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!
Bug-a-Paluza 2024
April 13-14
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!
Bessie Smith’s Big 9 Music Fest
April 13-14
200 E MLK Blvd
Two days full of free family fun on the lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center featuring local talent, art vendors, and food!
4 Bridges Art Festival
April 19-21
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.
Sweet Tea and Sunshine Festival
April 27-28
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 27-28
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 Market Opening Weekend
April 27-28
First Horizon Pavilion, 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.
And even better — most weeks are themed — from peaches to tomatoes and strawberries! Enjoy some homegrown and homemade goodies right in the middle of the city every Sunday.
Chattanooga Taco Festival
May 4-5
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 6-11
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 18
4501 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga TN
JFest serves two main purposes: to provide wholesome entertainment for the whole family and to evangelize those seeking hope.
Fairy and Folk Festival
May 24-26
Chattanooga Audobon 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.
1890 Days Jamboree
May 24-25
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.
Nightfall
Each Friday starting May 24-August 30 (summer plans are still in progress)
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. Last summer was virtual, but still showcased some great local talent. We can’t wait to hear what they have planned for this year!
Bluegrass Festival
June 1
Coke Ovens Park, Dunlap, TN
Over 3 decades of bluegrass at the historic Coke Ovens Park!
National Day of Caves and Karst
June 6
Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, GA
Ruby Falls celebrates National Day of Caves and Karst! Visit Ruby Falls during this annual event and take part in educational activities, meet special guests, and take home a complimentary keepsake. These activities are included in regular admission and increase awareness of the important role that caves and karst play in our lives and environment.
Chattanooga Summer Cocktail Festival
June 22
First Horizon Pavilion
It’s for real – we’re bringing back the hottest festival of the summer with a totally rad twist, featuring seasonal sips 🍹, tasty eats 🌮, and ALL the throwback vibes 🛼. Your ticket includes 12 fun-size summer cocktails, plus access to all the fun and entertainment. Put on your flyest throwback threads and come chillax at First Horizon Pavilion for this bomb.com cocktail fest.
Walnut Street Bridge Festival
June 23
Walnut Street Bridge, downtown Chattanooga
This event was a hit on its first inauguration at the bridge. The 2024 event will be held back on the Walnut Bridge. Festival on the Bridge is from 2pm – 8pm.
There is a Kidzone (in Coolidge Park) for the children which consists of inflatables, performances, food, games, and so much more. Kidzone activities run from 10am – 3pm.
This is “A Festival Over The Tennessee River”. It stretches over 1/2 mile long from Chattanooga to Northshore. There will be plenty of activities to do on the bridge.
Come out and enjoy the summer with local community members with food trucks, food vendors, local/national companies for shopping, a kidzone area with games and interactive tables, and live entertainment by local artists.
Chattanooga Margarita Festival
August 10
First Horizon Pavilion
Join us at the First Horizon Pavilion as Chattanooga’s favorite restaurants compete for the title of Best Margarita in town! Work your way through your Sample Passport that includes 10 mini margaritas, plus enjoy live entertainment by local DJs, a Margarita Fest photobooth and some of Chattanooga’s tastiest food vendors (food for purchase). Not sure if you like your margs salted, shaken, stirred or frozen? Sip the night away and then vote for your favorite.
Battle of the Food Truck Festival
August 31-September 1
Camp Jordan
Vote on the BEST food truck in attendance, shop over 175 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, trackless train rides, entertainment, and more!! $5 admission, kids 12 and under FREE!
Chattanooga Bacon Festival
September 21-22
Camp Jordan, East Ridge TN
Join us for the Chattanooga Taco Festival with over 150 vendors, food trucks, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, trackless train rides, entertainment, TACOS and much more! FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING!
3 Sisters Festival
October 4-5
Ross’s Landing
Enjoy a free music festival full of bluegrass, riverfront views, and food trucks! Sponsored by Fletcher Bright Realty, 3 Sisters Festival is a Chattanooga favorite and easily one of my favorites!
Which event(s) are you looking forward to the most? Did we miss one? Share with us in the comments!
