Southside’s MAINx24 celebration in 2021

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — MAINx24. With over 100 events taking place this year, we’re breaking down the need-to-know info to prepare you for the best 24 hours in Chattanooga.

What, when + why

MAINx24 is an annual, 24-hour celebration in Chattanooga’s Southside that started in 2007. The event will kick off this Saturday with the MAINx24 parade at 10:30 a.m.

The original purpose of MAINx24 was to encourage people to return to the Southside as it started to change + grow. Now, the celebration is the biggest revenue day of the year for Southside businesses. It also benefits local nonprofits + has been deemed “the best day ever” by locals.

Pro Tips

• This year, MAINx24 won’t start with the usual fire hall pancake breakfast — instead, the event will kick off with the Official MAINx24 parade sponsored by EPB.

• The most concentrated area for events will be at Broad + Central Avenue, but there will still be a myriad of events happening throughout the Southside.
• Several Southside organizations are partnering with a bus shuttle to bring people to the East Main part of town, too — the shuttle will run a loop from 1:45-5:15 p.m. from Southside Pizza to East Main.
• MAINx24 volunteer Monica Kinsey recommends showing up early to pick up donuts from Niedlov’s or biscuits at Main Street Meats (both will sell out quickly), before claiming a spot to watch the parade.
• This year, there will be a new space with lots of activity on Station Street.
• Volkswagen is sponsoring crossing guards + volunteers to help keep Main Street safe.

Events to look out for

• Southerly Wreath Pop-up | 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Green Spaces
• HiFi Clyde’s Block Party | 10 a.m.-1 a.m. on Sunday, HiFi Clyde’s
• College Gameday Central | 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., FEED Co.
• Chili Cookoff | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 326 E. Main St.
• Cheese & Charcuterie Cones + 4-year anniversary | 12-2 p.m., Bleu Fox Cheese Shop
• Adult Big Wheel Race | 12-3:30 p.m., Station Street lot
• Chromesthesia | 1-2:30 p.m., 1404 Cowart St.
• MAINx24 Brewfest | 1-5 p.m., Market South parking lot
• Humanaut’s props sale | 2-5 p.m., 1404 Cowart St.
• Wanderlinger staying open the full 24 hours for its anniversary

You can check out all of the MAINx24 events here.