Oct 17Chattanooga Apple FestivalOct 20Billy Strings — Tivoli Theatre Grand ReopeningOct 23IBMA Bluegrass Live!Oct 25Chattanooga Jazz FestOct 25Seven Bridges MarathonNov 7Head of the Hooch RegattaNov 14Christkindlmarkt on Signal MountainNov 22The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletDec 5Christmas at the Choo-ChooOct 17Chattanooga Apple FestivalOct 20Billy Strings — Tivoli Theatre Grand ReopeningOct 23IBMA Bluegrass Live!Oct 25Chattanooga Jazz FestOct 25Seven Bridges MarathonNov 7Head of the Hooch RegattaNov 14Christkindlmarkt on Signal MountainNov 22The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletDec 5Christmas at the Choo-Choo
Chattanooga Fun

Chattanooga Fun — Things To Do in Chattanooga, TN

October in Chattanooga

167 upcoming events & festivals · 117 places to explore — gathered from organizers across the Tennessee Valley.

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October 16, 2026

Chattanooga, TN

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This Week

  • Friday Night Lights — High School Football

    7:00 PM (varies by school)

    Local high schools across Hamilton County & the area

    Weekly Friday night football through the regular season — check TSSAA for your local team's matchup and kickoff time. Small admission fee typically applies.

    Weekly through Nov 6

  • Free

    Downtown Mahjong

    Fridays, 3:00 PM

    Chattanooga Public Library — Downtown, 1001 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN

    A weekly drop-in mahjong afternoon at the downtown library — all experience levels welcome, tiles provided. Free.

    Weekly through Dec 31

  • Kids

    Fall Festival at Flat Top Mountain Farm (Fridays)

    Fridays 10 AM–6 PM

    Flat Top Mountain Farm, 638 Bowman Cemetery Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN

    New! Opening day of the farm's fall season (runs through Nov 1) — hayrides, a corn maze, Highland cows and mini donkeys, and mountain views. $12 admission includes a homegrown pumpkin; kids 3 and under free. Free parking, stroller-friendly. Worth the drive north of town.

    Weekly through Oct 30

  • Rails, Wizards & Spells (Fridays)

    Fridays 4–10 PM

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN

    New! A family fall event on weekends through Oct 25: a train ride to Wizards Way Village, an enchanted-forest walk, potion-making, oversized games, a hayride and a turntable demonstration. $35 per person, ages 2+; plan on about 2.5 hours.

    Weekly through Oct 23

  • Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City

    Fri 10 AM–10:30 PM

    Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA

    Rock City's fall wonderland — pumpkins, twinkling lights, fall photo spots and seasonal treats among the gardens and rock formations. Runs daily through Oct 31; this file covers the Friday nights.

    Weekly through Oct 30

  • Kids

    Mayfield Farm Park Fall Festival (Fridays)

    Fridays 11 AM–4 PM

    Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Hwy 307 E, Athens, TN

    Three corn mazes, a 50-variety pumpkin patch, hayrides, zip lines, a mountain slide, a silo light show, animals and more (40+ activities), running through Nov 8. This is paid admission, not free — buying online saves a few dollars off the gate price; check the ticket page for the current day-by-day prices. Kids 2 and under are always free.

    Weekly through Nov 6

This Weekend

Saturday Oct 17

✨ Special

  • Kids

    Fall Festival at Flat Top Mountain Farm (Saturdays)

    Saturdays 10 AM–9 PM

    Flat Top Mountain Farm, 638 Bowman Cemetery Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN

    Hayrides, a corn maze, Highland cows and mini donkeys, and mountain views through Nov 1. $12 admission includes a homegrown pumpkin; kids 3 and under free. Free parking, stroller-friendly. Worth the drive.

    Weekly through Oct 31

  • Rails, Wizards & Spells (Saturdays)

    Saturdays 2:30–10 PM

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN

    A train ride to Wizards Way Village, an enchanted-forest walk, potion-making, oversized games and a hayride — weekends through Oct 25. $35 per person, ages 2+; plan on about 2.5 hours.

    Weekly through Oct 24

  • Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City

    Sat 10 AM–10:30 PM

    Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA

    Rock City's fall wonderland — pumpkins, twinkling lights, fall photo spots and seasonal treats among the gardens and rock formations. Runs daily through Oct 31; this file covers the Saturday nights.

    Weekly through Oct 31

  • Kids

    Mayfield Farm Park Fall Festival (Saturdays)

    Saturdays 11 AM–8 PM

    Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Hwy 307 E, Athens, TN

    Three corn mazes, a 50-variety pumpkin patch, hayrides, zip lines, a mountain slide, a silo light show, animals and more (40+ activities), running through Nov 8. This is paid admission, not free — pricing is higher on the Oct 10-11 and 17-18 Signature Weekends, and buying online saves a few dollars off the gate price; check the ticket page for current day-by-day prices. Kids 2 and under are always free.

