Key findings

• Crews found 73% of the state-owned MBMHI site contains resources that show Native American life and culture from layers of historic + pre-contact materials — think: pits, hearth materials, etc.
• No human remains or burials were found, but the presence of the Woodland Period (700 B.C. through 1000 A.D.) features indicates there could be more found on the site.
• The site has areas that showcase strong preservation and integrity.

Local efforts

• “Joker: Folie à Deux” | Monday, Sept. 30 | 7-9:18 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater | $10+ | Get a “fan-first” look at Joaquin Phoenix’s return as this iconic DC Comics’ villain.

• Mini Halloween Glitter Globes | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 4-5 p.m. | Collegedale Public Library, Collegedale | Free | Use a kit to craft your own seasonal scene that will leave all the ghouls talking — no library card is needed.
• NoogaLights | Tuesday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | The Chattanooga Choo Choo | $11+ | This immersive and family-friendly light show will feature nearly 1 million Halloween-themed lights.

• Noontunes | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 12-1 p.m. | Miller Park | Free+ | Spend your lunch break in the park while enjoying food, games, and a performance by In the Company of Wolves.

• Cirque du Soleil: “OVO” | Thursday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | McKenzie Arena | $55+ | From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, you’ll witness the acrobatic whims of imagination.

• October Beer Fest — Chattanooga Red Wolves SC vs One Knoxville | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | CHI Memorial Stadium | $17+ | October Beer Fest is back. Look forward to Octoberfest fan challenges (ever tried holding 14 beer steins?), pregame food + drink specials, games, and more.*

• The new J. A. Henry Community YMCA facility has officially opened on Dodds Avenue. The renovated space includes upgraded equipment + a teaching kitchen for community nutrition education and workforce development. This space will also support programs like the Mobile Market.

• Chattanooga Football Club has parted ways with Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood, who saw the team to its success in the National Independent Soccer Association + its MLS NEXT Pro deal. Assistant Coach Chris Nugent will be the interim coach for the remainder of the season.

• The Chattanooga Police Department’s Crime Analysis Unit was recently awarded first place for “Statistical Reporting” at the International Association of Crime Analysts Conference. The recognition was based on data + the innovative approaches used in the unit’s 2023 Annual Report.

• Red Bank Public Art Board has announced an artist call for an upcoming mural project. Local artists will be tasked with painting murals on the facilities building at the Red Bank City Park + Kids Corner Playground — apply for pre-qualification by Tuesday, Oct. 8

• If you’re looking to be more adventurous but aren’t sure where to start, you can join Four Bridges Outfitters for a Backpacking 101 course on Thursday, Oct. 10. From 6:30 to 8 p.m., folks will learn more about gear, packs (including pack fitting + packing), and other resources like Leave No Trace.

• Goodman Coffee Roasters’ Eerie Autumn Menu is exactly as haunting as it sounds, with themed drinks that include “The Horseman,” “The Phantom,” and, our personal fave, a white chocolate + pistachio latte with charcoal, “The Creature.”*

• Hey, Nooga high school juniors, seniors, and parents: UTC is hosting a free College Quest event on Friday, Oct. 18 to interactively introduce high school students to the college offerings and careers that await them in healthcare, STEM, and computer science. See details + register for personalized lab tours, career-specific excursions + more.*

• Ready to silence the chaos and hear what matters? These next-gen hearing aids are here to crush the noise and put you back in control. With razor-sharp sound and a stealthy design, they’re your little secret. Hear the difference.*