Today is the first day of school for many of our kids, so it seems only natural to run far, far away from summer and into the waiting arms of fall. Although it is still hot, the bees and mosquitos are still buzzing and college football is still a few weeks out of grasp, let’s dream about fall, shall we? A time where layering clothes is needed because of the weather (not because I’m trying to cover something up), a time of year where hot beverages are back in season (iced coffee should not be a thing), a time of year where the sun goes down before 10pm and tricks my darlings into an early bedtime. I digress…
Chattanooga is a breathtaking city, no matter the season, but it seems to come alive in the fall.
Maybe it’s the way the mountains surround the valley. Maybe it’s the cooler air (fingers crossed). Or maybe it’s because Chattanooga knows how to do fall right. There is a wealth of activities in Chattanooga in the fall. Maybe like me, you need to get your hopes up and plan toward what we all know is the best season of the year.
Chattanooga Market (in its various forms and locations)
The Chattanooga Market is expanding and growing! The typical 11am-4pm Sunday market runs through mid-November, at First Tennessee Pavilion across from Finley Stadium, and each week brings a different theme but the same great vendors. Now you can visit the Chattanooga Market at various locations over the weekend as well. The River Market (Saturdays) and Cambridge Square Market in Ooltewah (Friday nights) offer a different set-up than the traditional market, but there is no shortage of food trucks, live music, and local craftsmanship here in Chattanooga!
Go Fest 2017
September 23rd from 10am-3pm
The City of Chattanooga’s annual celebration of all types of ability at the Chattanooga Zoo. This free event is inclusive to all people and includes fun activities, face painting, music, and free admission to the zoo.
Hamilton County Fair
September 23-24
Held at Chester Frost Park in Hixson, the fair is everything a fair should be! Food, craft vendors, animals, entertainment on the Community Stage, and much more. There are two shuttle locations to and from the fair: Northgate Mall and Middle Valley Recreation Center.
Blowing Springs Farm
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 29 to October 29
You may come to go through the corn maze, which is great fun for the whole family, but Blowing Springs Farm is full of other fun activities as well: hayrides, petting zoo, playground, corn crib, etc.
Old McDonald’s Farm
Saturdays and Sunday from September 29 to October 29
This fully working farm in Sale Creek has great fall activities: hayride, pumpkin picking, gem mining, corn crib, petting zoo and more.
Rock City’s Rocktoberfest
Saturdays and Sundays in October
Celebrate Rock City’s German roots with some cultural activities: music, dancing, and German food!
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
October 6 and 7
Ross’s Landing
This weekend event is full of some great bluegrass and mainstream performers, and it’s FREE! Located on the water at Ross’s Landing, it sounds to me like a great place to spend a weekend.
RiverRocks Festival
October 6-21
This festival is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream! All types of outdoor athletics are here, bringing together world class athletes and amateurs to celebrate all of the active outdoor sports Chattanooga has to offer: climbing, cycling, paddling, hiking, etc. This festival runs for two weeks, with events for everyone!
Ketner’s Mill Fair
October 21-22
Whitwell, TN
This festival includes a nice drive for most of us, but the drive is well worth it. This fair includes live music, all the food possibilities you can dream of, local crafts, and a chance to see and experience some historical context of this beautiful location.
Cleveland Apple Festival
October 21-22
Cleveland, TN
Another festival full of live music, good food, and family activities — this time centered around apples! What’s more fall than that?
So find the parts of fall you love, and do those things. Go see a high school football game (or suffer through the sportsball until it’s time for the band, if that’s more your cup of tea). Take a hike. Go camping with your family and some friends. Drink a pumpkin spice latte. And maybe you can sprinkle in a few these activities as well.
What did I miss? Please comment below to add to the list!