    Weekly through Nov 7

  • KidsOutside

    Maclellan Island Eco Tour

    Saturdays noon–2 PM

    Departs from the Southern Belle dock, 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN

    A guided boat trip to Maclellan Island with a roughly one-mile walk over dirt paths, nature and history interpretation, and a visit with the island's resident goats. $44.99 ages 13+, $34.99 ages 3-12, $5.99 ages 0-2. Chattanooga Audubon lists Saturdays Oct 3, 10, 17 and 24 (the last two dates). Tickets are limited and the island isn't wheelchair accessible.

    Weekly through Oct 24

  • Chattanooga Fall Coffee Week

    All week, hours vary by shop

    Participating coffee shops around Chattanooga

    $5 featured fall coffees and $3 featured pastries at about 14 local coffee shops, Oct 12–18 (per Local3's Oct 9 report; one 2026 source). Each shop's featured items are on Nooga Nightlife's page.

    Runs through Oct 18

  • Free

    Bell Buckle Webb Art & Craft Festival

    Sat 8 AM–5 PM, Sun 9 AM–4 PM

    Downtown Bell Buckle, TN — about 1 hr 40 min away

    New! Free. 800+ booths of juried art and craft work — stained glass, woodworking, candle making, jewelry, metal work, textiles — filling the small-town square. Worth the drive.

  • KidsHalloween

    Boo in the Zoo

    4–8 PM (timed entry: 4-5, 5-6, or 6-7 PM)

    Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN

    The zoo's after-hours Halloween event. Zoo members $11.95, non-member kids ages 3-12 $17.95, non-member adults $20.95, kids 2 and under free (reserve a ticket anyway). Tickets are online-only and this one sells out — the zoo closes early (3:30 PM) to reset for it.

  • KidsFree

    Chattanooga Apple Festival

    Sat 10 AM–5 PM · Sun 10 AM–4 PM

    Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge, TN

    A two-day apple festival (Oct 17–18) with craft and commercial vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, stage entertainment, inflatables and food trucks. Free admission and parking; rain or shine.

  • Free

    Chattanooga Oktoberfest

    Sat 10 AM–8 PM

    First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

    Free German-style fall festival: oompah music, brats and pretzels, local artists, and contests for all ages (a brat toss at noon and an applause-judged Mr. & Ms. Oktoberfest contest at 3:45). It has a beer garden, which is for adults. Pay lot parking on site; no pets indoors, though the adjacent dog park is open. Also Sunday Oct 18.

  • Kids

    Cleveland Apple Festival

    Sat 10 AM–6 PM

    Bradley County Courthouse Square, 155 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN

    An art and craft show, live music, food booths, apple competitions, the Apple Blossom pageant, a petting zoo and children's activities. $8 adults, $5 seniors/kids 3-12, under 3 free, $25 family pass (2 adults + 4 kids) — cash only at the gate. Free parking downtown; only trained service animals permitted. Also runs Sunday (1-6 PM).

  • FreeKids

    Downtown Library 50th Anniversary Block Party

    9 AM–6 PM

    Downtown Library, 1001 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN (Broad Street closed to traffic)

    New! 100% free. A birthday block party with a Kids' Zone (inflatables, scavenger hunt, face painting, touch-a-truck, bubble machines), local bands, food trucks, free cake and cupcakes while supplies last, a book sale on every floor, a 4th-floor Maker Day and the Local Author Festival downstairs. Free parking in the EPB Garage; rain moves activities indoors. The 11th Street entrance may close at times because of construction.

  • KidsOutside

    Flying Raptor Event with Wings to Soar

    3–5 PM

    Bachman Community Center, 2815 Anderson Pike, Signal Mountain, TN

    Live birds of prey up close — a family-friendly fundraiser for HappiNest Raptor Rescue. Suggested donation $10 per person or $25 per family; free parking. One listing places it at the MACC instead, so call 423-605-8917 to confirm the venue.

  • Free

    Green Eyes Festival

    10 AM–6 PM

    Historic Downtown Chickamauga, GA (Gordon St)

    New! Free. A folklore festival honoring the legend of Ole Green Eyes, a ghostly figure tied to the Chickamauga battlefield — trolley rides around the battlefield, local lore and history, and oddities on display at Southern Shadows. About 20 minutes from Chattanooga.

  • FreeKids

    Highland Park Porchfest (Saturday)

    Starts with Rise & Strum, a family event at Tatum Park

    Highland Park neighborhood, Chattanooga, TN

    Day two of the 5th annual Porchfest — free music on porches across the neighborhood all day, plus a new Songwriter Showcase competition on the Anderson & Greenwood main stage.

