Check out the unique sculptures at the Sculpture Fields. | Photo by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Chattanooga; just look at these free activities.
Outdoors
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park | There’s no shortage of things to see in this 33-acre outdoor gallery in Chattanooga’s Southside. It’s filled with dozens of large sculptures, picnic pavilions, and walking paths.
North Chick Blue Hole | A hidden gem along North Chickamauga Creek, this natural swimming hole is perfect for a dip and outdoor adventure (if you’re brave enough to jump off the rocks into the water).
For kids
Renaissance Park | In the winter, this park is a go-to for its epic sledding hills. But in the summer? Just grab a flattened cardboard box and keep the tradition alive. You’ll also find wide-open grassy areas perfect for playing, picnicking, and exploring.
Creative Discovery Museum | Once a month, the Creative Discovery Museum hosts Free Family Night, giving families a chance to explore the museum after hours at no cost.
Take A Break | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Miller Park | Free | Step away from the monitors and take a lunch break in the park with activities and food trucks.
Stretch Your Mind: Poetry Meets Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Edney Innovation Center | Free | Stretch and release tension while sitting in a chair and completing writing prompts in this beginner-friendly, donation-based experience.
Alice Cooper | 7 p.m. | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium | $53+ | “The Godfather of Shock Rock” is bringing his theatrical performance to the Scenic City.
Friday, Aug. 22
Cave Walk: Adults-Exclusive | 8-9:30 a.m. | Ruby Falls | $29 | Discover the hidden beauty inside Lookout Mountain during this one-mile round-trip walk.
Library Late Show: Portable Vision Boards | 6-7:30 p.m. | Northgate Library | Free | The library is staying open late for teens to get creative and explore their goals with portable vision boards.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Chatt Town Cool Down | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Coolidge Park | Free | Cool off with a full day of fun featuring the Paddleboat Parade, Fireboat Splash, and a giant foam slide.
Free Beach Movie Night | 3-11 p.m. | Chester Frost Park | Free | Float in the water or stay safe on the beach where you can play cornhole, participate in a frozen T-shirt contest + settle in for a screening of “Sharknado.”
Photos courtesy Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
From lake days and road trips to cookouts and porch swings, Nooga summers are all about making memories.
While you’re soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the best parts of Scenic City living, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee is here to help protect what matters most.
With local agents who live right here in town, their friendly team offers auto, home, and life insurance that fits your Tennessee lifestyle — dependable, down-to-earth, and, most importantly, there when you need it.
Learn more about tailored insurance solutions for your auto, home, and life insurance needs, and get a free quote today.
The closure was prompted by structural damage from recent flooding. | Photo by Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors
Closed
A section of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway — between Youngstown Road and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum — is temporarily closed due to flood damage. Parks crews have installed barricades for safety. The path will reopen once repairs are complete, but no timeline has been given.
Development
For the second year in a row, Finley Stadium made $1 million in upgrades, including skybox seating, improved lighting, and a new PA/security room. Upcoming projects include a renovated first aid room, a nursing room for mothers, and a sensory room to help children calm down during events. (Chattanoogan)
Feel Good
Talk about perfect timing. A Chattanooga firefighter helped welcome a newborn baby on the side of I-75 just hours after completing his OB training. Lt. Alexander Efiom checked the baby’s airway and vital signs while waiting for EMS to arrive. By the way, everyone’s doing great. (News Channel 9)
Edu
Chattanooga 2.0 is looking for 14 AmeriCorps members for its Literacy First tutoring program, helping students in four Hamilton County elementary schools learn to read. Tutors will receive training, a living allowance, and career support. Applications are open now.
Try This
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can save a little money by seeing the Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City in one day. Single-day combo tickets are available now through Friday, Oct. 31 and they’ll save you 10 bucks. Score.
Mailbag
When we get a new NOOGAtoday reader, we always ask them about their favorite restaurant. Recently, new reader Brad F. said his favorite is OX2 Buns & Noodles on Gunbarrel Road. Dru S. gave a shoutout to Tremont Tavern on Hixson Pike, and Michelle J. shares my favorite — Boathouse on Riverside Drive.
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Our Self-Service Ad Portal makes it easy to purchase and run ads on your schedule - no back and forth, just results. | Graphic by 6AM City
Our Self-Service Ad Portal isn’t just simple. It’s your local legends’ favorite hack. From food banks and real estate pros to indie markets and arts orgs, community partners like Banker Exchange, God’s Pantry, and Urban Craft Uprising keep coming back.
Why? The portal is low lift, high return, and gatekeeper-free.
To put it simply: “I wish all advertising was this easy.” – Alana Claxton, Banker Exchange
First-time customers, use code NEW15 for 15% off at checkout.
A great way to whiten teeth from Lumineux. Go for peroxide-free whitening, which helps fight common stains from coffee, tea, and wine without leading to tooth and gum sensitivity. The starter set comes with 14 whitening strips + a two-pack of whitening toothpaste, all formulated with good-for-you Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and lemon peel oil.
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.
This one’s for the dogs. Scooter’s Coffee is celebrating National Dog Day with free treats for your pup at its Chattanooga locations (Shallowford Road and Highway 58).
This Saturday, Aug. 23, bring Fido through the drive-thru to snag a free bandana. Then go back on Tuesday, Aug. 26 — National Dog Day — for a special pup cup. Don’t say this crazy cat lady doesn’t look out for the dogs.