The Bessie Smith Cultural Center are in new discussions this week to increase their role in the fate of the annual Bessie Smith Strut. (Photo: Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Lucky you. You just found NOOGAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Chattanooga each month.
Here’s what you can get into come March.
“Hadestown” | Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | $55+ | This Tony + Grammy Award-winning Broadway production is bringing the mythical tale of Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades, and Persephone to the Scenic City.
Holi Festival | Saturday, March 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum | Price of admission | Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant Festival of Colors, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds + flavors of India.
On your mark, get set, race to the finish line of this guide.
Photo provided by Bodies Race Co.
“Time to Paddy” | Sunday, March 9 | 8-11 a.m. | Tennessee Riverpark | $19+ | Don your green athletic apparel for this annual St. Patrick-themed run that features a 5K, 10K, kids dash + Lucky 13.1 half-marathon.
Tulip Time: Opening Day Celebration | Saturday, March 15 | 10 a.m. | Ooltewah Tulips, Ooltewah | Free+ | Kick off tulip season by picking out your own bulbs while enjoying Dutch-inspired food truck menu items, cow feeding, and more family fun.
CIVIQ | 5:30-7 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free, RSVP | Hear how designers can rethink American playgrounds in this discussion led by Meghan Talarowski, founder + executive director of Studio Ludo — register by 1 p.m. today.
FrogWatch USA Volunteer Training | 6-8 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | Free, RSVP | Learn the calls of frogs and toads native to the area + how to record and report the different species for wildlife research.
All That Jazz | 7:30 p.m. | Second Presbyterian Chattanooga | $10+ | Enjoy the jazzy sounds of Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Rodgers & Hart, Ted Koehler + more with Choral Arts.
Friday, Feb. 28
Re-Grand Opening Celebration | 5-11 p.m. | Plant Bar Chattanooga (inside of Asheville Dispensary) | Free+ | Come out to this celebration to enjoy all-you-can-drink tea, a live dance floor + Yummy Thai food specials.
Saturday, March 1
AmuseUm Junior | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum | $30 | The kiddos are invited to take a cosmic leap with the museum and explore space — from rocket launching + moon phasing to receiving an Astronaut in Training kit.
Spring Planting Event | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Heirloom Chattanooga | $5+ | Enjoy a morning of planting bulbs in vintage containers for your spring decor — additional bulbs are $1 each.
Sunday, March 2
Restorative Flow | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Key to Change Wellness Studio | $15 | End your weekend with intentional breath work, energizing movement that builds into a gentle flow, and finish with soothing yin stretches.
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For big and small businesses, it’s a smart way to connect with candidates who understand the local community and culture. Plus, hiring locally usually means a faster, smoother hiring process. Whether you’re looking for a job or trying to fill one, NOOGAtoday Job Board keeps things simple, practical, and close to home.
We’re serving this news sunny side up. Eggs Up Grill, a South Carolina-based breakfast joint, has opened in nearby Cleveland. Brought to the community by residents Alex Curtis + Giselle Cordero, you can head to the 3,850-sqft spot in the Hickory Grove Shopping Mall for classic egg-filled dishes.
Show
The stage is set for the Road to Nightfall to return in April + May. This annual battle of the bands will showcase acts who are all trying to win a spot on the main stage during the Nightfall concert series. Interested bands can sign up online.
History
UTC’s Library’s Special Collections has published a new digital collection documenting the Chattanooga Lookouts throughout their early history. The photo collection is free for public use — showing images circa 1912 to 1987 + includes players like Bobo Newsom and Rogers Hornsby. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Community
The Chattanooga Queer Climbers are celebrating two years of climbing on Sunday, March 2 at High Point Climbing. Folks can head to the Riverside location from 1 to 5 p.m. for free climbing, rental gear + belay and bouldering workshops — just RSVP.
Shop
...Or swap. The Girls Chattanooga will host a Green Party & Plant Swap on Saturday, March 29 at The Greenhouse by Oddstory. From 6 to 8 p.m., you can bring a wrapped plant (potted or a rooted clipping) + swap with others while enjoying themed drinks. Go green.
Outdoors
You’ll want to keep your eyes on the sky tomorrow, Feb. 28 to see a seven-planet parade. During the evening, you could see Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury + Saturn — just try to head to a high, low-light polluted area. The next planetary alignment won’t be until April. (USA Today)
Plan Ahead
Team registration for Ruby Falls’ annual Battle Below the Clouds opens on Monday, March 3 at 10 a.m. Slots fill up quickly for the “friendliest barbecue competition in the South,” where grill masters will go head to head on Saturday, May 3. Pro tip: Returning competitors can register now.
Number
$2,101. That’s the record-breaking price that car insurance premiums are projected to reach in 2025. Read: It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. Review Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save (maybe up to $1,300 a year).*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Number
$7,500 amount. That’s how much we’re looking to raise to support our staff and mission here at NOOGAtoday — and our fundraising ends tomorrow. If you love the free community resource you’re reading right now (we sure do), support us today with a one-time donation. See how close we are to our goal.
Category
Food
🥯 Order like these Chattanoogans
The people of Chattanooga have spoken + are schmearing their favorite bagels all over town. | Photo provided by Grabel’s Bagels
In the first installment of our new series, Foodie Favs, we asked you all what your favorite bagel was in Chattanooga, and you certainly brought the schmear. Here are some go-to orders being placed around town.
“If wanting something sweet, chocolate bagel with Oreo shmear! Savory go to is salt bagel with any shmear!” — @bethechangeyi
“My favorite I’ve had so far is the everything bagel with the garlic green onion schmear from Be Caffeinated. Haven’t had the chance to try Brothers Bagel yet.” — @dangerdragon
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