  • Outside

    History by Kayak: Chief Dragging Canoe

    8:30 AM–1 PM

    Tennessee River Gorge, Chattanooga area (launch point not posted)

    A guided four-mile paddle with historical stories of Chief Dragging Canoe; equipment and the shuttle back are included. Ages 16+; registration required; fee isn't posted.

  • Fall Car Show & Vendor Market

    12–4 PM

    Lookout Valley Recreation Association, 370 Warren Place, Chattanooga, TN

    New! A community car show and vendor market sponsored by O'Reilly Auto Parts — trophies and awards, food, and family fun. $20 to enter a car, $40 for a vendor table; spectators aren't charged a fee on the organizer's listing.

  • KidsOutside

    Maclellan Island Eco Tour

    Noon–2 PM

    Southern Belle Riverboat, 151 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN

    A guided boat trip with the Chattanooga Audubon Society to Maclellan Island, with a roughly one-mile nature walk and a visit with the resident goats. Ages 13+ $44.99, ages 3–12 $34.99, ages 0–2 $5.99. Tickets are limited; the island isn't wheelchair accessible.

    Weekly through Oct 24

  • Kids

    Nashville Fall Festival (Saturdays)

    Saturdays 9 AM–dark

    Nashville Fall Festival, 8687 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN

    Worth the drive (about 2 hours) — a corn maze set in a scenic valley, free hayrides, and tethered hot-air balloon rides ($25/person on select days near golden hour, weather permitting), running through Nov 1. Online admission is $23 adult / $11 kids 7-13, kids 6 and under free; a few dollars more at the gate.

    Weekly through Oct 31

  • Live Music: Rhythm Riders at Cambridge Square

    6–9 PM

    Cambridge Square, Ooltewah, TN

    Live music from Rhythm Riders at Cambridge Square, per the venue's event calendar. Cost isn't listed.

  • Outside

    Run For Their Freedom 5K & 1-Mile Walk

    Evening

    Greenway Pavilion, 775 Raider Dr NW, Cleveland, TN

    A night 5K and 1-mile walk hosted by WillowBend Farms to raise awareness of human trafficking and support survivors. Register on RunSignUp; start time and price aren't posted on the race site.

  • Tales Among the Oaks Storytelling Festival

    Rhea County Courthouse lawn, 1475 Market St, Dayton, TN

    New! Two days of storytelling on the historic courthouse lawn with Donald Davis, Josh Goforth and Bill Lepp. Rhea County Tourism sells tickets online but doesn't list show times or prices, so check the event page before you go. Runs Oct 16-17.

  • Kids

    The Great Inflate (moved from Oct 10)

    10 AM–5 PM

    Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN

    A giant inflatable obstacle-course festival with big inflatables and a small KidZone bounce house for kids 2 and under. Postponed from Oct 10 for weather; Oct 10 tickets are honored. Free to enter; the Unlimited Inflate Pass is $20 online or $25 at the gate (no refunds). The organizer's text says 4307 Amnicola, its location field says 4301 — confirm the entrance.

  • FreeOutside

    The Tempest (Scenic City Shakespeare)

    7:30 PM

    Greenway Farms Park, 4960 Gann Store Rd, Hixson, TN

    New! Free outdoor Shakespeare. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets; seating is not provided. RSVPs aren't required but help the company send weather delay or cancellation updates. Also runs Oct 16, 17 and 23.

  • KidsHalloween

    Underwater Pumpkin Carving

    2 PM

    Tennessee Aquarium (River Journey), 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

    New! SCUBA divers carve jack-o'-lanterns underwater while fish swim past, part of the Aquarium's ODDtober. This Saturday's show is in the Tennessee River gallery. Runs every Saturday in October.

  • FreeKids

    United We Dance

    11 AM–8 PM

    Miller Park, 928 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

    New! Free, all ages, no dance experience needed. A day of performances and audience participation from Art 120 marking America's 250th — intergenerational dance at 11, a Bill of Rights performance at 1, and a 'Dance Clock' journey through musical eras at 3.

  • Weedeater & Zeke (with Royal Thunder, Yes Ma'am)

    6:00 PM

    The Boneyard, 26 Station St, Chattanooga, TN

    Tickets from $36.98.

  • KidsOutside

    Wild Wonders: Native Animal Encounters

    Saturdays 11 AM–noon and 1–2 PM

    Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN

    A guided visit to the Native Animal Area to meet bobcats, raptors and red wolves, with two sessions each Saturday. Sign up through Eventbrite; price isn't listed on the park's page, so call 423-821-1160. Outdoors, weather can cancel it.

