Paddle for PanCAN will host its annual race Saturdat 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. 18
Collegedale library grand opening
After months of remodeling and renovations, the Katie Lamb Public Library invites the community to a grand reopening celebration 4-6 p.m. at 9318 Apison Pike. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, light refreshments and a scavenger hunt designed for all ages. Named in honor of former Collegedale Mayor Katie Lamb, the library underwent an extensive makeover after a significant rise in community usage and participation in its programs prompted the city to upgrade the facility. Visitors will see several new features, including a larger meeting room, three private study rooms and an expanded children’s book area. The grand opening will feature a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the library’s programs and services.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24
Voices
Taking place at The Chattanoogan Hotel 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga’s annual luncheon fundraiser will focus on women’s health, access to quality care and the impact of policy on community well-being. Dr. Shae Connor and Stacy Martin will be the featured speakers. Connor, a board-certified and fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist at UT Erlanger Women’s Oncology, specializes in disparities in health care and quality improvement initiatives. Martin is a national advocate for stomach cancer awareness, genetic testing and hereditary cancer prevention. After learning she carried the rare CDH1 genetic mutation, she made the life-saving decision to undergo a preventative total gastrectomy in 2019. Today, she works across the country to advance research, shape policy and strengthen resources for the hereditary cancer community. Purchase tickets
THURSDAYS IN SEPTEMBER
Noontunes Concert Series
Performances will take place Thursdays noon-1 p.m. in Miller Park 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.
FRIDAY, 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
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
Scenic Stitches Spectacle
Coolidge Park will transform into a giant fiber arts playground as the community explores oversized weaving, arm knitting and other large-scale textile crafts 1-5 p.m. Free and family-friendly, the festival will feature hands-on stations where visitors can experiment with unconventional fiber art tools such as cross-stitching with cording instead of thread. Local fiber artists will offer live demonstrations, an artist market and food vendors. The event will also debut a colorful yarn bombing installation where crocheted creations are temporarily stitched to park fixtures like trees, benches and bike racks.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
Blueprints for the Future
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will debut a reimagined version of its signature fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion. The evening will feature remarks from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball head coach Dan Earl and a keynote address from former Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry. Berry is a two-time Hall of Fame inductee and Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. Proceeds will support Habitat Chattanooga’s mission of expanding affordable homeownership. Sponsorships are available. Information