Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey will deliver a free public lecture Feb. 5 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Trethewey’s lecture, titled “The Role of the Humanities in Our Personal and Civic Lives,” will examine the role of the humanities in American public life and begin at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. The event will include a lecture, readings from Trethewey’s work, a question-and-answer session and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase through Barnes & Noble. Parking will be available in the adjacent Lupton Hall Parking Garage and will be free beginning at 5 p.m. Nearby garages will be reserved for a basketball game at McKenzie Arena.
FEB. 7
Venue 1921 grand opening
The city of East Ridge will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house beginning at 1:30 p.m. An open house will follow 2-6 p.m. featuring guided tours of the new city-owned event space, located behind City Hall at 1529 Tombras Avenue. Named to honor East Ridge’s founding year, Venue 1921 is designed to host civic, nonprofit and private events and represents a significant investment in the city’s commitment to community and economic development. The public is invited to attend.
FEB. 13-15
Tri-State Home Show
The Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga will host the 59th annual event at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The three-day event will feature local experts in home building, remodeling and design, offering homeowners access to ideas, demonstrations and show-only deals. Attendees can connect with builders, designers, landscapers and lenders while exploring inspiration for new construction, renovations, kitchens, baths and outdoor living spaces. The show will also highlight emerging trends such as smart home technology and contemporary interior design. The show will run 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Family-friendly attractions, including a Kid Zone and live entertainment, are also planned.
FEB. 28
Steve Forbes lecture
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Scott L. Probasco, Jr., Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise will host Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, as the featured speaker for this year’s Burkett Miller Distinguished Lecture Series, presented in partnership with Young America’s Foundation. Forbes will present “How Free Enterprise, Not Government, Made America Great” at Hayes Concert Hall 5-6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Following his remarks, Forbes will take part in a live question-and-answer session moderated by Claudia Williamson Kramer, UTC’s Probasco Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise. Attendees are asked to register in advance at tinyurl.com/UTCForbes.
MARCH 28
Rump Run
The Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation will host its 14th annual 5k race and 1-mile fun walk at Enterprise South Nature Park beginning at 9 a.m. Presented by Galen Digestive Health, the family-friendly event raises funds and awareness for colon cancer prevention, education and screening. Proceeds support the work of the foundation, with 100% of funds staying local to provide education and free screenings for those unable to afford them. Registration costs $40 for the timed run and $20 for the walk. Survivors of colon, anal or rectal cancer may participate for free. The event includes awards, post-race refreshments and activities for all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome and the race will be held rain or shine. Register at www.rumprun.com.