    Weekly through Oct 31

  • KidsOutside

    Wild Wonders: Native Animal Encounters

    11 AM–noon and 1–2 PM

    Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN

    A tour of the Native Animal Area to meet Reflection Riding's animal ambassadors. Fee and ages aren't posted — call 423-821-1160; outdoors, weather-dependent.

  • Outside

    Woodland Walk at Reflection Riding

    2–3:30 PM

    Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN

    A guided tree-identification walk with Lead Naturalist Paul Earle: learn common and less common species and what the trees say about the land's history. Tickets through Eventbrite (price isn't listed); every adult signs a waiver first, and a parent or guardian signs one for each child. Outdoors, so severe weather can cancel it.

Sunday Oct 18

  • Kids

    Pokémon League

    Sundays, 2:30 PM

    5864 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN

    A weekly Pokémon trading-card and video-game meetup for kids and families — casual play, all skill levels, bring your own deck or learn on site.

    Weekly through Dec 27

  • Kids

    Fall Festival at Flat Top Mountain Farm (Sundays)

    Sundays 11 AM–6 PM

    Flat Top Mountain Farm, 638 Bowman Cemetery Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN

    Hayrides, a corn maze, Highland cows and mini donkeys, and mountain views — last day of the season is Nov 1. $12 admission includes a homegrown pumpkin; kids 3 and under free. Free parking, stroller-friendly.

    Weekly through Nov 1

  • Rails, Wizards & Spells (Sundays)

    Sundays 2:30–7 PM

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN

    A train ride to Wizards Way Village, an enchanted-forest walk, potion-making, oversized games and a hayride — through Oct 25. $35 per person, ages 2+; plan on about 2.5 hours.

    Weekly through Oct 25

  • Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City

    Sun 10 AM–9 PM

    Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA

    Rock City's fall wonderland — pumpkins, twinkling lights, fall photo spots and seasonal treats among the gardens and rock formations. Runs daily through Oct 31; this file covers Sundays.

    Weekly through Oct 25

  • FreeKids

    Highland Park Local Market (HiLo)

    9 AM–12 PM

    Highland Park Commons, 2000 Union Ave, Chattanooga, TN

    Free to attend. A weekly neighborhood farmers market — local produce, food and baked goods, coffee, flowers and handmade goods, plus community-resource tables. SNAP/EBT accepted, free parking, pets welcome, and a playground and lawn for kids. Runs year-round; check hilochatt.com heading into the new year.

    Weekly through Dec 26

  • Kids

    Mayfield Farm Park Fall Festival (Sundays)

    Sundays 1–8 PM

    Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Hwy 307 E, Athens, TN

    Three corn mazes, a 50-variety pumpkin patch, hayrides, zip lines, a mountain slide, a silo light show, animals and more (40+ activities), running through Nov 8. This is paid admission, not free — pricing is higher on the Oct 10-11 and 17-18 Signature Weekends, and buying online saves a few dollars off the gate price; check the ticket page for current day-by-day prices. Kids 2 and under are always free.

    Weekly through Nov 8

  • Chattanooga Fall Coffee Week

    All week, hours vary by shop

    Participating coffee shops around Chattanooga

    $5 featured fall coffees and $3 featured pastries at about 14 local coffee shops, Oct 12–18 (per Local3's Oct 9 report; one 2026 source). Each shop's featured items are on Nooga Nightlife's page.

    Runs through Oct 18

  • Cambridge Car Show at Cambridge Square

    5–8 PM

    Cambridge Square, Ooltewah, TN

    A car show with Gameday Social at Cambridge Square, per the venue's event calendar. Admission and the exact meeting spot aren't published.

  • KidsFree

    Chattanooga Apple Festival (Sunday)

    10 AM–4 PM

    Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge, TN

    The second day of the apple festival: vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, stage entertainment, inflatables and food trucks. Free admission and parking; rain or shine.

  • Free

    Chattanooga Oktoberfest (Day 2)

    Sun 11 AM–5 PM

    First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

    Day two of the free German-style fall festival: oompah music, German food, local artists and contests for all ages. The beer garden is for adults. Pay lot parking on site; no pets indoors. The market's page doesn't say whether the regular Sunday Chattanooga Market runs alongside it.

  • FreeOutside

    Chattanooga Vintage Market Vol. 10

    11 AM–5 PM

    Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, TN

    New! Free. 50+ vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, art and handmade goods, with $5 and $10 vintage piles, food trucks, coffee and baked goods. All ages welcome.

  • Kids

    Cleveland Apple Festival (Day 2)

    Sun 1–6 PM

    Bradley County Courthouse Square, 155 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN

    Day two — an art and craft show, live music, food booths, a petting zoo and children's activities. $8 adults, $5 seniors/kids 3-12, under 3 free, $25 family pass — cash only at the gate. Free parking downtown; only trained service animals permitted.

