Spring has sprung and with it come all the festivals! Chattanooga is coming alive with festival activities for late spring and summer.
Chattanooga is an event town. We love and embrace them all, no matter how weird they may be. With such beautiful spaces to spread out and put on a good concert or rally around something like bluegrass or bacon (yep, read ahead…), Chattanooga has something for just about every kind of enthusiast.
Check out all of the spring and summer festival options below!
4 Bridges Art Festival
April 17-19
The 4 Bridges Arts Festival has cultivated and inspired an appreciation for the visual arts by bringing in artists from around the country to interact with our local community and display and sell their work.
Bug-a-Paluza 2025
April 11-12
Camp Jordan Park, East Ridge TN
Begun in 1999, Bug-a-Palüza has grown from a handful of enthusiasts spending a Sunday afternoon in the dealership parking lot to one of the largest annual VW events in the region.
Since 2008, Bug-a-Palüza has donated over $150,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, which goes to help local families of critically ill and injured children. Consider helping them even more by making a donation today!
Sweet Tea and Sunshine Festival
April 18-19
Greenway Park and Pavilion, Cleveland, TN
Enjoy over 150 vendors, games, pony rides, petting zoo, food trucks, inflatables, trackless train rides, entertainment on stage and more!
FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING! Rain or shine!
National Cornbread Festival
April 25-26
South Pittsburg, TN
Play games, ride carnival rides, and enjoy wandering through the booths that line the streets of historic South Pittsburg. Enjoy cornbread, handmade arts and crafts. Taste Southern, artisan treats like honey, fudge, and rock candies. The festival is packed with great family fun – including a Kid’s Corner with games, face painting, and inflatables!
Chattanooga River Market Opening Weekend
March 7
Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, downtown Chattanooga
At Chattanooga Market, it’s either grown, baked, sewn or made by vendors as it’s a producer only market. Admission is always free and check the other Chattanooga market locations around town.
Nightfall
Each Friday starting May 1-July 31
Miller Plaza, Downtown Chattanooga
Nightfall is typically a free concert series held outdoors at Miller Plaza, rain or shine. Headlining acts begin at 8pm with local opening acts starting at 7pm.
We Make Festival
May 9
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
The main event takes place Saturday, May 9th, from 11 am – 3 pm at Sculpture Fields with a free, family-friendly festival complete with international food, student art exhibits, and activities. Attendees can also expect live entertainment plus a variety of art cars from fun to fabulous, lined up around the park among the sculptures for everyone to enjoy.
Chattanooga Taco Festival
September 25 – 27
Camp Jordan
Shop over 175 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, trackless train rides, entertainment on stage, and everything TACO!
Tennessee Strawberry Festival
May 4-9
Dayton, TN
We have something fun for everyone! Pageant, parade, carnival, and more! Check the schedule to get more details on your favorite part of the Strawberry Festival.
JFest
May 16
Tennessee Riverpark, Chattanooga TN
JFest serves two main purposes: to provide wholesome entertainment for the whole family and to evangelize those seeking hope.
1890 Days Jamboree
May 22-23
Historic Downtown Ringgold GA
This small-town street festival has been taking place for over 40 years. The event features food, arts, and crafts vendors, live music on multiple stages, a parade, classic car show, and a fireworks display Saturday night. Admission is FREE and all events are family friendly.
Fairy and Folk Festival
May 22-24
Chattanooga Audubon Society
Whether you’re young or young at heart, the Fairy & Folk Festival promises a day filled with wonder, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Join us as we come together to celebrate the magic of nature and the timeless allure of folklore.
The Walnut Street Bridge Festival
June 7
Coolidge Park
Join us as this beloved community event returns for its 4th year strong at Coolidge Park! Even while the bridge is under construction, the fun doesn’t stop — we’re bringing the excitement back once again for a family-friendly, high-energy celebration you won’t want to miss.What to Expect:
🍔 Delicious Food Vendors
🛍️ Unique Merchandise & Local Business Vendors
🎶 Live Entertainment & Music Throughout the Day
🎉 Big KidZone featuring:
Bounce Houses
Trampoline rides
Face painting
Horse rides
And much more!
Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival
October 2-3
Ross’s Landing Chattanooga
The 3 Sisters Festival honors the musical legacy of bluegrass fiddler Fletcher Bright, by offering a free two-day festival to the community that features some of the biggest names in traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, come early and stay late for the best in bluegrass – Cop
Bessie Smith’s Big 9 Music Fest
June 20
200 E MLK Blvd
We celebrate Bessie Smith’s big 9 music fest to honor the powerful legacy of music, history, community, and freedom. Held in the heart of what was once 9th street, the festival uplifts the spirit of Juneteenth and black music month by paying tribute to the voices, rhythms, and resilience that shaped our city. This vibrant weekend not only commemorates the struggles and triumphs of the past but also celebrates the enduring influence of black artists and the unifying power of music in our community.
Chattanooga Summer Cocktail Festival
May 9
First Horizon Pavilion
Chattanooga Cocktail Festival brings together top distilleries shaking up icy, bright, summer-inspired drinks that taste like sunshine in a glass. Think juicy citrus, tropical splashes, and cool-you-down creations made for long summer nights. Live music keeps the good vibes rolling with feel-good jams. When hunger hits, grab a bite from one of our delicious food trucks serving everything from festival favorites to chef-driven specialties. And don’t miss the Mixology Showcase, where some of your favorite bars show off their craft with inventive cocktails, clever flavor pairings, and summertime twists.
Chattanooga Margarita Festival
August 1
First Horizon Pavilion
The Chattanooga Margarita Festival brings together the city’s favorite restaurants and bars as they shake, stir, and serve their signature margaritas — all competing for the title of Best Margarita in Chattanooga. Whether you like your margs salted, spicy, frozen, or fruity, you’ll find your perfect pour here. Entry includes 10 mini margaritas, so you can taste your way through the competition and vote for your favorite.
Enjoy music from the DJ, capture the moment at the Margarita Fest photobooth, and join in on fun giveaways throughout the night. Local food vendors will be serving up delicious bites (available for purchase) to keep you fueled between sips.
Bacon and Barrel Festival
September 26
First Horizon Pavilion
Let’s get hog-wild as we bring together bacon-loving local restaurants and barrel-aged spirits from around the world to savor an evening of southern indulgence. Your Bacon & Barrel ticket includes unlimited samples of signature bacon-themed dishes and 12 whiskey samples, plus live music, fun photo ops, and more. Beer, wine, and full-sized cocktails will be available for purchase at the bar. Go VIP for unlimited access! This event supports Chattanooga Market, so every sip counts.
