Whether you’re a pro-raver or a newbie to the scene, you’ll want to wait for the beat drop on this one. | Photo by @badpineapplemedia via All My Friends
The Scenic City might be known for its mountains, but there’s an ever-growing appreciation for EDM and house music happening underground + local organization All My Friends is tapping in.
Started by Co-owners Jake Pearcy and Micah Weaver + Logan Miller in charge of tech and laser productions, these three might work full-time jobs during the day, but at night, they are curating a different type of energy.
Pearcy said All My Friends actually started taking shape 2-3 years before the first show in September of 2023, when he began observing the local scene + realized it was more of a homegrown vibe without big name acts — driving EDM fans to Nashville or Atlanta performances instead.
As active festival-goers themselves, Pearcy added they want to also change the narrative that surrounds EDM and festivals — with the introduction of safety training seminars, charity events (think: hurricane relief efforts, toy drives, etc.) + facilitating a space to enjoy music and art.
“The name came from Micah because the spirit of EDM events is based in the community,” he said. “You’re building a community [...] in a welcoming, loving kind of way with the intention for people to meet people.”
One thing Pearcy wants you to know? You’ll have a unique experience + meet people you might not have otherwise.
At each one of the shows, you can expect a venue to be turned into a mini festival “where the roots are homemade,” offering live artist corners, a friendship hub, local vendors, and most importantly, a wide range of performers.
To appeal to all music lovers, there have been nights featuring anything from disco and bass music to jam bands. To date, All My Friends has brought in regional + international headliners like Amtrac, Lumasi, TRUTH, and The Widdler.
Looking to flow with a new crowd? All My Friends will host a double-hitter with artist Luci on Saturday, May 3 — starting with a pool party at Whiskey Cowgirl + ending with a late-night show at Barrelhouse Ballroom.
Events
Events
Wednesday, April 30
Low Cut Connie | 8-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $25 | Hear this rock band’s latest album “Art Dealers,” featuring songs that celebrate life on the fringes of polite society.
Thursday, May 1
Crash Course in Tarot | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $29 | Learn the meanings behind the cards to gain insight, clarity, and intuition in your readings.
Friday, May 2
Nightfall | 6-9:30 p.m. | Miller Park and Plaza | Free+ | It’s opening night of the Scenic City’s original outdoor summer concert series, featuring a market, food trucks, lawn games + music by The Bohannons and J. Roddy Walston.
Movie Night | 8-11:30 p.m. | Tennessee Riverpark Hubert Fry Center Oval | Free+ | Bring your blankets and chairs to watch a screening of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” under the stars + enjoy popcorn and lawn games.
Campfire Concert at Reflection Riding: Milele Roots | 5:30-10 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $30+ | Jam along with Reggae-inspired local band Milele Roots, and enjoy free burgers from Tremont Tavern (while supplies last) at this family-friendly concert under the stars.*
Saturday, May 3
Red Bank Jubilee | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Red Bank City Park, Red Bank | Free+ | Bring the family for a day of community fun featuring live music, a bicycle rodeo + bike giveaway, vendors, a beer garden, and more.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party | 3-7 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | Free+ | Don those big hats for an afternoon of Southern charm to sip on mint juleps, enjoy high tea food specials + see the races.
From magicians and jugglers to musicians, painters, creators, and more, talented Noogans are filling the sidewalks just in time for the sunny season.
This influx of art is all thanks to River City Co.'s Scenic City Sideshows. The local nonprofit has been helping performers find space to showcase their craft while energizing the downtown area.
The Howard School has announced an $11 million campaign to restore its auditorium into the Roland M. Carter Arts Centre. The multi-phase project will create a nationwide model + regional hub for education, creativity, entrepreneurship, and healing. Learn more at the kick-off event on Sunday, May 4 at 5 p.m. (Chattanoogan.com)
Coming Soon
Remember The Reading Room, a bar and used bookstore concept coming soon to the Brainerd area? The business has released an update on the buildout, which is on track for a late summer opening — see the progress.
Community
The Creative Discovery Museum will host a block party on Saturday, May 10 to ring in its 30th anniversary. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., kiddos and families can enjoy free interactive play + performances, food trucks, and games. Bonus: The museum will offer its original 1995 admission pricing to explore inside.
Eat
NorthShore vintage co-op Electric Crocodile is looking for food trucks to set up shop on Saturdays during the spring + summer months. Help give the customers the energy they need to shop all day long by inquiring via Facebook.
Watch
The Tennessee Aquarium will show the premiere of “Elephants, Giants of the Desert 3D” at the IMAX Theater on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. with a special talk afterward about Tennessee’s own elephant sanctuary. Bonus: You can enjoy a sensory-friendly screening on Saturday, May 31 — get tickets.
Number
25%. That’s how much of the US population of pied tamarins the Chattanooga Zoo houses — the second largest in the country. The zoo recently achieved this when resident Daphne gave birth to twins, the second welcoming of this species this year.
Plan Ahead
And at last I see the light — it’s time to have your own “Tangled” moment during the Water Lantern Festival on Saturday, July 12. This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, music + a chance to decorate and light your own lantern to float above the Tennessee River.
Travel
Mapping out your summer travel plans? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus to fuel your adventures — whether it’s luxuriating at a resort that could be seen in “The White Lotus,” or city-hopping to visit friends + fam.*
Wellness
Struggling to shed pounds?Simple is a science-backed app that helps users lose weight with habit trackers, fasting schedules, and personal coaching. Join millions who’ve already lost weight without medication, sustainably. Take the quiz to start your journey and get 50% off.*
Biz
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Pro Tip
Subscribe to 1440’s free newsletter to get unbiased global news delivered straight to your inbox every day. The concise, five-minute read covers topics of culture, business, sports, politics + more.*
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I’m always on the lookout for a good tee, especially one that captures the Scenic City. NativeMade’s “Hike Chatt” shirt has definitely made its way into my shopping cart — I mean just look how cute the hikers are.
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