  • Outside

    Fall Colors Hike: Shakerag Hollow

    1–5 PM

    Shakerag Hollow, Sewanee, TN (meeting point not posted)

    A guided Outdoor Chattanooga hike along a creek through lush woods, with spots to rest and watch the leaves turn. Rated moderately strenuous, about 3.2 miles; pack a lunch to eat on the trail. Registration required; the fee, ages and meeting point aren't posted. About an hour's drive up the mountain.

  • Joshua Ray Walker

    Songbirds, 206 W Main St, Chattanooga, TN

    Texas singer-songwriter live at the Southside guitar museum's performance room.

  • Kids

    Nashville Fall Festival (Sundays)

    Sundays 12 PM–dark

    Nashville Fall Festival, 8687 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN

    Worth the drive (about 2 hours) — a corn maze set in a scenic valley and free hayrides; last day of the season is Nov 1 (closing weekend opens at 9 AM daily). Online admission is $23 adult / $11 kids 7-13, kids 6 and under free; a few dollars more at the gate.

    Weekly through Nov 1

  • FreeKids

    Scenic City Sense Circus

    3–8 PM

    Miller Park, 928 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

    New! Free, all ages. Interactive five-senses activity booths, local makers and food trucks, live performers, community art and a photo booth.

  • Outside

    Trail Quest: Intro to Mountain Biking

    9 AM–1 PM

    Outdoor Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN

    Beginner singletrack lesson with instruction. $25; registration required, limited spots. Bikes and helmets can be borrowed by reservation; closed-toe shoes required; trail is sent to registrants.

Nearby & Worth the Drive

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Outdoor Fun

Cloudland Canyon State Park

A state park with dramatic canyon views and waterfall hikes, just over the Georgia line.

Rising Fawn, GA

Worth the DriveHikingWaterfalls

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Copperhill Special Train Ride

History & Attractions

Copperhill Special Train Ride

A full-day, 94-mile scenic train excursion through the Hiwassee River Gorge and the famous Hiwassee Loop.

Delano, TN — about 1-2 hours away

Worth the DriveHistoricTrain

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Fall Creek Falls State Park

Outdoor Fun

Fall Creek Falls State Park

A state park known for one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern US.

Spencer

Worth the DriveWaterfallsHiking

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Foster Falls

Outdoor Fun

Foster Falls

A waterfall and hiking area in the South Cumberland region.

South Cumberland

Worth the DriveWaterfallHiking

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Helen Oktoberfest

Family Fun

Helen Oktoberfest

The longest-running Oktoberfest in the US, in Georgia's Bavarian-village town of Helen.

Helen, GA — about 2.5-3 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalCheap

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Little Tail Farms

Family Fun

Little Tail Farms

A small heritage-breed farm with Scottish Highland cattle, alpacas and Nigerian dwarf goats. Saturday mornings only, March through October.

Dunlap, TN — about 45 minutes away

KidsWorth the Drive

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Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Family Fun

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

One of the nation's largest free holiday light displays, near the Smoky Mountains.

Pigeon Forge, TN — about 2 hours away

FreeFestivalWinterWorth the Drive

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Savage Gulf State Park

Outdoor Fun

Savage Gulf State Park

A rugged state natural area known for backcountry hiking.

Sequatchie/Grundy area

Worth the DriveHikingNature

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Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook

Outdoor Fun

Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook

A scenic overlook above the Sequatchie Valley, a worthwhile drive from Chattanooga.

TN-111 near Dunlap

Worth the DriveViewsPhotography

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The Rock Garden

Arts & Culture

The Rock Garden

A folk-art garden of 50+ tiny castles, churches and cathedrals built from pebbles, shells and found materials, plus a one-mile trail. Free, donations welcome.

Calhoun, GA — about 50 miles / 50 min away

Worth the DriveFreeArtFamily

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Yesterday’s Fun!

Already happened this year — bookmark it and plan ahead for next time.

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Family Fun

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

A free balloon glow and classic-car show at Point Mallard Park over Memorial Day weekend.

Decatur, AL — about 1.5-2 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalFreeKids

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Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Family Fun

Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

An annual hot air balloon glow near the Smokies, worth a daytrip from Chattanooga.

Townsend, TN — about 2 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalKidsPast This Year

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Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

Family Fun

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

A free dawn-and-dusk balloon festival at OWA in Foley, near the Gulf Coast — more of a weekend trip than a daytrip.

Foley, AL — about 5-6 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalFreeKids

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Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race

Family Fun

Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race

The South's oldest hot air balloon race, in Georgia's Alpine-village town of Helen.

