Arts

Resources + groups

• Chattanooga Writers’ Guild offers a way to network with other local writers and share useful resources with each other. Become a member to receive perks such as discounted rates for contests and programs, promotion opportunities, and more. Pro tip: Check out how to submit your work monthly.
• SoLit — formerly the Southern Lit Alliance — is a literary arts hub that was founded in 1952. Check out its outreach programs for youth + adult writers.
• Rhyme N Chatt is an interactive poetry organization that connects people “one rhyme at a time” by providing a safe place where poetry is shared. Keep an eye out for updates on open mic opportunities.

Workshops + events

• The Meacham Writers’ Workshop hosts readings, discussion sessions, community workshops, and group conferences that are free to the public every fall and spring. The next reading will be on Saturday, March 25 at Riverview Park.
• The SouthWord Literary Festival, known for celebrating southern writers, will be held April 14-15 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Authors like Rick Bragg, Kimberly Brock, Clyde Edgerton, and many more will discuss their work in panel discussions + offer book signings. Get one-day or two-day passes here.
• The Mountain Arts Community Center hosts several writers workshops + classes. The next event is the “So You Want to be a Writer: Where to Publish What You Write” class on Saturday, April 8. The class will include the opportunity to discuss a cover letter or pitch. Sign up.
• The inaugural Local Authors Fair, hosted by the Chattanooga Public Library, will be on Saturday, April 29. The all-day event will be a chance for local authors to read their work, sell books, and more. Register here to get involved.

• Design Thinking: Discover Your Next Career or Life Chapter | Monday, Mar. 20 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $28 | Get specific about what brings you fulfillment in your career and life + leverage tools from positive psychology and design thinking exercises.

• Rapid Learning Intro to Kayaking and Skills Practice | Tuesday, Mar. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., Chattanooga | Price of pool admission | Learn the first steps to kayaking by certified lead instructors in this family-friendly program — appropriate for ages 8 and up.

• Chattanooga Market at Erlanger | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Erlanger Medical Mall, 979 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Get your Chattanooga Market fix with a smaller version of the popular downtown market.
• Chattanooga Singing Circle: Community Sing | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $20 | Explore melody, harmony, and simple rounds within a supportive community of others.

• Chattanooga Vintage Market | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Coolidge Park, 150 Frazier Ave., Chattanooga | Free+ | Shop from 30+ vintage clothing and sneaker vendors, participate in giveaways, and listen to live music.
• WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST - Austin Center @ GALLERY 1401 | Thursday, Mar. 23 + Sunday, Mar. 26 | Times vary | GALLERY 1401, 1478 Market St., Chattanooga | Free | Enjoy an evening celebrating Austin Center’s vibrant assemblage of abstract paintings and sculptural ceramics — Valet is provided, plus cocktails + colorful hors d’oeuvres from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop.*

• 57º | Sunny | 1% chance of rain ☀️

• Hamilton County Schools will implement the Workforce Development & College Schools Network (WDCS) on July 1. WDCS is a strategic alignment of educational programs to boost workforce development + post-secondary opportunities for local students. (Chattanoogan.com)

• CARTA plans to boost its services beginning in early May and continuing through at least August. The frequency of service is projected to go from 15 minutes, down to seven minutes to help alleviate summer traffic. 🚏 (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

• The IRONMAN Chattanooga triathlon was voted the “Best in Overall Swim Experience” for 2022. It also earned top-three honors in multiple categories of the Global IRONMAN Athletes’ Choice Awards — making it recognized as one of the best events in the global series.

• The 4 Bridges Arts Festival returns Saturday, April 22-Sunday, April 23. Enjoy paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and much more from over 145 artists + live music and food trucks. A preview party will be held Friday, April 21. Get tickets online.

• UTC Police Sergeant Rebecca Tolbert will lead self-defense classes for local women from Tuesday, March 21-Thursday, March 23 in the Challenger STEM Learning Center. Those interested can register for the free classes via email no later than 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21. (The Pulse)
• The Chattanooga Fire Department will show a behind-the-scenes look at the day in the life of a firefighter during its Citizens’ Fire Academy on Saturday, April 22. The academy will feature training through hands-on experiences, trying out gear + tools, and more. Register online. (The Pulse)

• The Chattanooga women’s basketball team saw its championship season end in the opening of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament against the top-seeded Virginia Tech Hokies, 58-33, on Friday, March 17. Good season, Mocs. 🏀
• Want to join a local sports league this spring? Registration is still open for Chattanooga Sports Leagues’ Spring 2023 teams. Spots are filling up quickly, so check out the available positions + sign up online.

• The City of Chattanooga, The Enterprise Center + Chattanooga Autism Center have partnered together to host Networking & Neurodiversity, a free event for “neurodivergent folks and allies.” This quarter’s event will take place on Wednesday, March 22 at The Edney. RSVP online.

• The first annual Mary Walker’s Birthday Book Bash, celebrating the life + legacy of one of Chattanooga’s literacy advocates, will be held on Saturday, May 6. The family-friendly fundraising event will feature a 3K run/walk, programming, story times, and more. RSVP online.

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris like it used to, it may be time for a new one. This handheld Shark vacuum is lightweight, cordless, and highly rated on Amazon. Or splurge on the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum that sucks up particles as small as allergens and bacteria.*
• To celebrate the first day of spring, refresh your home with tea towels by Jessica Reynolds and find your city print by Signet Sealed, which can all be found in our online shop (Six & Main). Now, that’s how you start the new season.