If you’d like to see cars like this 1963 Chevy, discount tickets are sold at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. | Photo via World of Wheels Auto Show
New year, new month, new adventures — here are the top events you won’t want to miss in January.
World of Wheels Auto Show | Friday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 11 | Times vary | Chattanooga Convention Center | $5+ | Check out one of the South’s biggest auto shows featuring custom cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and more.
Lookout Wild Film Festival | Thursday, Jan. 15-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | UTC Fine Arts Center, Roland Hayes Concert Hall | $43+ | This powerful film festival celebrates adventure, conservation, and the people connected to wild places.
The screen at UTC’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall will be twice the size of last year’s.
Photo via Lookout Wild Film Festival
“Kinky Boots” | Friday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | $55+ | Grab tickets to this Broadway hit filled with catchy songs, colorful characters, and an unlikely friendship.
“Star Wars: A New Hope” in Concert | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $60+ | The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will bring Star Wars to life with an orchestral performance of John Williams’ legendary score.
Taconooga in North Shore closed its doors on Friday, Dec. 26 after 12 years in business. The Frazier Avenue spot was known for its Mexican street food. No reason was given for the sudden closure. (Local 3 News)
Environment
Three new Chattanooga neighborhoods can now participate in curbside compost and glass collection. Residents living in Missionary Ridge (Zone 4), Ridgedale (Zone 5), and Highland Park (Zone 6) can sign up online.
Try This
When it’s time to get the Christmas tree out of your home, you can take it to any of the five recycling centers across Chattanooga. Like to keep the decorations up for a little while? Don’t worry — they’ll be accepting trees through Saturday, Jan. 31.
Do you have a New Year’s resolution? This is your last chance to share — we’ll let you know what other readers said in tomorrow’s newsletter.
Arts
Anonymous unsent letters — collected at pop-up mailboxes across the city — were the inspiration behind original pieces by 13 Chattanooga artists. If you’d like to check them out, RSVP to The Inexpressible Contained exhibit opening this Friday, Jan. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at ClearStory Arts.
Drink
Need a pick-me-up? A new, locally owned Scooter’s Coffee has opened at 5970 Brainerd Rd., and it’s celebrating with a grand opening this Friday, Jan. 2, featuring free drinks for the first 100 customers + other giveaways. For those counting, this is the sixth Scooter’s Coffee in Chattanooga. (Chattanoogan)
Our Job Board has 240,000+ active job listings. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Featured Deal
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Category
🥂 Party like it’s 2026
Or, you can party like it’s 1926 at The Read House Hotel. | Photo via The Read House Hotel
If you’re looking for last-minute New Year’s Eve plans, these five parties still have tickets available:
Moxynooga Eve | 7 p.m.-1 a.m. | Moxy Chattanooga | $99+ | This party promises live beats, good eats, and lots of entertainment.
The Phoenix NYE Celebration | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | Marriott Downtown | $150+ | Wear your red and gold and rise into 2026 with a celebration featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Midnight on Mitchell: NYE Celebration | 8:30-12:30 a.m. | Common House | $50 for non-members | Expect live music, dancing, a champagne tower toast, and a balloon drop.
Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Party | 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | The Read House | $230 | Dress to the nines and step back into the Roaring 20s with live jazz, dancing, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.
New Year’s Eve at The Edwin Hotel | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Whiskey Thief | $200 | Celebrate 2026 from a rooftop with DJ MillionDolla Man and fireworks views.
Ten minute daily language lessons, on sale for 65% off with Babbel’s New Year’s Sale. Unlock expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practice to make learning a new language feel easy and actually stick — it’s a smart way to kick off the year with a habit you’ll be proud you started.*
Welcome back, NOOGA. Did ya miss us? We sure missed you. During our break, I brainstormed some story ideas for 2026. As I work on my newsletter plans for the new year, I’d love to hear what YOU want to see in the newsletter.
Send me an email detailing an event that you’re excited about in 2026, something you want to see more of in 2026, something you want us to keep doing in 2026, or anything else you want to share.
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