National Park Partners will kick off the 21st season of the Rita Vital Memorial Moccasin Bend Lecture Series at 7 p.m. at the Tennessee Aquarium River Journey Auditorium. Dr. Brett Riggs, a noted research archaeologist at Western Carolina University and leading scholar of Cherokee archaeology and history, will present “Fort Armistead and the Cherokee Removal,” exploring the Tennessee site’s role in the forced removal of Cherokee people in 1838 and its later use during the Civil War. Admission is free thanks to the support of Tennessee Rep. Greg Vital, but seating is limited and advance registration is required to guarantee a spot.
Sept. 29
Tip-a-Cop
Texas Roadhouse restaurants in Chattanooga and Hixson will host the second annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. to benefit Special Olympics Tennessee. Local police officers will help serve guests and collect donations as part of a statewide fundraising effort involving Texas Roadhouse locations across Tennessee. The events will take place at 7016 Shallowford Road in Chattanooga and 5362 Highway 153 in Hixson.
Oct. 2
Free Shakespeare in the Park
Scenic City Shakespeare will present a free outdoor performance of William Shakespeare “The Tempest” at 7:30 p.m. at Greenway Farms, 4960 Gann Store Road. One of Shakespeare’s final plays, “The Tempest” is a story of danger, betrayal, revenge, forgiveness and love set on an island filled with magic and mystery. Additional performances will take place Oct. 3, 16, 17 and 24. Audience members should bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, as seating is not provided. Reservations are recommended due to limited space. An ArtsBuild Artists Work Grant supports the production. Reservations: sceniccityshakespeare.org.
Oct. 3
Walnut Street Bridge reopening
The city of Chattanooga will celebrate the grand reopening of the Walnut Street Bridge noon-3 p.m. The family-friendly celebration will feature a walk across the newly reopened bridge, live entertainment and other activities. Thousands are expected to attend the event marking the return of the landmark pedestrian bridge following its renovation.
Oct. 4
Music in the Wild
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center will present Music in the Wild at Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Road. Gates open at 3 p.m., with food trucks and family activities beginning at 3:30 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. outdoor performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” narrated by Jed Mescon. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the performance and can enjoy wildlife encounters, activity stations and food trucks throughout the event. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children. Proceeds benefit both organizations. Information/tickets
Oct. 8
Safe & Sound
Friends of Special Children will host its 21st annual All aBout the Children fundraiser 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Signal Centers’ main campus in Chattanooga. The event will feature live and silent auctions, prize drawings, food from Giardino Restaurant, craft beer from 5 Wits Brewing Company and ice cream from Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Proceeds will support safety improvements for Signal Centers’ inclusive childcare program, including a campuswide sound and communication system, permanent audio infrastructure for playgrounds and pavilions, and upgraded security cameras. Tickets and sponsorships
Oct. 9
Alton Park Connector opening
Trust for Public Land and the city of Chattanooga will celebrate the opening of the first two phases of the Alton Park Connector 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. 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