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday + 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. | Free | This is your chance to browse hundreds of products from area artisans + eat all the brats and drink all the beer. ‘Nough said.
🍂 For foodies of all kinds
Chattanooga Vegan Fest | Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Coolidge Park | Free | This is a free, family-friendly event with vegan and veg-friendly vendors. There will be games, prizes and a range of food options. If you haven’t tried vegan food, don’t be fooled. It’s not only sprouts + leaves.
🍂 For families
Ronald McDonald House’s 30th Annual Children’s Festival | Oct. 5-6 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday + 1-5 p.m. Sunday | Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway | Free | Since 1990, this event has raised more than $1 million to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. There will be food, games and activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, carnival games with prizes, arts and crafts, a kiddie train + hayrides. Activities inside the event cost between 50 cents-$3.
