The Lookout Comedy Festival returns for the laughs in 2024
Get ready to see four nights of comedy. | Photo provided by Lookout Comedy Festival
The Lookout Comedy Festival is set to return for four days of comic relief from Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 19.
Founder + Producer Donnie Marsh created the festival back in 2018 after he realized one was missing from Chattanooga’s comedy scene. Marsh, who got into stand-up at the age of 35, said the inaugural event was actually an entrepreneurial class project that was invite-only. Now, the festival has grown to encompass five different venues.
“You can see really top-tier talents and performers in Chattanooga,” Marsh said. “I didn’t know that when I first moved here, I thought there wasn’t a comedy scene.”
Out of 190 submissions, 25+ comedians from New York City to Los Angeles were selected and will be making their way to the Scenic City. Marsh said the festival has been known to bring in talents that are on their way up to their big break.
While there’s a lot of laughs to be had each day, we’re highlighting some can’t-miss moments, recommended by Marsh himself.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 | AJ Wilkerson at Comedy Catch | Tickets are selling fast for this headliner known for his nervous charm + who made his TV special debut in 2022.
Thursday, Oct. 17 | 1-Minute Lightning Round at JJ’s Bohemia | Hear a 45-minute fast-paced routine where anyone can participate to tell a 60-second joke.
Saturday, Oct. 19 | Don’t Tell Comedy at AT&T Field | This 21+ outdoor show will feature a secret lineup.
Saturday, Oct. 19 | Jessica Michelle Singleton at Comedy Catch | The festival’s final headliner is known for dark and dirty performances + has been recognized by comedy A-listers like Jim Carey.
Pro tip: Get a feel for everyone’s schtick by searching a comedian on YouTube.
Purchase your tickets for full access (there’s only 10 passes left) or pick + choose the headlining acts you want to see.
20th Anniversary Commemoration of Moccasin Bend | Monday, Oct. 14 | 2-8 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium | Free | Celebrate the creation of the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District with special programming + live music.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
DIY Pumpkin Coasters | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 6 p.m. | 305 S. Duke St., LaFayette | Free, RSVP | Those 18+ can craft a cozy-themed coaster for their favorite autumn drink — register by calling 706-638-2992.
Wine Dinner | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | The Read House Hotel | $150 | Enjoy a four-course meal masterfully curated to pair with wines from California vineyard Cakebread Cellars.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Noontunes | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 12-1 p.m. | Miller Park | Free+ | Spend your lunch break in the park while enjoying food, games, and performances from local musicians Adam Stone + Joel Forlines.
Punkin Chunkin’ | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library South Branch | Free | “Monster Mash” or pumpkin smash? Use a small catapult to toss a mini pumpkin.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Hip Hop Fashion Show | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6-7 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Price of admission | Celebrate styles inspired by the museum’s current exhibit “City as Canvas” + the New York City urban art scene of the 1970s-1990s.
Imagine the floor-to-ceiling downtown views on the top floor. | Photo provided by Signia by Hilton Atlanta
A luxurious Southern escape awaits at Signia by Hilton Atlanta, the new 976-room downtown hotel sitting steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena (Falcons-Cowboys in November, anyone?).
The stunning, state-of-the-art high-rise is positively overflowingwith elevated amenities, including:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a federally recognized day honoring Native peoples and commemorating their histories and cultures + Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic on Oct. 12, 1492.
Development
The Hamilton County Commission has received the results of the economic development consultation done at McDonald Farm. In the report, it was found that only 460 acres of the land are suitable for development + that industrialization on the land is not wise. (NewsChannel 9)
Traffic
CDOT crews will be resurfacing and restriping Frazier Avenue (between Market Street and Barton Avenue) beginning today, Oct. 14. Drivers can expect a lane both east + westbound to be open with brief, full closures of adjoining streets over the next four days. (WDEF)
Open
East Lake community ELLA Library has opened an independent bookshop in nearby Rossville, GA. AND THEN BOOKS will host its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 19 starting at 12 p.m. Bonus: The first 50 customers will get a discount voucher.
Community
Preserve Chattanooga will host its Best Cellars night on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Hunter Museum of American Art. Tickets get you access to this 21+ event that features premium wine pours and a menu curated by Chef Kevin Ramquist. See the wine + food menus.
Try This
The folks over at Bleu Fox Cheese Shop are pairing their selections of cheeses with classic horror films. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the frights of Halloween — check out the first suggestion.
Plan Ahead
We have to introduce you to a new festival hitting the Chattanooga scene. The first annual Scenic Stitches Fiber Fest is slated for Feb. 1-2 at the Convention Center. Follow along on Instagram to find out how to apply to be a vendor or a teacher.
Stat
22%. That’s how much car insurance prices are expected to increase by the end of the year. The average premium is expected to reach $2,469. Are you prepared? View Money’s “Best Car Insurance” list to shop around + see if you could save.*
Wellness
Meet Calmind, a groundbreaking mental wellness app that transforms your phone into a tool for better sleep. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription at 83% off.*
One of my favorite things about when the weather starts to cool down is making chili. So, I’m sure you can guess how excited I am to be a judge at the upcoming Chilimauga cook-off and street fair event. Come see me + try some chili on Saturday, Nov. 9 in nearby Chickamauga, GA.
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