Helen, GA — about 2.5-3 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalCheapPast This Year

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Lanier Islands Hot Air Balloon Festival

Family Fun

Lanier Islands Hot Air Balloon Festival

A balloon glow at Lake Lanier with tethered rides, live music, and games. 2026 already happened (Sept 18-19); held annually each September.

Buford, GA — about 2.5-3 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalKidsPast This Year

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Montgomery Hot Air Balloon Festival

Family Fun

Montgomery Hot Air Balloon Festival

A free evening balloon glow and laser show at Blount Cultural Park, with live music and a kids zone.

Montgomery, AL — about 3.5-4 hours away

Worth the DriveFestivalFreeKids

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National Cornbread Festival

Family Fun

National Cornbread Festival

A cornbread cook-off, live music, and a 5K in the small town of South Pittsburg.

South Pittsburg, TN — about 35 minutes away

Worth the DriveFestivalPast This Year

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Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival

Outdoor Fun

Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival

A free festival celebrating the return of 20,000+ migrating sandhill cranes, with live raptor shows.

Birchwood, TN — about 35-40 minutes away

FreeFestivalWildlifeWorth the Drive

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What are you in the mood for?

What sounds fun right now?

Chattanooga Zoo

Family Fun

Chattanooga Zoo

A city zoo in Warner Park with animal exhibits for all ages.

301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 — Warner Park

FamilyAnimalsOutdoors

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Cloudland Canyon State Park

Outdoor Fun

Cloudland Canyon State Park

A state park with dramatic canyon views and waterfall hikes, just over the Georgia line.

Rising Fawn, GA

Worth the DriveHikingWaterfalls

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Coolidge Park

Parks & Recreation

Coolidge Park

Riverfront green space on the North Shore with a historic carousel, open lawn, and occasional live music.

North Shore

FreeFamilyPicnicWater

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Creative Discovery Museum

Family Fun

Creative Discovery Museum

A hands-on children's museum downtown, built for kids to build, dig, and create.

321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 — Downtown

FamilyKidsIndoorHands-on

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Fall Creek Falls State Park

Outdoor Fun

Fall Creek Falls State Park

A state park known for one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern US.

Spencer

Worth the DriveWaterfallsHiking

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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

History & Attractions

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

A historic funicular railway climbing Lookout Mountain at a steep grade.

St. Elmo

FamilyViewsHistory

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Point Park

History & Attractions

Point Park

A Civil War battlefield park atop Lookout Mountain with sweeping valley views.

Lookout Mountain

HistoryViewsWalkingDate Night

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Rock City Gardens

Family Fun

Rock City Gardens

Rock formations, gardens, and an overlook walk atop Lookout Mountain.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

FamilyViewsWalking

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Ross's Landing

History & Attractions

Ross's Landing

An 8.8-acre riverfront park with a natural amphitheater, the Tennessee Aquarium plaza and a river pier — a regular home for big free festivals like 3 Sisters.

101 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN — Downtown riverfront

FreeWaterWalkingHistory

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Ruby Falls

Family Fun

Ruby Falls

An underground waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain, reached by cave tour.

1720 S Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409 — Lookout Mountain

FamilyCaveIndoor/Outdoor

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Signal Point

History & Attractions

Signal Point

An overlook atop Signal Mountain with sweeping views of the Tennessee River Gorge.

Signal Mountain

ViewsHistoryWalkingShort Drive

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Sunset Rock

Outdoor Fun

Sunset Rock

A popular overlook on Lookout Mountain known for sunset views.

Lookout Mountain

HikingViewsPhotographyDate Night

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Tivoli Theatre

Live Music & Entertainment

Tivoli Theatre

A historic downtown theatre hosting touring concerts, Broadway shows, and the symphony — the restored 1920s interior is part of the draw.

709 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN — Downtown

MusicTheaterIndoorHistory

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Chattanooga Zoo

Family Fun

Chattanooga Zoo

A city zoo in Warner Park with animal exhibits for all ages.

301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 — Warner Park

FamilyAnimalsOutdoors

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Cloudland Canyon State Park

Outdoor Fun

Cloudland Canyon State Park

A state park with dramatic canyon views and waterfall hikes, just over the Georgia line.

Rising Fawn, GA

Worth the DriveHikingWaterfalls

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Coolidge Park

Parks & Recreation

Coolidge Park

Riverfront green space on the North Shore with a historic carousel, open lawn, and occasional live music.

North Shore

FreeFamilyPicnicWater

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Creative Discovery Museum

Family Fun

Creative Discovery Museum

A hands-on children's museum downtown, built for kids to build, dig, and create.

