In a sea of tasseled caps, there are two types of people, the ones who are celebrating + the ones who are just trying to run errands. Here are the need-to-knows and some tips on where to celebrate or how to avoid the crowds.
Graduation services
UTC | Friday, May 2-Saturday, May 4 | McKenzie Arena | Friday, 2.30 p.m. (Graduate) + Saturday, 9 a.m., 1 p.m. (Undergraduate)
Chattanooga State Community College | Friday, May 3 | Main campus gymnasium | Collegiate High ceremony at 10 a.m. + Spring 2024 ceremony at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.
Covenant College | Saturday, May 4 | Convention Center | 3 p.m.
Bonus: Here’s a picture from when Editor Haley graduated from UTC in 2020.
Photo by @mariellejaimedia
Want to know how to avoid the crowds? Look no further.
Places to wine + dine
Folks can expect crowds at local spots like Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria, Champy’s, Two Ten Jack, etc. — check out these instead.
1885 Grill | 3914 St. Elmo Ave. | Tucked away in St. Elmo, this southern coastal grill could be a great escape from downtown.
Lakeshore Grille | 5600 Lake Resort Ter. | Take a scenic drive around Chickamauga Lake to this casual French-inspired restaurant.
Taco Mamacita | 2031 Hamilton Pl Blvd. | Luckily, this local joint’s new location is now open over in the Hamilton Place area, so you can still get your taco + margarita fix without going downtown.
Note: Large wait times are to be expected everywhere around downtown — be prepared and call ahead. You can also check reservations for some spots here.
Fun events
If you’re not celebrating a grad this weekend, but still want to go out around town, there are plenty of options.
Shakespeare in the Park | Friday, May 3-Saturday, May 4 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Greenway Farm Park, 5051 Gann Store Rd., Hixson | Free+ | Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to watch a local production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Comedy of Errors.”
Red Bank Jubilee | Saturday, May 5 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | City of Red Bank Park, 3817 Redding Rd., Red Bank | Free+ | Listen to a local bluegrass group, enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, and more.
Mother’s Day Market | Sunday, May 5 | 12 a.m.-6 p.m. | Cottonwood Farm, 4458 Michigan Ave Rd. NE, Cleveland | Free+ | Escape the graduates by taking your family for a quick drive to nearby Cleveland to enjoy market shopping.
Note: The Chattanooga Market is hosting its Strawberry Festival on Sunday, May 5 — expect larger crowds due to relatives staying in town.
