Experience the fantasy lands that await at the Chattanooga Convention Center. | Photo by Maeteu
Tattoo sleeves and book sleeves will be one and the same as the Literary Ink tattoo convention returns on Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14, and as your trusted guides for local events, we’re here to tell you what you don’t want to miss.
First things first, this isn’t your average tattoo convention — the folks behind Main Line Tattoo are putting ink to skin + paper with this book-centered weekend.
“At our heart, we are a tattoo convention, but I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see the love I have for literature and tattoos come together for one magical weekend,” said Owner Jennifer Edge.
Literary Ink will feature over 250 artists from all over the world, a vendor market, daily tattoo contests, and experiences like an escape room. While artists are accepting clients with pre-booking, there will be flash grabs for walk-ups at various stations.
Pro tip: Follow the convention on Instagram to see more details, designs + bookings, and after-parties.
Literary | 3 p.m. | Enjoy learning the ins and outs of the tattoo world with the “Tattoo Confidential” podcast.
Ink | “Best of Library Sections” contest — genres like children’s books, poetry, fantasy, etc.
Saturday, July 13
Literary | 3 p.m. | Hang out with Aaron Mahnke of the “Lore” podcast, book, and TV show series about dark historical tales.
Ink | “Best of Fairy Tales” contest — princesses + princes, magic castles, food, etc.
Sunday, July 14
Literary | 11 a.m. | Hear from Editors Kristen and Haley as they discuss local journalism in a Q+A panel at 11 a.m. — send us your questions below.
Ink | “Best of the Classics” contest — sleeves (arm or leg), realism, traditional, etc.
Feeling the itch for that new tattoo or just wanting to see the action? You can get 15% off weekend passes when using code NOOGATODAY now through Thursday, July 4.
Nightfall | Friday, June 28 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Miller Park and Plaza, 850 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | See performances by PLVNET and In the Company of Wolves + enjoy a market and lawn games.
Yacht Rock Schooner | Friday, June 28 | 9-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | $20 | Listen to the smooth sounds of the late 1970s + early 1980s played by an eight-man musical group.
Saturday, June 29
Mini Farmers Market | Saturday, June 29 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Red Bank City Park, 3817 Redding Rd., Red Bank | Free+ | Enjoy this smaller market featuring local produce, artisanal bread, farm-raised eggs, and live music from The Randy Kiles Band.
Beginner Myofascial Release | Saturday, June 29 | 10-11:15 a.m. | Functional Patterns Chattanooga, 2310 Vance Ave., Chattanooga | $23.18 | Learn how to implement strategic self-massage strategies to balance tension and relieve chronic pain.
Intro to Beekeeping | Saturday, June 29 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St., Chattanooga | $0-$30 | Get introduced to key concepts in beekeeping like basic bee biology, equipment, honey extraction + costs.
Call Me Spinster | Saturday, June 29 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $20-$25 | See local sister-trio take the stage with The New Quintet for an “unforgettable night of music.”
Sunday, June 30
Red, White, and Blueberries | Sunday, June 30 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Start celebrating the Fourth of July early with this blueberry-themed market featuring local vendors and pie-eating contests.
Just Love Coffee Cafe serves up a delish artisan coffee + yummy eats from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily — oh, and there’s plenty of parking nearby, too. | Photo provided by Just Love Coffee Cafe
There’s a new two-years-in-the-making coffee shop in town — with a lot to just love about it.
It’s coffee with a cause. In addition to serving sustainably-sourced artisan coffee, the shop is rooted in giving, with select beans supporting causes, like the Patriot Blend benefiting Folds of Honor.
They serve a full breakfast + lunch menu (with a waffle twist).
Non-coffee drinkers will enjoy loose-leaf teas, smoothies, refreshers, children’s menu + more.
Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has appointed Spencer Daniels to serve as the chief deputy. Daniels has worked in law enforcement for 26 years + notably served as the captain of uniform services and special operations, which oversees all front-line law enforcement services.
Award
The City of East Ridge will be presented with the Excellence in Economic Development award by the Tennessee Municipal League on Tuesday, July 23. East Ridge was recognized for its innovative efforts to “reinvest and reinvigorate its downtown and local business climate.” (Chattanoogan.com)
Traffic
In anticipation of Fourth of July holiday travel, TDOT will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates + state routes beginning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. Note: Closures will resume on Monday, July 8 at 6 a.m.
Ranked
No. 19. That’s where Chattanooga ranked on Smartasset’s Best Job Markets list. These cities were ranked as the best places overall in 2024 for “income and potential growth, affordability, remote work, commute time, employment rates, and health insurance benefits.”
Health
Parkridge Health System has expanded its minimally invasive surgery program with the addition of an advanced surgical robot — the first of its kind in Tennessee. The da Vinci 5, stationed at Parkridge Medical Center, can be used for procedures across multiple specialties like urological, gynecological, and general surgeries.
Arts
“Americana Coverlets,” a display by the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts featuring six hand-woven 1800s coverlets, is now on display at ArtsBuild. The exhibition also showcases music boxes, glass pitchers, and more from the collection of Anna Safley Houston. See the free installation through Wednesday, July 31.
Biz
Speaking of ArtsBuild, applications for its Periscope CHA artist entrepreneur training are still open. This year-long intensive training opportunity helps 15 working artists create business plans “to prepare each artist to take their creative endeavors to the next level.” Apply by Friday, Aug. 2.
Cause
Gavin DeGraw will headline the 61st annual StarNight Gala on Saturday, Aug. 24. All proceeds from the event will benefit Siskin’s Children’s Institute. See tickets, tables + sponsorship information.
Giveaway
Broadway fans, listen up: We’re partnering with The Tivoli Theatre Foundation to give away two Broadway season tickets for the upcoming season at Memorial Auditorium (think: stellar seats at all six shows, including “Hamilton,” “Les Misérables” + more). Enter to win the $1,200+ prize before Wednesday, July 3 at 12 p.m.*
Wellness
In case you missed it, our latest edition of NOOGA Wellness in partnership with Erlanger Health features: ways your diet can improve your athletic performance, details on an upcoming farm-to-table event + more.*
Fact or fiction
Washing clothes in cold water is friendly on your wallet — fact or fiction? See the answer.*
Finance
Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
Shop
🛍️ Thrift your summertime needs
Happy hauling: flea markets, co-ops, vintage, and resale shops in Chattanooga
If you’re like us, you’re always looking for a reason to revamp your space or closet, and luckily, the Scenic City is home to 30+ shops that are up for the task.
Electric Crocodile, NorthShore Peruse 20+ vendors for vintage clothes, vinyl, eclectic decor, and handcrafted items when shopping at this funky store — just look for the neon yellow paneling and the giant crocodile. Bonus: This shop also houses former Southside business Green Door Toys.
Crafter’s Emporium & Book Exchange, Red Bank Shop local with over 90 small businesses highlighted in this building, showcasing vintage finds, contemporary goods, locally-made artwork + a large selection of used books.
Heirloom Chattanooga, Highland Park Curated by Kelly Wall, this store began as a pop-up booth before taking permanent residence in this downtown neighborhood. Shop hand-picked vintage items Thursday through Saturday.
A Prime membership — because Amazon Prime Day is coming Tuesday, July 16 + Wednesday, July 17. You need a membership to be eligible for the sale prices (which are usually pretty great).
Did you know that Chattanooga got its first pro skateboarder in 2020 when native Herbert Brown got signed? According to our quiz results, 15 of our readers did.
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