Plus, meet friends at these hiking events.
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Today’s Forecast

84º | 18% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:34 a.m. | Sunset 7:27 p.m.


Editor’s Pick

A group of performers stand on a stage in front of a projected background. They're engaging with the audience, exuding an upbeat, theatrical energy. Red railings surround them, adding a dynamic element.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the cult classic featuring Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter — celebrate with a screening or performance with a shadow cast. | Photo provided by Raleigh, NC’s The Rialto Theater

We see you shiver with antici...pation. Fall is here, which means “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is about to make its way through Chattanooga, bringing live performances + screenings to enjoy.

Take it from us, you don’t want these events to sell out before you get a ticket:

Events

Monday, Sept. 29

Beginner Needle Felting: Fall Pumpkin | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery | $50

Leonardo DiCaprio’s “One Battle After Another” | 6:15 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater | $10+

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Ragin’ Cajun Cooking Class | 6-9 p.m. | The Sweet & Savory Classroom | $96

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Paint + Sip Fundraiser | 6-9 p.m. | Hoptown Southside | $45

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Senior Day at the Zoo (Ages 65+) | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | Free

Networking and Neurodiversity: 2025 Celebration | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Floor Five at The Edney Innovation Center | Free, RSVP

Thursday, Oct. 2

Dread Hollow Opening Weekend | Thursday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Dread Hollow | $15+

Lily Rose: “I Know What I Want Tour” | 8-11 p.m. | The Signal | $34+
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Biz

Enter to win cash for your small biz with TVFCU’s Idea Leap Grant

Presented by Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Photo 1: A lively stage celebration with people holding oversized checks under colorful confetti. Bright lights illuminate a backdrop displaying "IDEA LEAP." Photo 2: A joyful group of 4 people wearing "Tiny Tigers" shirts holds a giant check for $30,000 from TVFCU. They smile broadly, set against a bright backdrop. Photo 3:  A group of eight people is smiling on stage, holding oversized checks, against a bright blue backdrop. Photo 4: A group of people dressed in pink stand together on stage, smiling and holding an oversized check for $10,000.
Past winners have come from a wide range of industries, including education, hospitality, healthcare, and food + beverage. | Photos courtesy Hannah Gueck
$225,000. That’s how much TVFCU’s 9th Annual Idea Leap Grant competition will provide to small businesses in 2026.

Applications are open now for small businesses in the Chattanooga, Ocoee, and Northwest Georgia regions. Each region will have a separate competition with five winners, and winning grant amounts from $10,000 to $30,000.

Eligible for-profit businesses must be based in TVFCU’s service area and have:

  • Anywhere from two to 25 employees (including the owner)
  • An annual revenue under $2.5 million
  • At least 12 months in operation

If that sounds like your business (or one you know that deserves a boost), complete the application by Monday, Oct. 27. Winners will be announced during National Small Business Week in May 2026.

Past winners in Chattanooga include Tiny Tigers Learning Center, Scenic City Therapy, Bird Fork Farm, and Cha Cha Masala Chai.
Enter + view contest details

News Notes

Mansion Monday

An eclectic home with woodland vibes just a mile from Coolidge Park? Yeah, we’re dreaming of walking through the A-frame entrance and onto floors built from trees in the area — join us on a tour.

Health

The Scenic City’s newest modern fitness + wellness studio has opened in Signal Mountain. MTHR, located on Taft Highway, is a studio designed for women and features strength, Pilates fusion, conditioning, and core classes.

Drink

Get ready to sip on potions — Creative Discovery Museum’s Drink + Discover: Mad Science Halloween event is slated for Friday, Oct. 24. Those 21+ can come dressed in costumes for a night of special activities, cocktails, small bites, and more haunted fun.

Award

Nine awards were given out at ChaTech’s TechX Awards — highlighting locals making innovative impacts + changes in the technology world. See all recipients, including UTC’s Vijayalakshmi Kumarasamy, who was recognized in two categories. (Chattanoogan.com)

Try This

Delivered by snail? Snail mail seems to be on the rise on TikTok, where folks are creating clubs to send artwork, journal prompts, stickers, and more to pen pals across the globe. If you’re wanting some flair in your inbox — check out these monthly subscriptions.

