Trust for Public Land and the city of Chattanooga will celebrate the opening of the first two phases of the Alton Park Connector Friday at 10 a.m. at 3210 S. Broad St. in Chattanooga. The completed section connects Broad Street to St. Elmo Avenue and is part of a planned 1.3-mile multiuse trail along a former rail line that will eventually connect residents to more than 25 miles of existing trails. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, State Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, City Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley, Alton Park resident leader Maria Noel, TPL Tennessee State Director Noel Durant and Perimeter Properties Principal Andy Stone are scheduled to participate. Remarks will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting at 10:45 a.m.
Oct. 9-10
Preserve Chattanooga fundraisers
Preserve Chattanooga will host two annual wine fundraising events this fall: Best Cellars on Friday from 6-8:30 p.m. at St. John’s Restaurant, 729 Chestnut St., and Wine Over Water on Saturday from 4-6:30 p.m. at Renaissance Park, 133 River St. Best Cellars features curated wines paired with cuisine by Executive Chef Patrick Sawyer and live music by saxophonist Robert Crabtree. Wine Over Water offers unlimited wine tastings, an individual charcuterie box from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop and scenic views along the Tennessee River. Proceeds from both events support Preserve Chattanooga’s mission to protect the city’s architectural heritage through preservation, education and advocacy. Tickets are $200 for Best Cellars and $95 for Wine Over Water. Tickets/information
Oct. 12
Touch a Truck
Chick-fil-A East Ridge will present a Touch a Truck event from 5-7 p.m. at 639 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge. Kids of all ages will be able to explore and get an up-close look at rescue vehicles, trucks and heavy machinery while meeting local community heroes.
Oct. 14-17
Lookout Comedy Festival
The annual festival will feature more than 30 comedians from Chattanooga and across the country performing in 12 shows, with venues including The Comedy Catch and JJ’s Bohemia. This year’s headliners include Ryan Goodcase, Alex Kumin and returning festival performer Daniel Dellanno, while Shane Torres and Kyle Kinane will headline two shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of JJ’s Bohemia. Chattanooga comedian Jimmy Sowell will kick off the festivities at the opening show. Festival passes, which include admission to all shows, are available in limited quantities, and tickets to individual shows are also available. Complete schedule, lineup and tickets
Oct. 15
Chris Bohjalian author talk
New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian will speak at 6 p.m. at Hayes Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as part of the Chattanooga Public Library’s 50th anniversary celebration. Bohjalian, author of “Midwives,” “The Flight Attendant” and, his latest novel, “The Amateur,” will discuss his work with a book signing to follow. The event is free and open to the public, though preregistration is requested due to limited seating. A $100 VIP experience beginning at 4:30 p.m. includes a meet-and-greet with Bohjalian, hors d’oeuvres and a signed copy of “The Amateur,” with proceeds benefiting the Chattanooga Public Library Foundation. Tickets and registration
Dementia symposium
Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at Shallowford will host “Moments of Grace: A Dementia Symposium” 5:30-8 p.m. at 7719 Shallowford Road. The free event is designed for families and caregivers of people living with dementia and will cover managing dementia-related behaviors, Medicare open enrollment, caregiver well-being, power of attorney and conservatorship, and options for additional care and support at home. Companion care will be available for loved ones with dementia during the event, and refreshments will be provided.
Oct. 18
Community Fall Festival
John P. Franklin Funeral Home will host its annual festival from 2-4 p.m. in the funeral home parking lot, 1101 Dodds Ave. The free event will feature food, music, dancing and activities for all ages. Families, neighbors and friends are invited to attend.
Oct. 22
David Berry Piano Recital
Covenant College’s John Hamm Performing Arts Series will present acclaimed pianist David Berry at 7:30 p.m. at the Dora Maclellan Brown Memorial Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the college’s Lookout Mountain campus. Berry, a concert performer, composer and educator, will perform selections from his newest album, “Spirit, Body and Soul: Concert Spirituals for Solo Piano.” The concert is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Oct. 25
Chattanooga Jazz Festival
The second annual festival will bring a day of free live music to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The family-friendly festival will showcase more than 10 local jazz, blues and funk artists, including Zowie Boyd, Jim Crumble, Karen Collins, the Monday Night Big Band and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Jazz Band. An all-day market will feature local arts, crafts, clothing, food and beverages, along with family activities hosted by St. Elmo Stroll. The festival will conclude with the Jared White and Friends Open Jam 7:30-9 p.m. at Wanderlinger Brewing Company, where musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join the free community jam session. Drums, amplifiers, keyboard and microphones will be provided. Information
America Through the Tempest
Scenic City Shakespeare will present “America Through the Tempest,” a free, family-friendly outdoor production, at 2:30 p.m. at Greenway Farm Park in Hixson. The production pairs Shakespeare’s words with the trials and triumphs of American history, with a particular focus on Tennessee and Hamilton County. The performance is supported by a $10,000 Tennessee America 250 grant awarded to Scenic City Shakespeare through the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Admission is free. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets, as seating will not be provided at the historic Sniteman cabin.
Oct. 31
Walk Run Pedal Jamz
This festival will take place at Chattanooga Green at Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway. The free, family-friendly festival will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a casual 2-mile walk and run and a bike ride. Food trucks and vendor tents will open at 11 a.m. Other activities will include free giveaways, a costume contest for all ages, children’s activities and live music featuring The Dexter Thomas Band. Costumes are encouraged. All donations and registration fees from the walk, run, bike ride, vendors and food trucks will benefit the Urban League.
Nov. 2
Smith + Howard golf tournament
Smith + Howard will host its annual tournament at Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club, expanding the event to morning and afternoon flights that can accommodate up to 40 teams. The four-man select-shot tournament will feature a morning flight with 8:30 a.m. sign-in and breakfast followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start, and an afternoon flight with 12:30 p.m. sign-in and lunch followed by a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. All proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga. Player registration and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Nov. 6-8
Hamilton County Fair
The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair returns to McDonald Farm in Sale Creek with three days of family-friendly entertainment, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, fair food, rides, rodeo events, lumberjack shows, pig races and live music. Country artist Rodney Atkins will headline the Saturday night concert with Hamilton County native Brandon Davis opening, while David Leonard and Amber Carrington will perform during Sunday’s Christian concert. Admission includes amusement rides, concerts and most attractions, and parking is free. Children 10 and younger are admitted free, with discounted tickets available for veterans, active military members, seniors, first responders and teachers. Tickets/information