See what all the Scenic City has to offer at these annual events. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Outdoor Festival
Need something to look forward to? We’ve got a dozen. Here are some of Chattanooga’s biggest events for each month of 2026.
February | Romance at Ruby
You may have traveled to this beloved landmark, but do you know the love story behind the naming of Ruby Falls? During this event, you and your boo can take a cave and waterfall tour while learning the history of the site.
March | Chattanooga Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival This one’s for the foodies. Head to Coolidge Park to enjoy drinks and bites from the area’s most popular food trucks + vendors.
April | Chattanooga Outdoor Festival
This festival that celebrates outdoor adventure, conservation, music, and community returns to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens on Saturday, April 11.
May | Running of the Chihuahuas
There’s just nothing quite like gathering with the community to see chihuahuas racing at the First Horizon Pavilion, and the costume contest is pretty great, too. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, May 2.
There’s something new coming to Southside, and it goes by the name of Bona Fide. We don’t know much about it, other than it’s going to be a restaurant and bar. Online chatter suggests it might be a pasta place going in the former Ernest Chinese spot. Stay tuned.
Learn
What are your colors? You know, the ones that express who you are. If your face is scrunched up with confusion right now, you might benefit from My Personal Pallette, a six-week class at The Chattery. The first one is tomorrow, Jan. 17. Sign up online.
Civic
Hamilton County Commission meetings will remain Wednesdays at 4 p.m. after commissioners voted to extend the trial meeting time. The commission previously met at 9:30 a.m. and shifted later last fall to improve public access. A permanent change is expected to be discussed in March. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Travel
Train travel is in for 2026. Amtrak is offering its US Rail Pass for 50% off in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The $250 promotion runs through Tuesday, Jan. 20 and includes 10 rides to 500 destinations, valid over 30 days. If you’re planning a trip, check out our Amtrak guide.
Edu
Hamilton County school board members are on the same page heading into budget season: staff pay is the top priority. At a recent workshop, every board member ranked compensation No. 1, as the district works through a tight budget and plans for next school year. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Try This
If you’ve been to a Chattanooga Symphony & Opera performance lately, you’ve probably seen the back of Ilya Ram’s head. Now you can see the front — and hear from him, too. The CSO Music Director will have a free, open conversation at The Book & Cover next Friday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.
The news coming out of the Chattanooga Airport is… nonstop. See what we did there? The airport just announced a new nonstop United flight to Denver, starting Saturday, May 23.
If you’re losing track, here’s a quick breakdown. Last week, CHA launched a nonstop United flight to Newark, and four more are coming over the next four months:
Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Allegiant Air | Thursdays + Sundays starting Feb. 12
Alright Swifties, do you feel like you know Taylor all too well? It’s time to put that knowledge to the test and fill in the blank space. Shady’s Corner is having a Taylor Swift trivia night on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Get ready for it — because the top two teams won’t just earn bragging rights, they’ll get money off their tabs.
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