This free, three-day event will feature internationally sanctioned competitions along the Tennessee River. Highlights will include the U.S. debut of Red Bull Creepers, a deep-water solo rock climbing event under the Market Street Bridge; a USA Diving-sanctioned high diving competition; and ChattaWake, Chattanooga’s first sanctioned wake surf event and a qualifier for the World Series of Wake Surfing. Organized in partnership with Outdoor Chattanooga, the event will also feature highlining over the river, trampoline diving and freestyle “death diving” events. Founded by professional cliff diver Travis Sims, the festival promotes environmental responsibility through cleanups and water quality data collection. Since its origins as a sustainability tour, the initiative has removed more than 40,000 pounds of debris from waterways worldwide, including 15,000 from Tennessee. Beyond the sports, Ross’s Landing will become an outdoor playground with BMX river launches, a skate rink, slacklines and live electronic music each night. Information
SATURDAY, AUG. 16
Community Circles Day
This new community event will take place noon-4 p.m. at the Downtown Chattanooga Public Library. It will be free to attend. The event, produced by Antionette Rollins of Alchemy by Ant, is designed to support individuals who face personal, financial, or physical barriers to mental health resources. Facilitated small group circles will guide participants through topics like recognizing emotional distress and building supportive connections. In addition to these sessions, the event will offer children’s wellness activities and refreshments. Local organizations will host resource tables, providing access to mental health tools and services.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Erlanger Urology will begin offering monthly sessions for bladder cancer patients and their loved ones in August. Meetings will take place on the third Wednesday of each month 3-4 p.m. in the Erlanger Medical Mall POB Conference Room at 979 E. 3rd Street in Chattanooga. The support group is designed to provide a safe and informative space for individuals affected by bladder cancer. Participants will have access to educational resources led by Erlanger urology specialists and a nurse oncology navigator. Sessions will also include opportunities for attendees to share their experiences and connect with others navigating similar challenges. Bladder cancer remains one of the more persistent cancers in the United States, with tens of thousands of new cases and deaths expected annually. There is no cost to attend the sessions. Register
THURSDAY, AUG. 21
Preserve Chattanooga Town Hall
Following the recent demolition of the historic Car Barn at Market and Broad Streets, Preserve Chattanooga is inviting the public to a 6-7 p.m. town hall at Second Presbyterian Church. The meeting will address the current state of historic preservation in Chattanooga, outline plans for a new Preservation Plan for Hamilton County and give residents an opportunity to voice concerns and ideas. Speakers will include Todd Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga; Cassie Cline, preservation planner for the City of Chattanooga; Linda Moss Mines, Hamilton County Historian; and Kelly Helton, general manager of the Waymark Hotel. Organizers say the event will focus on ways residents can join an organized preservation effort. The town hall will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Second Presbyterian Church, designed by R.H. Hunt in 1891 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The space is fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Girls Inc. anniversary kick off
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga will mark 65 years of operation with a yearlong celebration running from August 2025 through July 2026. Since its founding in 1961, the organization has served over 40,000 girls across Chattanooga, Hamilton County and the surrounding region. The anniversary festivities kick off with a free celebration at Mac Avenue Event Space featuring legacy recognitions and thoughts from past and present leaders. Register
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
Capoeira showcase
Dance, acrobatics, music and martial arts will take center stage at “What Is Capoeira?” 4-8 p.m. at Renaissance Park on Chattanooga’s North Shore. Hosted by Art To Empower, Capoeira Chattanooga and Monica Alicia Ellison, the free public event offers an introduction to the Afro-Brazilian martial art form, beginning with an entry-level class. Capoeira Chattanooga will then present a performance demonstration before inviting attendees into the “roda,” a two-hour community circle featuring live music, call-and-response singing and martial movements. Organizers encourage participants to wear athletic or comfortable clothing, with either tennis shoes or bare feet. The event is open to all ages, though children under 5 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
THURSDAYS IN SEPTEMBER
Noontunes Concert Series
Performances will take place Thursdays from noon-1 p.m. in Miller Park on Sept. 4, 11 and 25. Hosted by the City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors and the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Noontunes offers attendees an outdoor midday break complete with music, games, food trucks and community activities. The 2025 season is sponsored by City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors, Tennessee Arts Commission, EPB, First Horizon Bank and Tennessee American Water.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13
Kayak & Paddle Board 5K
Paddle for PanCAN will host its annual race 10 a.m.-noon at the Suck Creek Boat Launch in Chattanooga. The 3.1-mile event welcomes paddlers of all skill levels to navigate upstream toward Williams Island and back, with proceeds benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $36,000 to support pancreatic cancer research and awareness. Participants can race in adult male, adult female or tandem kayak divisions, with prizes for winners and raffles for all. A team fundraising challenge will spotlight top fundraisers on the official event T-shirt. Registration is $40, with an optional post-race lunch at River Drifters. Register
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
Bacon & Barrel Festival
Taking place at the First Horizon Pavilion, this event will feature an evening of bacon-inspired dishes and a wide selection of barrel-aged spirits. Local restaurants will compete for top honors with their best savory and sweet bacon-infused creations. Attendees can sample dishes from more than 20 participating eateries, sip a curated selection of bourbons and whiskeys and cast their vote for the best bite of the night. Live bluegrass music and meet-and-greets with distillers will complement the tasting experience. Participating restaurants include 423 Taco, Bad Daddy’s, Big Bad Breakfast, Burger Republic, Civil Provisions, Clever Alehouse, Common Table, Drake’s, Harry’s, Hoppy’s North River Corner Market, Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, Kai Bistro, Kinley Chattanooga, Mike’s Hole in the Wall, Nic & Norman’s, Puckett’s, Ruby Sunshine, Southside Social, The Bitter Alibi, The Daily Ration, The Edwin Hotel, The Grove at DoubleTree and Whiskey Cowgirl. Tickets include unlimited samples of bacon-themed dishes and 12 whiskey tastings. Additional beer, wine and full-sized cocktails will be available for purchase. The event is open to guests ages 21 and over; a valid ID and ticket are required for entry. Tickets