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 April.
Hug a Bunny | Friday, April 18-Saturday, April 19 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | Price of admission | Take photos with the Easter Bunny, pet rabbits, and keep an eye out for the hidden golden egg to win a free family membership to the zoo.
Opening Weekend at the Chattanooga Market | Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | First Horizon Pavilion | Free+ | It’s the 25th season of this beloved market where you can shop farm fresh produce, artisanal foods, flowers, art, and more while listening to live music + eating food from local vendors.
“Hamilton” | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | $150+ | You don’t have to “wait for it” much longer, this Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda is coming to the stage in the Scenic City.
Take home your own souvenir wine glass after the festival is over.
Photo provided by Chattanooga Market
Sip Chattanooga Wine Festival | Saturday, April 19 | 12-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | $10+ | Sip on Tennessee-made wines and chat with the owners and winemakers.
423 Day Festival | Sunday, April 20 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Miller Park | Free+ | Celebrate the City of Chattanooga’s past, present, and future while enjoying music, art, and food.
Mountainside Yoga | 6 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $8+ | Spend a guided 60-minute flow focusing on mindful movement, breathing, and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Tuesday, March 25
Home Buying and Selling Essentials | 6:30-8 p.m. | Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, Cleveland | Free | Head to this seminar to ask local experts questions about home buying, selling, inspections, and finances.
Wednesday, March 26
Crafting Night | 5-7:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free | Relax, create, and connect with other crafters while working on your latest project.
Thursday, March 27
1964 The Tribute | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $35+ | See a performance by the “best Beatles tribute on Earth” according to Rolling Stone magazine.
Friday, March 28
S’mores & Sounds | 6-8 p.m. | Red Bank City Park, Red Bank | Free | Bring your friends and family to enjoy s’mores by the fire while listening to music by Nina Ricci.
An Evening with Author Kandi Steiner | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Daily Ration | Free+ | Join fellow romance readers for an evening with author Kandi Steiner at The Daily Ration to celebrate the release of her newest novel, “Save Your Breath."*
Parkridge Medical Center has been named Healthgrades’ 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient. This recognition is given to the top 10% of hospitals based on patient outcomes, showcasing a commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care. Bonus: This isn’t the only award Parkridge has received — see for yourself.
Seasonal
The Easter Bunny has hopped over to Hamilton Place Mall and right into a newly renovated garden. You can reserve your seasonal photo shoot online now through Saturday, April 19 — including pet-friendly photos offered on Mondays. Bonus: If you need inspo, check out City Editors Kristen + Haley’s poses.
Biz
Department store company Kohl’s recently announced it will add a Sephora inside 100+ stores this year, including two within the Chattanooga area. The beauty retailer will open at the Gunbarrel Road and Highway 153 locations by the end of the month.
Outdoors
Spring’s arrival means summer is just around the corner — and the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department is looking for lifeguards. Those ages 15+ can apply online to work up to 40 hours a week at one of the four city-owned pools.
Drink
Happy National Cocktail Day, Chattanooga. Just because it’s Monday doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with a post-work drink — we recommend trying the mojitos at State of Confusion.
Eat
Patio season just got tortilla-y better. The St. Elmo eatery Little Coyote will begin offering weekend lunch starting Saturday, March 29. Every Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be able to enjoy smoked meats and fresh tortillas from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bonus: Check out 30+ more ways to enjoy your meals al fresco.
Arts
AIA Chattanooga will host Designing Together, a sculpture and mural tour event, on Tuesday, April 8. Attendees will be taken to see Sculpture Fields at Montague Park + the murals on MLK Boulevard and in NorthShore starting at 5 p.m. — RSVP via email.
Pets
In honor of National Pet Day, bring your furry friend to Greenway Farm in Hixson for a free movie screening of “The Garfield Movie” on Friday, April 11. Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be games, music, and treats.
Mansion Monday
An in-ground heated pool? Yes, please. This 8,963-sqft home at The Enclave at Riverview has hit the market. Take a tour of the 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom home that features a home theater, gourmet kitchen, and a 4-car garage.
Looking to save on groceries? Through Monday, March 31, new Sam’s Club Members can join for $25 — half off the regular price — plus get a free 16” pizza on their first visit.*
The Buy
The Buy
A set of really good kitchen shears. Cut meat, fish, vegetables, and more with these scissors designed with a heavy-duty blade, built-in fish scraper, steel compression spring, and non-slip handle.
What can $10 get you for a late-night meal? Chashu sliders, a Sapporo draft, and a house sake from Attack of the Tatsu. See what else $10 or less can get you to eat in the Scenic City.