321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 — Downtown

FamilyKidsIndoorHands-on

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Fall Creek Falls State Park

Outdoor Fun

Fall Creek Falls State Park

A state park known for one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern US.

Spencer

Worth the DriveWaterfallsHiking

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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

History & Attractions

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

A historic funicular railway climbing Lookout Mountain at a steep grade.

St. Elmo

FamilyViewsHistory

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Point Park

History & Attractions

Point Park

A Civil War battlefield park atop Lookout Mountain with sweeping valley views.

Lookout Mountain

HistoryViewsWalkingDate Night

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Rock City Gardens

Family Fun

Rock City Gardens

Rock formations, gardens, and an overlook walk atop Lookout Mountain.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

FamilyViewsWalking

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Ross's Landing

History & Attractions

Ross's Landing

An 8.8-acre riverfront park with a natural amphitheater, the Tennessee Aquarium plaza and a river pier — a regular home for big free festivals like 3 Sisters.

101 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN — Downtown riverfront

FreeWaterWalkingHistory

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Ruby Falls

Family Fun

Ruby Falls

An underground waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain, reached by cave tour.

1720 S Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409 — Lookout Mountain

FamilyCaveIndoor/Outdoor

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Signal Point

History & Attractions

Signal Point

An overlook atop Signal Mountain with sweeping views of the Tennessee River Gorge.

Signal Mountain

ViewsHistoryWalkingShort Drive

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Sunset Rock

Outdoor Fun

Sunset Rock

A popular overlook on Lookout Mountain known for sunset views.

Lookout Mountain

HikingViewsPhotographyDate Night

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Tivoli Theatre

Live Music & Entertainment

Tivoli Theatre

A historic downtown theatre hosting touring concerts, Broadway shows, and the symphony — the restored 1920s interior is part of the draw.

709 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN — Downtown

MusicTheaterIndoorHistory

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Scenic City Fun: Sites to See

Bluff View Art District

Arts & Culture

Bluff View Art District

A walkable little arts district above the river — galleries, a sculpture garden, and cafes.

Downtown

WalkingArtArchitectureViews

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Cravens House

History & Attractions

Cravens House

A restored historic house on Lookout Mountain, part of the Civil War battlefield park.

Lookout Mountain

HistoryWalkingViews

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Edwards Point

Outdoor Fun

Edwards Point

A free overlook with a wide rock slab and sweeping views of the river valley and mountains — part of the Signal Mountain trail network.

Signal Mountain

FreeViewsHikingDate Night

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Hunter Museum of American Art

Arts & Culture

Hunter Museum of American Art

American art in a building perched on the bluff overlooking the river — free every first Thursday, 4-8 PM.

10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN

ArtCultureIndoorViews

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Julia Falls Overlook

Outdoor Fun

Julia Falls Overlook

A free 1-mile round-trip hike to panoramic Tennessee River Gorge views, with a glimpse of Julia Falls.

Signal Mountain

FreeViewsHiking

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Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Outdoor Fun

Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Watch hang glider pilots launch off the mountain and soar across the valley — no hiking required.

Rising Fawn, GA — about 25 minutes away

ViewsShort Drive

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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

History & Attractions

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

A historic funicular railway climbing Lookout Mountain at a steep grade.

St. Elmo

FamilyViewsHistory

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Lula Lake Land Trust

Outdoor Fun

Lula Lake Land Trust

Waterfalls, a lake, and gorge overlooks on Lookout Mountain — open limited weekends, reservation and fee required.

Lookout Mountain, GA — about 30 minutes away

ViewsHikingShort Drive

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Market Street Bridge (John Ross Bridge)

History & Attractions

Market Street Bridge (John Ross Bridge)

The vehicle bridge next to Walnut Street Bridge — walk it too for some of the best photo angles of its famous pedestrian-only neighbor.

Downtown riverfront

FreeWalkingViewsDate Night

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Point Park

History & Attractions

Point Park

A Civil War battlefield park atop Lookout Mountain with sweeping valley views.

Lookout Mountain

HistoryViewsWalkingDate Night

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Raccoon Mountain

Outdoor Fun

Raccoon Mountain

Caverns, hiking, and mountain-biking trails on the ridge west of the city.

West of downtown

Scenic DriveViewsOutdoor

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River Gallery Sculpture Garden

Arts & Culture

River Gallery Sculpture Garden

A riverside sculpture garden next to the Bluff View Art District.

ArtWalkingViewsDate Night

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Rock City Gardens

Family Fun

Rock City Gardens

Rock formations, gardens, and an overlook walk atop Lookout Mountain.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

FamilyViewsWalking

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Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook

Outdoor Fun

Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook

A scenic overlook above the Sequatchie Valley, a worthwhile drive from Chattanooga.

