Put those hands to creative use and meet a new community to engage with in the Scenic City. | Photo via Chattanooga Bluebird Society
City Editor Haley hobbing in here — I asked our fellow readers earlier this month if they wanted to join me in finding a new hobby or club. Now, with the help of their suggestions + the top creative hobbies to enjoy in 2025, we’re crafting a guide of our own.
🐦 Outdoors + preservation
Chattanooga Bluebird Society Looking to help the bluebirds of Chattanooga? As suggested by Diane S., president of the group, this club is volunteer-driven + works to build birdhouses and install them around our local parks and schools for free.
🪚 DIY home decor
Woodcraft of Chattanooga Reader Louise S. asked if there were any local apprenticeships or classes to learn how to flip furniture and use power tools. Keep an eye out for upcoming classes from this spot on Brainerd Road — from woodworking fundamentals to power carving + wood burning.
🎶 Music
Midsouth Symphonic Band Suggested by reader Megan H., this community-driven ensemble is comprised of professional musicians, retirees, students + teachers and has been creating music together since 1990.
ChattaBrunch Food Tour | Times vary | Historic Southside | $55+ | Travel to three local spots along the city’s Historic District to enjoy food, art, history + mimosas.
Friday Night Art Club | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $25 | Bring a project you’re working on or use the self-directed activities to spark your inspiration.
Saturday, Jan. 25
‘Cacheing in’ | 1-3 p.m. | Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA | Free | Meet up with members of Team Bearcat to learn the basics of Geocaching before searching for over 25 Geocaches around the park.
Sufiana Suroor Qawali Night | 7-11 p.m. | Chattanooga Convention Center | $40+ | Experience a night of Qawali — a musical expression that originated during the 13th century in today’s India + Pakistan — with renowned artists.
Atmosphere | 8 p.m. | The Signal | $47 | This hip-hop duo hailing from Minnesota will stop in the Scenic City on their “Imagine the Fun” tour, bringing special guests Sage Francis + Mr. Dibbs along.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Fireside Mocktails | 2-5 p.m. (CST) | Bird Fork Farm, Dunlap | $35+ | In celebration of Dry January, this workshop is designed to teach the basics of building interesting non-alcoholic drinks while enjoying snacks by a warm fire.
Up your sleepy-time mocktail game with this fan-favorite brownie batter flavor. | Photo provided by Beam Organics
Feeling drained, unfocused, and irritable after a restless night without sleep? We’ve been there.
But did you know long-term, poor sleep can lead to serious health risks?
Enter:Beam Dream, a delicious nighttime drink with CBD, magnesium, melatonin, and other natural ingredients clinically proven to promote deeper sleep and refreshed mornings.
The best part? Use code 6AM at checkout to save up to 40% on this guilt-free addition to your bedtime routine.
Hamilton County Health Department will officially close its Soddy-Daisy clinic on Monday, June 30. The clinic has been running for 30 years + the decision was made to allow the department to free up resources for a mobile clinic that will travel across the county. See alternative sites.
Cause
Preserve Chattanooga has put out an advocacy alert on Facebook for a historic building on Market Street that is in the works to become a Drury Hotel. The building (which formerly housed Sportsbarn Fitness) was built in 1886 + Preserve Chattanooga hopes to have the facades integrated into the final designs.
Sports
The Chattanooga Lookouts have announced its coaching staff for the 2025 season. Notably, Jose Moreno will spend his fourth year as the team’s manager + Joel Bonnett will join as this year’s new pitching coach — after spending three years with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Biz
Yellow Racket Records will now be a part of the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS) — a coalition of some of the greatest record retailers across the nation. The partnership with AIMS will bring more CDs to the shop, weekly featured releases + new aspects on the website to enjoy.
Listen
Internationally recognized + known as being one of the leading violinists in his generation, Benjamin Beilman will play a String Theory performance at The Hunter Museum of American Art on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Get your tickets online to hear three compositions with the help of other artists.
Community
ArtsBuild is seeking grant reviewers for four of its grant programs. The commitment will be from mid-February through March + includes a one-hour Zoom training, roughly two weeks to score applications on your own time, a two-hour review panel on Zoom, and a $100 VISA gift card. Inquire via email.
Beauty
Curious if cosmetic surgery is the right choice for you? Connect with the trusted, board-certified specialists at Erlanger Cosmetic Surgery. Backed by 60+ years of experience enhancing Chattanooga’s natural beauty, they’re here to help you explore your options. Learn more.*
Travel
Skip expensive airline tickets + opt for a fun and affordable family road trip instead. With Outdoorsy, you can rent an RV for as little as $47 per night. Learn more.*
The Buy
The Buy
The internet’s favorite lip balm: Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask, which quenches dry lips overnight like magic. Try Laneige’s partner product, the Lip Glowy Balm, for the same moisturizing benefits on-the-go throughout the day.
I love learning about our local clubs and how you all build your communities. I think I’m gonna challenge myself to attend more of Common House’s social events for members this year — they even have their own Craft Club series.
}})
