Plus, new traffic cams in Chattanooga.
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Today’s Forecast

86º | 16% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 7:36 p.m.


🍂 Your leaf fix by land, water, or wheels

Fall foliage on the mountains (colors like yellow, orange, red, and green) and showing the Tennessee River
Experience the wonders of fall by taking a scenic tour. | Photo via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Now that it’s officially fall, we can’t wait to see red, orange, and yellow added to Chattanooga’s color palette.

The city is expected to show out for three weeks of fall colors, from Sunday, Oct. 26 to Sunday, Nov. 16 — with peak color around Sunday, Nov. 9.

We’ve rounded up the five best ways to get your foliage fix.

🍁 Take a guided tour

If you prefer a self-guided hike, check out our hiking guide for the best trail options.

🚗 Take a scenic drive

Skip the steps and hit the road with five scenic drives recommended by our readers.

🚢 Cruise the river

If staying on land feels so last season, you can check out the leaves from the water. The Southern Belle Riverboat is offering three-hour fall foliage cruises of the Tennessee River Gorge with lunch + narration.
More ways to leaf-peep

Asked

How do you prefer to take in Chattanooga’s fall colors?

A. Take a hike
B. Go for a drive
C. Take a train ride/cruise
D. Visit a park
E. Other
Color us curious
Southeast Bank

Events

Tuesday, Sept. 23

Tuesday Matinee: The Return of the King | 2-4:30 p.m. | Downtown Library | Free

Falling for Books | 6-8 p.m. | Walker Pavilion | $20

Wednesday, Sept. 24

Community Clothing Exchange | 1-6 p.m. | Plant Bar Chattanooga | Free

Main Street Farmers Market | 4-6 p.m. | Finley Stadium | Free

Murder Mystery Book Club | 6 p.m. | Rêve Coffee & Books | Free

Mexican Street Food | 6-9 p.m. | The Sweet & Savory Classroom | $99

Thursday, Sept. 25

Noontunes: The ChattanooGuys | 12-1 p.m. | Miller Park | Free

Next Level Comedy Showcase | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Catch | $17.25

Grown Up Table for Parents | 7:30 p.m. | Southside Social | Free

Saturday, Oct. 4

John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | John C. Campbell Folk School , Brasstown, NC | $10+ | Celebrate Appalachia at the 49th Annual Fall Festival with 230 craft vendors, 29 food vendors, music, dance, demos, and hands-on activities as the Folk School kicks off its 100th Anniversary.*
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Arts

🩰 Chattanooga Ballet twirls into a new season

Presented by Chattanooga Ballet
Eight dancers wearing grey and white attire pose to form an intricate, balancing cluster against a grey background.
Chattanooga Ballet’s full 2025-26 season schedule is out now on chaballet.org/tickets | Photo courtesy Wizardly Studios
Chattanooga Ballet’s world-class company kicks off the 2025-2026 season with “ART/Current” on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5.

Tickets are on sale now for both performances, which will take place at the UTC Fine Arts Center.

The selection of ballets embody fluid athleticism, featuring a tapestry of dance styles from classical to contemporary, and works by ballet masters like Robert Joffrey + Salvatore Aiello as well as newer artists.
Get tickets

News Notes

Traffic

The City of Chattanooga installed traffic cameras on East 3rd Street near Orchard Knob Elementary and on North Moore Road near Brainerd High to slow down drivers and protect pedestrians. The speed limit is 15 mph, with flashing beacons as a warning. Speeding in those zones will come with a $50 fine. (Local 3 News)

Concert

Calling all Led Zeppelin fans: Zoso will play at The Signal this Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 7:15 p.m. With vintage instruments and a spot-on sound, they’re dubbed the ultimate Led Zeppelin experience for a reason. Table tickets are sold out, but general admission is still available.

Environment

You know those things you want to get rid of but aren’t sure belong in the trash? Enter: Recycling Roundup. This Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chattanoogans can bring electronics, tires, medications, and more to 951 Watkins St. to dispose of them safely — at no cost. (The Pulse)

Number

38,000. That’s how many pounds of trash volunteers pulled from the river during last year’s Tennessee River Rescue. Sign up to volunteer for this year’s cleanup set for Saturday, Oct. 4. There’s even a competition where fishermen “catch” trash for prizes.

Community

Now that we’re on the subject, a big catch for Soddy-Daisy ICYMI: Holly Park is getting a $250,000 upgrade thanks to a county grant. The improvements include better fishing access, new docks, shaded swings, and more spots to picnic. The project is in the design phase, so there’s no timeline for construction. (WDEF)

Pets

Is your furriest family member in need of a vaccine, microchip, nail trim, or ear cleaning? A low-cost clinic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Soddy Elementary School. Services will be first-come, first-served. Pro tip: If you can’t make it, there will be another clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Home

Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now. This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*

Travel

Hikes through colorful foliage, small-town charm, and strolls through local antique + book shops are timeless fall moments — and Clarksville, TN has it all + more. Plan a trip with these 15 nostalgic autumn experiences to see for yourself.*

Shop

Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*

Post of the Day

A man and woman, both blindfolded, sit on a bridge holding wine glasses, surrounded by wine bottles with question marks. Text reads "1st ANNUAL BLIND WINE TASTING CHAMPIONSHIP." The scene conveys anticipation and excitement.
Think you can taste the difference between a cab and a pinot? How about blindfolded?

Pedestrian Wine & Cheese is teaming up with Wine Over Water for a Blind Wine Tasting Championship this October, and yes, there are prizes on the line.

Anyone 21 and up can register to sip, swirl, and guess their way to two free tickets to Wine Over Water.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
Explore today’s deals

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

In case you forgot, IRONMAN Chattanooga is this Sunday, Sept. 28, which means 2,500+ athletes from around the world will be racing through the Scenic City.

Whether you’re planning to watch, volunteer, or steer clear of the action, check out our guide to make the most of the day.
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