Get ready for this “summer camp for cinephiles” return, bringing horror and eclectic shorts + features to the screen. | Movie still via Chattanooga Film Festival
As seasoned goers of the Chattanooga Film Festival, we reely can’t wait for its return Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22 — this time, going back to its roots + taking over the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
To help you get prepared, we’re dropping important info and recommendations to navigate this in-person and virtual film festival.
Editor picks (based off of film titles + vibes)
“The Craft” | 101 minutes | English | In-person (psst — you’ll get to meet screenwriter Peter Filardi)
“OBEX” | 91 minutes | English | In-person
“Crossword” | 96 minutes | English | Virtual
“Pavements” | 128 minutes | English | In-person
“Did My Heart Love Till Now” | 15 minutes | English | Virtual
“The Spirit of Halloweentown” | 95 minutes | English | Virtual
“The Misadventures of Vince & Hick” | 108 minutes | English | Hybrid — you’ll be the first to see this film during its world premiere
Fun fact: The film festival has banned submissions that use AI software. “We felt a serious responsibility to work harder than ever before to shine a spotlight on independent filmmakers and projects this year,” said Festival Director + Lead Film Programmer Chris Dortch II.
Summer Movie Series | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Patriot Hall, Ringgold, GA | Free+ | Watch a Tuesday matinee of “The Parent Trap” + enjoy $2 concessions.
Community Spark | 5-8 p.m. | The Commons, Collegedale | Free+ | Bring the family along for games, inflatables, giveaways, and food trucks.
Wednesday, June 18
Summer Book Sale | Wednesday, June 18-Friday, June 20 | Times vary | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free+ | Peruse loads of books, vintage bookmarks, and vintage magazines for sale — $5 bag sales will start on Saturday.
Thursday, June 19
Scenic City Summit | Thursday, June 19-Friday, June 20 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Convention Center | $99+ | Chattanooga’s largest tech conference will return with hands-on workshops, expert-led talks, and networking.
Friday, June 20
Summer Solstice Magic Candle Bar | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Almanac Supply Co. | $15+ | Drop in anytime to craft your own seasonal ritual candle using herbs, crystals, and oils.
Tennessee American Water was awarded the 25th Partnership for Safe Water, recognizing water quality excellence at its Citico Water Treatment Plant. The plants generates ~40 million gallons a day to be distributed to communities around Chattanooga + Northern Georgia.
Number
20,000. That’s how many sports tourists are projected to visit Chattanooga this weekend ahead of the Scenic City Summer Fastpitch Softball Tournament. Kicking off on Thursday, June 19, 470 softball teams will compete through bracket match-ups.
Tech
UTC will host a Quantum Technology Workshop Monday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 25 at the Multi-Disciplinary Research Building. The event features panels, workshops + lab tours with internationally recognized scientists, researchers, and industry leaders.
Community
Hey vendors, get ready to pop in for this one. The Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department is planning for Pops on the River to return to Coolidge Park in July. Apply to be a food + beverage or a creative community vendor — spaces are limited.
Try This
Travel ~45 minutes out of Chattanooga to experience Yoga Fest at Isha on Saturday, June 21. Attendees will enjoy beginner-friendly guided yoga + meditation, live vegetarian cooking demos, hikes, music, and more. RSVP for free.
“Rigatoni nicotera at Boccaccia.” — Ann H. + Sarah M.
“All of the linguini dishes in Boccaccia are good, and the owner Luciano is an excellent person who enjoys sitting + talking with his guests. Classic place, only in Chattanooga. " — Mark M.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The White Duck Taco Shop officially quacked open on McCallie Avenue last week, and I got to stop in for a bite. See what was on my plate + what will be coming soon to the space — it opens back up today.