Celebrate fall in the Scenic City with these festivals. | Photo provided by Rock City
Sunday, Sept. 22 marks the first day of fall, and you could say we’re just a little bit excited. We’re highlighting some major events that will make you autumn-matically happy in the Scenic City.
Flat Top Mountain Farm Fall Festival This family-owned farm in nearby Soddy-Daisy has officially kicked off its annual festival season. Spend Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 27 going through the corn mazes, flower picking, shopping + much more. Tickets start at $12 — kids three and under get free entry.
Fall Colors Through Friday, Nov. 8, you can enjoy daily programming inspired by the season + the scenic views as the leaves change on Lookout Mountain when stopping at Rock City. We’re talking pumpkin painting, going on a gnome quest, and seeing hanging lanterns — tickets start at $34. Pro tip: Buy online for a discounted rate.
Oddtoberfest Oddstory Brewing Co. is hosting its own homage to Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 21 + Sunday, Sept. 22. You can expect live polka music, costume contests (there’s one for your pets, too) + stein holding and brat-eating competitions. Presale tickets start at $30.
Cirque du Soleil “OVO” From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, you’ll witness the whims of imagination at the McKenzie Arena on Thursday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 6. Tickets start at $55.
Ringgold Haunted Depot Every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 11-26, you can head to the Ringgold Depot for hayrides, ghost tours, bonfires, and so much s’more. You can purchase an all-access ticket for $23 or pay for the activities separately.
Fall Forever Bluegrass Festival Travel to Mountain Cove Farms in nearby Chickamauga, GA for this three-day festival that kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 7. Attendees will see over 15 bluegrass bands perform, shop a vendor market + be able to camp on site. Early bird tickets start at $15.
Try Exercise | Monday, Sept. 16 | 3-3:45 p.m. | Chattanooga Fitness Center | Free | Learn how to set up equipment, target certain muscles, reach your goals + stay active.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Sk8 Night | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Founders Hall at The Commons, Ooltewah | Free+ | Bring your skates to roll around the rink while enjoying music, food trucks, and more.
The Wallflowers | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 7 p.m. | Walker Theatre | $54+ | See this two-time Grammy Award-winning rock band hit the stage in the Scenic City.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Page-Turners on the Patio | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Greenhouse | Free+, RSVP | Grab a local brew and enjoy your current read on your own or socialize with other readers.
Pro tip: If you see a craft you’d like to learn, the Folk School offers year-round adult classes. | Photos provided by the John C. Campbell Folk School
Seriously, is there any place more magical than an authentic folk festival in the fall?
Folk School Fall Festival 2024, a two-day seasonal celebration of craftsmanship and Appalachian heritage, returns Saturday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 6, drawing thousands from across the region to the John C. Campbell Folk School’s stunning Brasstown campus.
Festivalgoers can expect:
200+ vendors with handmade crafts for sale (hello, holiday gifts)
20+ food and drink spots
Kid-friendly crafts, face painting + other activities
Traditional craft demonstrations
Spirited music and dance performances from regional artists
In case you missed it, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly recently held his State of the City address. From updates on major developments like South Broad + The Bend to addressing parking and housing — get informed.
Coming Soon
If you’ve ever thought Chattanooga needs more Mediterranean options, you’re in luck — Cava is setting out to open two locations in the area. You can expect to see construction of the buildings happening near Northgate + Hamilton Place Malls. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
Tennessee American Water will award a total of $22,000 to fire agencies across Hamilton County, Northwest Georgia + Sequatchie Valley. The Firefighting Support Grant will provide funds for necessary equipment, training, and community education to uniformed, professional, and volunteer fire departments.
Biz
Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) and Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce have officially forged a partnership. During this time, the chamber will support CRMA through staffing, events, and operational needs + the manufacturing group will use resources to advocate for its members. (Chattanoogan.com)
Cause
Interested in taking a 12-mile hike for a cause? Join the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday, Sept. 21 for its Tennessee Xtreme Hike through the Cumberland Trail on Signal Mountain, starting at 5:30 a.m.
Family
Starting today, Sept. 16, you can check out passes (for two adults + up to four children) to see the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) through the Chattanooga Public Library’s Family Pass program. Bonus: CSO is hosting a Sensory Friendly show on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Eat
19.2%. That’s the average tip Tennesseans drop while eating out, according to a recent study by Toast. If you want those tips to hit local pockets, check out some of our favorite spots to eat out.
Number
22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*
I know fall is in the air, but I just can’t let go of summer yet. You’ll find me sitting beachside for the next week going through my latest purchase from The Book and Cover.
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