Get ready for five straight days of the best in bluegrass. | Photo by Jay Strausser via IBMA
For the first time, the most important week in bluegrass music will be right here in Chattanooga. The IBMA World of Bluegrass® is happening Tuesday, Sept. 16 through Saturday, Sept. 20.
What’s happening + when
IBMA Business Conference |Tuesday, Sept. 16-Thursday, Sept. 18
This three-day conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center will include lots of networking opportunities and career advice from industry experts.
IBMA Bluegrass Ramble | Tuesday, Sept. 16-Thursday, Sept. 18
A showcase series featuring dozens of bluegrass bands and artists will happen at several downtown venues, including Barrelhouse Ballroom, Songbirds, and Hi-Fi Clyde’s.
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards | Thursday, Sept. 18
Fans can attend this award show at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, where beloved actor and banjoist Steve Martin will co-host with Grammy winner Alison Brown.
IBMA Bluegrass Live!® | Friday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Sept. 20
This two-day festival will feature live bluegrass performances at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square.
Book Chatt Connection Downtown | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Downtown Library | Free | Take part in this drop-in, no-pressure book discussion that will give you the chance to connect with fellow book lovers.
Chicks Get Crafty: Needle Felting | 7-9 p.m. | Whiskey Cowgirl | $25 | Grab your friends for a night of needle felting — no experience needed.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Golf Night with the Lookouts | 6 p.m. | AT&T Field | $10+ | When you put baseball, golf, and $2 drink specials together, you get one night of fun.
Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery | $33.85 | Learn how to make the most of the cooler months in this hands-on gardening class.
Make and Take: Healing Salves | 6-8 p.m. | Crab Tree Farms | $42 | Discover the healing power of plants in this herbal salve workshop.
Friday, Aug. 15
Chattanooga River Games | Friday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 16 | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. | Ross’s Landing | Free | From wakesurfing and rock climbing to freestyle diving + slacklining, the largest extreme sports and music festival in the South has it all.
Business is booming in the Scenic City. Fourteen Chattanooga area companies landed a spot on Inc. Magazine’s 2025 list of the fastest-growing businesses in the country. Screen printer Tidalwave ranked No. 37 and media company Firecrown ranked No. 75. Check out the full list. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Plan Ahead
If you haven’t checked out the Chattanooga Roller Derby — you have one more chance. The league will wrap up its season this Saturday, Aug. 16 at Camp Jordan Arena. Pro tip:Tickets are cheaper if you get them in advance, but you can also buy them at the door.
Quoted
“Libraries have always been near and dear to my heart, and it turns out that our community feels the same,” said Red Bank Mayor Stefanie Dalton. That shared love is why the city commission approved funding for 200 free Chattanooga Public Library cards for Red Bank residents — first-come, first-served. (Local 3 News)
Seasonal
Get excited, Summerweeners. Next month, Ruby Falls is bringing back its “Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition.” With nothing but lanterns to light your way, you’ll wander through the eerie underground passageways of Ruby Falls while hearing spooky ghost stories. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
Sports
Chattanooga FC has a new midfielder on the pitch: Luke Husakiwsky. The UNC Charlotte standout helped his college team win its first AAC Conference Championship in 2023 and was named MVP in 2024. Catch him in action at Chattanooga FC’s next home match on Saturday, Aug. 23 against Huntsville.
Mailbag
If you’ve subscribed to our newsletter recently, you may have answered a question about your favorite Chattanooga restaurant. Recently, new reader Roberta T. gave some love to Bea’s Restaurant and readers Steven W. + Deanna B. love their sushi — they shouted out Osaka Sushi & Steakhouse and Totto Sushi & Grill.
Read
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The Buy
This summer, make every weekend count with Groupon. Score up to 70% off chef-curated experiences, wine tastings, riveting tours + attractions, spa days that melt the dress away, and more.
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 Adventurist Magazine” recently shared a list of 14 Chattanooga restaurants you don’t want to miss out on. One of my favorites — Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar — made the cut, but there are still so many I need to try. Frazier Five & Dime, I’m looking at you.
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