See what all the Scenic City has to offer at these annual events. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Outdoor Festival
Didn’t you hear? FOMO is out in 2025. Break out your calendars because we’re sharing some of the biggest events happening in Chattanooga for each month of this year.
February | Romance at Ruby You may have traveled to this beloved landmark, but do you know the love story behind the naming of Ruby Falls? During this limited-time event, you’ll take a cave + waterfall tour while learning the history of the site.
April | Chattanooga Outdoor Festival This festival that celebrates outdoor adventure, conservation, music, and community returns to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens on Saturday, April 5. Stay tuned for a future newsletter diving into all the fun that’s planned.
Asian Lantern Festival | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | $17+ | See the 40+ dazzling handmade lanterns and interactive light displays before the end of this year’s festival.
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.
Friday, Jan. 10
Library Late Show | 6-8 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free, RSVP | Teens can experience a candy factory on the second floor + make different sweet confections — plus, pizza will be served.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Pick Your Project DIY Public Workshop | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Board & Brush, Ooltewah | $73+ | Create your own unique wooden sign for your home or to gift — all materials and instructions provided.
Pam Tillis | 7:30 p.m. | Walker Theatre | $33+ | See this country music singer-songwriter known for her songs “Maybe it Was Memphis” + “Don’t Tell Me What to Do” take the stage in the Scenic City.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Sunday Studio | 2-4 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Price of admission | Bring the family for an afternoon of crafts, activities, and a yoga session — admission is free with a library card if you’re attending with children.
These businesses have stood the test of time and stolen the hearts (and loyalty) of locals and visitors alike. | Photo provided by Experience Columbia SC
If you’re like us, you’re a sucker for a bit of nostalgia. The good news: Columbia, SC is full of vintage vibes. Next time you visit, don’t miss these three timeless spots that embody the city’s charm:
Nickelodeon Theatre: Catch an indie flick or cultural screening at this beloved Main Street landmark.
Villa Tronco: Savor authentic Italian dishes at South Carolina’s oldest restaurant, or what we like to call, a family-run treasure.
Art Bar: Experience eclectic nightlife with live music and vibrant decor in the Vista. Plus, it’s a great spot to get a late-night bites.
Chattanooga may see inclement weather in the upcoming days, and the Department of Public Works has shared its snow and ice road treatment plan to ensure the safety + mobility of residents. To help out, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads and move parked cars off the street.
Civic
The Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center will be renamed to the Dr. Carol B. Berz Family Justice Center, honoring the late city councilwoman. Learn more about the center’s services.
Development
Microtex Composites Inc. has plans to invest nearly $4 million in order to open a new plant in Chattanooga — the Italian company’s first US facility. Microtex serves the automotive + aerospace industries, creating structural and aesthetic composites and carbon-look interiors. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Film
“How to Sue the Klan” — a film that tells the legacy of the Chattanooga Five — has been nominated in the Outstanding Short Film Documentary category of the NAACP Image Awards. Tune into BET on Saturday, Feb. 22 to see who wins.
Cause
Volunteers are needed to help retire the wreaths placed on the graves at the Chattanooga National Cemetery during the holidays. Head to the cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 25, beginning at 8:30 a.m. — bringing gloves, rakes, and short pieces of rope is recommended.
Number
13. That’s how many scavenger hunts Southern Living featured on its list of “Southern scavenger hunts worth traveling for.” Among them? The Gnome Quest at Rock City, of course. See the full list + plan your next road trip to complete one of these interactive sightseeing challenges.
Plan Ahead
The 2025 Green Eyes Festival, a family-friendly event celebrating the folklore of our region, is set to return on Saturday, Oct. 18. Expect performers, vendors, local storytellers, and more. Follow along on Instagram for updates + how to get involved.
Edu
Does the New Year have you thinking about learning a new skill or even starting a new career? ChattState offers flexible, short-term career programs that equip students with in-demand skills for today’s job market. Explore available courses to get started.*
Eat
Start 2025 with Thrive Market: Organic groceries delivered right to your door. (They ban over 1,000 harmful ingredients.) Join here to get 30% off your order plus, a free $60 gift.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Category
Read
What were locals reading last year?
Stock up on even more titles at the library’s annual book sales. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
Calling all bookworms. We asked the Chattanooga Public Library which books locals checked out the most in 2024. If you’re building your TBR (to be read) pile for 2025, consider these trending titles:
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas (this was the most checked-out book by 1,498 people)
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah
“First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston
“Happy Place” by Emily Henry
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
“Funny Story” by Emily Henry
A special thank you to the library’s Head of Marketing & Public Relations Christina Sacco + Collections Services Specialist Brian Henry for putting this list together for us.
Bonus: If you’re hungry for more reads, check out our City Guide featuring books written by authors with ties to Chattanooga.
The Buy
The Buy
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
It seems like Chattanoogans are pretty excited about the grand opening of Raising Cane’s in Hixson today. If you’re up early, you may even win free Cane’s for a year + other prizes — check out our Instagram post to see how. Don’t worry, you can still get your fried chicken fix later in the day, too.
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