Support Us Button Widget

Here’s your Mainx24 2019 guide

big wheels

COURTNEY SHERLIN

Table of Contents

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year when ordinarily proper-seeming adults take on the wild joy of racing a big wheel. It’s that time when — for 24 hours straight — Chattanoogans shop, dance, create, parade, eat, drink + celebrate on the Southside’s Main Street.

Since 2007, the community has had a standing date with Main Street on the first weekend in December for the annual Mainx24 extravaganza, and this year’s schedule is finally here.

big wheels

Is it really a party until someone wrecks a Big Wheel? | Mainx24

COURTNEY SHERLIN

If you go

🎉 24-hour festival with 150 events
📍Sat., Dec. 7, 6:30 a.m
📱Main Street
☀️ The event is rain or shine, and the weather is looking nice so far.

The big five

There are so many events, it’s truly difficult to narrow down the best ones, so here are what we consider the mainstay must-dos.

sandy mainx24

Last year, beloved Chattanoogan Sandy the Flower Man was the parade’s Grand Marshal. Sandy Bell, who was known for selling and giving away flowers downtown, died in January 2019. This year, there will be a memorial bike ride in his honor during the parade. We miss you, Sandy. | Mainx24

Don’t miss

In addition to this voter registration event, here are the quick hits on what NOOGAtoday editors think you shouldn’t miss:

Chloé’s picks

Trista’s picks

serving food mainx24

Ahh...the food. You should have no trouble finding a variety of tastes and treats. | Mainx24

Why we love it

Chloé: Mainx24 is the epitome of what makes Chattanooga the place I’m proud to choose as home. It’s fun and free. It’s humble (despite its size) and happy. It’s the badass result of a beautiful collaboration. Yes, please.

Trista: I love this festival because it embodies the spirit of community that Chattanooga fosters so beautifully. I love being a part of it all and watching everyone come together to let loose, have fun + even learn something new. It’s truly the ultimate way to experience our awesome city and all it has to offer.

ProTips

  • Responsibly manage your alcohol intake.
  • Bring cash and a tote bag.
  • Dress in layers.
  • Be prepared to park and walk.
  • If you’re unsure where to go or what to do, just let go and wander.

Quiz

Look for the answer in The Wrap section of today’s newsletter.

(function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id))return;js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src='https://embed.ex.co/sdk.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}(document,'script’,'playbuzz-sdk’));

More from NOOGAtoday
Run or walk for a cause this holiday season.
To help make your entire process at the Chattanooga Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nine nonstop flights.
Local food banks are seeing a surge in demand — here’s what you can do to help.
Nearly eight months into its 18-month closure, the iconic blue bridge is showing fresh color and steady progress toward reopening in 2026.
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Chattanooga resources.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
From live music to pig races, here’s your guide to this year’s fair at McDonald Farm.
How to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most popular animals.
Experience one of the world’s largest rowing regattas right here in the Scenic City.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.