Watch

Coming to a theater near you — The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. On Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5, you can see the world premiere of Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” including the music video and behind-the-scenes footage. Get tickets to a screening in Chattanooga.

Pro Tip

Wedding registries are a great way to ensure you get high-quality china you’ll want to use everyday. Give your guests the gift of hassle-free gift giving and register at Haley Reynolds Home.*

Edu

Did you know that high school students can earn a diploma and college degree at the same time? ChattState’s Early College program allows high school students to take college courses. See how you can sign your high schooler up to get ahead + save money.*
This is your last call to take advantage of our early bird deal + get 20% off your business’s spot in our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. Use code EARLYBIRD20 before it expires on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Finance

This versatile card has quickly become a favorite for many. With no annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2026, and up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases, it’s easy to see why it stands out. Explore the perks.*

Jobs of the Week

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Cause

🍎 1 in 7 Chattanoogans is hungry right now

Presented by YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
rotating gif of people cooking in a kitchen, packing boxes of food, delivering boxes of food to community pickups
There are several ways to get involved with YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga’s efforts to address community hunger. | YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
1 in 7. That’s how many people in Hamilton County struggle with hunger. While September closes out National Hunger Action Month, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga invites the community to take action year-round to support Nooga neighbors facing food insecurity.

Some of the Y’s impact across Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia includes initiatives like:
  • Food & Fun: Over 195,000 meals and snacks served at 84 sites in summer 2025
  • Backpack Blessings: 24,000 meals provided to North Georgia students last year
  • Chattanooga Mobile Market: Fresh, affordable groceries at 14 weekly stops
  • Bingo’s Market: A healthy corner store at Patten Towers
Want to help? Here’s how you can get involved:
  • Take a cooking class at the J.A. Henry Community YMCA Teaching Kitchen
  • Volunteer to prepare, pack, or transport meals
  • Shop local, affordable produce at the Mobile Market or Bingo’s Market
  • Spread the word about volunteer opportunities on social media
Learn more + volunteer

City Guide

Fall bucket list: Meet up with fellow hikers

NOOGAtoday | River to Clouds Route
Expect rocky technical sections, scenic overlooks, tumbling mountain streams, and more on the River to Clouds Route. | Photo by Lula Lake Land Trust
Things are slowly starting to cool down in the Scenic City, making it a perfect time to hit the trails and meet some friends along the way.

Enterprise Multi-Use Trail | Difficulty: 🥾
Spend two hours on Saturday, Oct. 11 taking in the scenic surroundings + building connections with fellow Chattanooga Nature Navigators.

Lula Lake Land Trust | Difficulty: 🥾🥾
The Chattanooga Sneakers n PAWS Meetup Group is taking advantage of Open Gate Day on Saturday, Oct. 18 — bring your leashed pups for the easiest hike to the falls.

Stringer’s Ridge via Blue Trail | Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Meet up with Chattanooga Outdoor Adventures on Sunday, Nov. 2 for brunch at The Daily Ration before taking a quick walk.

River to Clouds Route | Difficulty: 🥾🥾
This one is for those liking a challenge — start training for The Whiskey Run that will take you from Lookout Mountain to Ross’s Landing this February. Plus, it doubles as a whiskey festival.

Prefer a more solo journey?
Trail behind for one

The Buy

Something to make your morning coffee ritual last longer this cool-weather season: a temperature control mug, rated 4.7 stars and currently 10% off. This smart mug lets you control your beverage’s temperature down to the degree, with auto shut-off technology after two hours.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Last week, my friend celebrated her birthday in Renaissance Park, introducing me to a pretty sweet business. Spark Sodas has been bringing the dirty soda trend around Chattanooga for almost a year now with its DIY pop-up bar. I highly recommend trying a Dr. Pepper + vanilla combo if you see them.
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