My arm hurts just looking at this picture of a steinholding contest. | Photo by Chattanooga Market
Dust off the lederhosen, dirndls, and feathered hats — the 24th annual Chattanooga Oktoberfest returns to First Horizon Pavilion this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival brings German vibes to the Scenic City with bratwurst, steinholding contests, oompah music, and the famous chicken dance.
Expect dozens of local vendors, plus two beer gardens pouring local and seasonal brews. Admission is free, and guests are highly encouraged to dress in their best German attire. Prost to fall fun.
Asked
Asked
Which German beer style is traditionally served at Oktoberfest and featured by Chattanooga breweries each fall?
Downtown Chattanooga landed in the top 10 places in the US to eat well on a budget, according to a recent survey from Advance America. The ranking highlights areas “where good food is affordable and an essential part of local culture.” East Nashville also made the list.
Mansion Monday
Home is supposed to be a place to unwind — and whoever built this beautiful house on Missionary Ridge understood the assignment. With a koi pond, indoor and outdoor waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views, it feels more like a luxury spa than a house.
Seasonal
Stocking up for trick-or-treaters? In Tennessee, you can’t go wrong with Life Savers — it’s the most popular candy in the state, according to a new Instacart study. And let’s be honest: We’ll be sneaking sweets all month long — a little sugar rush pairs perfectly with October’s nonstop festivities.
Shop
Crafters, you need(le) to hear this. Shuttered retailer Joann is sort of back. Michael’s bought Joann and will launch The Knit & Sew Shop, a co-branded “shop-in-shop” across its 1,300+ stores. Cutting tables for fabric sales by the yard are planned for 650 stores by mid-October. Find your local Michael’s.
Number
96,350. That’s how many votes 32 Chunk received to win the title of Fat Bear Week 2025 champion. The huge bear won the crown for his salmon-eating dominance in Katmai National Park despite breaking his jaw earlier in the year. Hopefully, he doesn’t show up along a local trail. (The Guardian)
Today Is
National Noodle Day, a chance to celebrate the strips of unleavened dough found in dishes around the world. It’s also the perfect excuse for a bowl of ramen at Attack of the Tatsu, or one of the decadent dishes of homemade pasta at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria.
Biz
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Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietician with Nourish. Find a dietician covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan.*
The Buy
Start speaking a new language in just weeks with Babbel’s expert-made lessons. For a limited time, get lifetime access for only $239 — their best deal of the year. Hurry — these savings end tonight.
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.
“I’ll take the Honolulu Chicken with a side of white rice.” Oh, sorry — that’s just me rehearsing my order for the grand opening of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, happening today at 11 a.m. at 5118 Hixson Pike. The new spot serves up Hawaiian comfort food, and yes, there’s a drive-thru.
Pro tip: The first 100 customers will get a free t-shirt and gift card, and one lucky person will score free food for a year.