“I hope every Chattanoogan will embrace the players, staff, and fans of Auckland City FC, making them feel at home here and supporting them in their matches,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. | Photo by Auckland City FC via @mayortimkelly
In a historic milestone, the FIFA Club World Cup is coming to the US for the first time this year from Wednesday, June 11 to Saturday, July 19, and the Scenic City is getting in on the action.
The FIFA Club World Cup brings together champion clubs from across the globe. Think: Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and America’s own Seattle Sounders. This tournament is a lead-up to the FIFA World Cup — coming to North America in 2026.
Chattanooga has been selected as the official Team Base Camp host city for Auckland City FC. The New Zealand team will call the Scenic City home this summer, training at Baylor School’s state-of-the-art soccer complex + staying at the historic Read House Hotel.
Auckland FC is a dominant team, winning multiple New Zealand titles, as well as the OFC Champions League, which includes the best squads in Oceania.
For the Club World Cup, Auckland FC is part of Group C. They’ll face teams like Bayern Munich from Germany and S.L. Benfica from Portugal.
With eyes on the Scenic City for this tournament, it positions us to potentially host national teams in 2026.
Bonus: If you’re up for a short drive to Nashville, you can cheer on the team as they take on the Club Atlético Boca Juniors at GEODIS Park on Tuesday, June 24. (Make sure to say hi to NASHtoday for us.)
Basecamp | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Choo Choo | Free+, RSVP | Come out for a day of networking + professional development, followed by happy hour at Fifty Fifty Wine and Martini Bar.
Friday, April 18
Spring Junk Market | Friday, April 18-Saturday, April 19 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Locations vary, Ringgold, GA | Free+ | Uncover buried treasure at this antique + secondhand market.
Saturday, April 19
Ranunculus U-Pick Day | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Creekside Flower Farm, Chickamauga, GA | $5+ | Cut and design your own bouquet of ranunculus — each stem costs $2.
A Hunt We Will Go | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Warner Park | Free+ | Enjoy carnival games, a bunny walk, music, food, and then hunt for thousands of eggs in the park.
Create, Move, & Sculpt | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | East Lake Park | Free | Bring the family for a bilingual storytime, an egg hunt, a dance challenge, and clay activities.
Spring Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Songbirds | Free+ | Shop from the foundation’s first-ever artisan market featuring local vendors selling visual art, ceramics, jewelry, vinyl records, clothing, and more.
Chattanooga National Park City Celebration | 12-7 p.m. | Chattanooga Green at Ross’s Landing | Free | Celebrate Chattanooga becoming America’s First National Park City with this free community-focused concert to kick off Earth Week. Performance includes Cupid — creator of the iconic Cupid Shuffle.*
Thursday, April 24
The Art of Recycling: An Interactive Art Experience | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Miller Park | Free+ | Help artist J Baker complete “Terra the Turtle” using recycled materials at this interactive, upcycled art experience in Miller Park. Plus, view bicycles-turned-art pieces. Food trucks will be onsite.*
Due to recent storms in the state, the IRS announced that Tennessee taxpayers will have until Monday, Nov. 3 to file their tax returns + make payments. Additionally, tax relief is being offered through FEMA to households and those operating businesses — learn more. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Civic
In case you missed it, the new Chattanooga City Council district lines are now in effect. Pro tip: Check out this map to learn more about the changes — the red lines indicate the previous districts + the shaded regions represent the new ones.
Outdoors
Collegedale’s Imagination Station playground has reopened after receiving renovations over the winter. New additions include a modern play structure, benches, shade coverings, and picnic tables. Take a look from the sky.
Concert
RISE Chattanooga is seeking local musicians for the return of its Levitt BLOC Chattanooga Music Series. Solo artists, bands, and ensembles can join this community-centered concert series. Submit your artist profile + a performance link via email by Friday, May 30.
Film
Chattanooga award-winning film “How to Sue the Klan” is now available for free on PBS + the PBS app. Stream the film that tells the story of the Chattanooga Five and their lasting impact.
Plan Ahead
The first-ever Lookout Comedy Competition will be held at the Comedy Catch from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25. Over 30 comedians from across the country will compete for cash prizes + a local qualifier round will take place on Wednesday, May 21. Get your tickets.
Calling all small business owners. Features in our 2025 Parents Gift Guide are now 20% off. Secure a spot for your business’s product or service by using code PGG2025 at checkout.
Category
Environment
🌎 Think globally, act locally
Whether you’re planting a tree or riding your bike through the park, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Week locally. | Photo by @lifewithoutreception
Next week, community members and organizations from across the Scenic City will come together to celebrate Earth Week — a week of festivities dedicated to nature, community + sustainability.
The city’s events this year are inspired by the Chattanooga National City Park movement, featuring over 50 activities across town that work toward the movement’s efforts to make the Scenic City greener, wilder, and healthier.
Folks can see the full calendar of events taking place Saturday, April 19 through Saturday, April 26 online. There’s still time to join the celebration and add your own event on the Chattanooga National Park City website.
Really cute waterdrop earrings, with one pair of gold and one pair of silver for $12.99. The minimalist earrings hug ears + look heavy while feeling surprisingly lightweight.
Up for a hunt? Rock City is hiding one gold + one silver egg each day from Saturday, April 19 through Monday, April 21 for its guests. If you find one, you’ll win a 2025 annual pass. Happy hunting.