Get ready for three days of adventurous films. | Photo by Steve Rogers via Lookout Wild Film Festival
The 13th annual Lookout Wild Film Festival is returning to set up camp at The Signal beginning Friday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 19.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just really love a good independent film, this festival has it all. From rescuing climbers on Mount Washington + strangers trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc to 24 hours in the Old Pueblo and Scotland’s inshore, these movies will take you on a different adventure with each new title screen.
For a sneak peek of what to expect, here are four films with ties to our region.
🍅 “Mama’s Sundry” | Friday matinee | 2 p.m. | 15 minutes | Follow a married couple in South Memphis as they use their creativity to foster sustainable wellness + start a neighborhood garden.
⛰️ “Climb Mawali” | Saturday matinee | 1 p.m. | 27 minutes | Watch as educators from Global Climbing Initiative mentor a community of athletes to complete their journey — bonus: Chattanooga-based D. Scott Clark was the film’s director of photography + first assistant director.
Introduction to Hand Sewing | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $55 | Bring your own clothes in need of mending + learn techniques like sewing on buttons, repairing holes, and hemming pants.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
1940s Foxtrot Class | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Vintage Dancers | $5 | Sign up for a beginner course to learn the basics of this classic dance style or jump right in during the intermediate workshop.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Adult Crafting Night | 5-7:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free | Relax, create, and connect while working on your latest project, from knitting to collaging your vision board.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Katherine Blanford | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Catch | $20+ | This Kentucky-based comedian, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” is sure to give you human golden retriever vibes during her set.
The Chattanooga Department of Public Works will be accepting Christmas tree collections now through Friday, Jan. 31. Residents can drop off their trees at all five of the recycling center locations or use the 311 curbside services.
Community
Looking for a more festive way to send your tree off? The annual Christmas Tree Bonfire over at Treetop Hideaways is happening on Saturday, Jan. 11. Bring your tree before 6:30 p.m. to be a part of the blaze + pack a cooler and your blankets to enjoy.
Coming Soon
The Ooltewah area has a new restaurant coming, and we promise we aren’t setting up a punchline. Joe Mama’s — a second concept from Marthie Ann’s Tennessee Blue Plate — will specialize in shakes, sandwiches, and salads, diner-style. Follow along on Facebook for updates.
Outdoors
Hang in there for another Chattanooga Zoo update — the zoo has welcomed Boysenberry, a two-toed sloth. Affectionately known as “Berry,” this sloth traveled from the Oregon Zoo + will reside in the Forests of the World exhibit. Bonus: See how she’s liking her new home via a livestream.
Announced
The Chattanooga Public Library will soon launch an adult Silent Book Club. Starting Friday, Jan. 31, folks can head to the Avondale + Northgate branches for a monthly meet-up of peaceful reading.
Featured
McLemore Resort was listed as No. 1 on Explore Georgia’s “Best Trips of 2025 in Georgia” list. This mountaintop destination in nearby Rising Fawn was recognized for its proximity to nature activities + for Cloudland’s luxurious accommodations.
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One of my favorite things about Chattanooga is how there seems to be something for everyone in town. If you’re like me and are looking for a new hobby to pick up or a way to meet more people — send me your interests and I’ll try to match it with a local club in an upcoming newsletter.
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