Folks of all ages are welcome to enjoy this outdoor concert series. | Photo provided by Riverfront Nights
Ready to enjoy live music by the Tennessee River and under the stars once again? Riverfront Nights, a free outdoor concert series at Ross’s Landing, will kick off on Saturday, May 31 + will run through Saturday, Aug. 30 — an expanded run compared to years past.
The outdoor concert series recently released this year’s lineup, so get ready to make your plans for those upcoming summer Saturday nights, rain or shine.
Pro tip: Arrive at Ross’s Landing early for good parking + to ensure your spot near the stage.
Photo provided by Riverfront Nights
While you can view the full breakdown for each day online, we’re sharing which tribute bands + local talents we don’t want to miss.
June 14 | Sister trio Call Me Spinster will open for Sourthern rock artist, Paul Thorn Band
July 12 | Back 2 Mac will return to the Scenic City — we hope they play “Silver Springs” + “Rhiannon” — with local band Dock Party
July 26 | Local rock band Wayward Hearts will open + The Kings of Queen will surely bring the Riverfront down with “Another One Bites the Dust”
Aug. 23 | Paul Childers will warm up the crowd before the Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience brings its “Thriller” performance
What Chattanooga-themed tribute band would you want to see take the stage at Riverfront Nights?
A. CAKE: The Little Debbie Experience B. The Chicks-amauga: The Ultimate Dam Tribute C. The Trainers: A Tribute to the Choo Choo D. Falling for Ruby: The Ruby Falls Experience E. The Black Market: The Ultimate Market Street Jam Band
Spring Book Sale | Friday, March 21-Saturday, March 22 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free+ | Shop hundreds of books at discounted prices to support the library’s programming and events.
Meacham Writers’ Workshop | 5-7 p.m. | Stove Works | Free | Join local literary talents Mark Cox, Bret Lott, Sybil Baker, Richard Jackson + Earl Braggs for a reading and reception.
They Might Be Giants | 8 p.m. | The Signal | $47 | This alternative rock and children’s band returns to the road, bringing their ever-evolving show to the Scenic City.
Saturday, March 22
Bird Banding | 9-11 a.m. | Chattanooga Audubon Society | $3+ | Learn how to document the birds you see in your own backyards + enjoy birding walks, bird banding, and bird-themed crafts.
Intro to Beekeeping | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Crabtree Farms | $35 | This workshop will introduce you to the key concepts of beekeeping from basic bee biology + beekeeping equipment to honey extraction and the costs involved.
Chattanooga Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival | 12-6 p.m. | Coolidge Park | $5+ | Try food from over 20 trucks + wash it down with ice-cold craft beers while enjoying lawn games, music, and more family fun.
Spring Equinox | 3-6 p.m. (CDT) | Bird Fork Farm, Dunlap | $45+ | Celebrate the start of a new season with Imbolc — the traditional Irish fire festival marking the Earth’s awakening.
Sunday, March 23
Cheese and Coffee Pairing | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 330 Main | $35 | Try four cheeses from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop paired with four uniquely selected and brewed single origin coffees.
The near-final draft design of the Evolving Our Riverfront Parks plan will be revealed at a Community Open House on Thursday, March 27. You can head to the Tennessee Aquarium River Journey building to see the designs and leave feedback from 4 to 7 p.m.
Sports
For the first time in Scenic City history, the Chattanooga FC go head-to-head with the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Wednesday, April 2. This game will kickoff at 7 p.m. at Finley Stadium + determine which team will continue through the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup — get tickets.
Coming Soon
Shey Natural Health Bar, a natural health + juice bar, will open its first in-store location at B.O.O.M — the Black/Brown Owned + Operated Marketplace being brought to the community by RISE Chattanooga. Follow along on Instagram for updates on when this Glass Street shop will open.
Outdoors
The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Chattanooga a 2024 TreeCity USA. This recognition is awarded based on cities that have a tree board/department, a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry + participate in an Arbor Day celebration.
Biz
McKay’s has announced it will temporarily close its doors for renovations starting Monday, March 31 through Thursday, April 3. The used bookstore will reopen at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 4. Looking for a book in the meantime? Try something written by a local author.
Active
While the Ironman 70.3 in May is sold out, athletes who want to compete in the annual triathlon can now register for the Sept. 28 competition. From running on the Walnut Street Bridge + swimming through the Tennessee River to biking rolling trails — be a part of the action.
Plan Ahead
In case you missed it, tickets are on sale for Chattanooga Room In the Inn’s ChattaDerby — and they’re going as fast as a thoroughbred with only ~26 left. Snag your ticket to enjoy the big hat festivities on Saturday, May 3.
Get ready to see the blooms at Rock City Gardens. | Photo provided by Rock City
For 93 years, florals from redbud trees to golden daffodils have bloomed across the gardens at this Lookout Mountain destination. Now, Spring at Rock City is bringing even more growth — in the form of new programs.
Don’t miss:
Daily pop-up acts along Legacy Lane — think: Matt Downer + other string musicians
Speaking of Legacy Lane, keep an eye out for Mossbeard, a new character played by Jerry-the-Mime
New 90-minute guided tours exploring original pathways, untold stories + more
Riverfront Nights always signals the true start of summer in the Scenic City for me. I for one will be a dancing queen on Saturday, June 28 during the ABBA experience + channeling my inner Donna Sheridan.
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