TN-111 near Dunlap

Worth the DriveViewsPhotography

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Signal Point

History & Attractions

Signal Point

An overlook atop Signal Mountain with sweeping views of the Tennessee River Gorge.

Signal Mountain

ViewsHistoryWalkingShort Drive

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Snooper's Rock

Outdoor Fun

Snooper's Rock

A free overlook of the Tennessee River Gorge, Chattanooga, and Lookout Mountain — no admission.

Prentice Cooper State Forest, Suck Creek Mountain

FreeViewsHiking

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Stringer's Ridge

Outdoor Fun

Stringer's Ridge

A wooded ridge park on the North Shore with hiking and mountain-biking trails.

North Shore

HikingBikingViewsDate Night

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Sunrise Lookout Park

Outdoor Fun

Sunrise Lookout Park

A scenic overlook on Signal Mountain popular for sunrise views.

Signal Mountain

ViewsPhotographyShort Drive

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Sunset Rock

Outdoor Fun

Sunset Rock

A popular overlook on Lookout Mountain known for sunset views.

Lookout Mountain

HikingViewsPhotographyDate Night

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Walnut Street Bridge

History & Attractions

Walnut Street Bridge

The restored historic pedestrian bridge across the Tennessee River, reopened Oct 3, 2026 after an 18-month renovation, connecting downtown and the North Shore.

Downtown riverfront

FreeWalkingViewsPhotography

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Bluff View Art District

Arts & Culture

Bluff View Art District

A walkable little arts district above the river — galleries, a sculpture garden, and cafes.

Downtown

WalkingArtArchitectureViews

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Cravens House

History & Attractions

Cravens House

A restored historic house on Lookout Mountain, part of the Civil War battlefield park.

Lookout Mountain

HistoryWalkingViews

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Edwards Point

Outdoor Fun

Edwards Point

A free overlook with a wide rock slab and sweeping views of the river valley and mountains — part of the Signal Mountain trail network.

Signal Mountain

FreeViewsHikingDate Night

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Hunter Museum of American Art

Arts & Culture

Hunter Museum of American Art

American art in a building perched on the bluff overlooking the river — free every first Thursday, 4-8 PM.

10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN

ArtCultureIndoorViews

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Julia Falls Overlook

Outdoor Fun

Julia Falls Overlook

A free 1-mile round-trip hike to panoramic Tennessee River Gorge views, with a glimpse of Julia Falls.

Signal Mountain

FreeViewsHiking

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Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Outdoor Fun

Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Watch hang glider pilots launch off the mountain and soar across the valley — no hiking required.

Rising Fawn, GA — about 25 minutes away

ViewsShort Drive

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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

History & Attractions

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

A historic funicular railway climbing Lookout Mountain at a steep grade.

St. Elmo

FamilyViewsHistory

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Lula Lake Land Trust

Outdoor Fun

Lula Lake Land Trust

Waterfalls, a lake, and gorge overlooks on Lookout Mountain — open limited weekends, reservation and fee required.

Lookout Mountain, GA — about 30 minutes away

ViewsHikingShort Drive

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Market Street Bridge (John Ross Bridge)

History & Attractions

Market Street Bridge (John Ross Bridge)

The vehicle bridge next to Walnut Street Bridge — walk it too for some of the best photo angles of its famous pedestrian-only neighbor.

Downtown riverfront

FreeWalkingViewsDate Night

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Point Park

History & Attractions

Point Park

A Civil War battlefield park atop Lookout Mountain with sweeping valley views.

Lookout Mountain

HistoryViewsWalkingDate Night

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Raccoon Mountain

Outdoor Fun

Raccoon Mountain

Caverns, hiking, and mountain-biking trails on the ridge west of the city.

West of downtown

Scenic DriveViewsOutdoor

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River Gallery Sculpture Garden

Arts & Culture

River Gallery Sculpture Garden

A riverside sculpture garden next to the Bluff View Art District.

ArtWalkingViewsDate Night

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Rock City Gardens

Family Fun

Rock City Gardens

Rock formations, gardens, and an overlook walk atop Lookout Mountain.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

FamilyViewsWalking

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Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook

Outdoor Fun

Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook

A scenic overlook above the Sequatchie Valley, a worthwhile drive from Chattanooga.

TN-111 near Dunlap

Worth the DriveViewsPhotography

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Signal Point

History & Attractions

Signal Point

An overlook atop Signal Mountain with sweeping views of the Tennessee River Gorge.

Signal Mountain

ViewsHistoryWalkingShort Drive

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Snooper's Rock

Outdoor Fun

Snooper's Rock

A free overlook of the Tennessee River Gorge, Chattanooga, and Lookout Mountain — no admission.

Prentice Cooper State Forest, Suck Creek Mountain

FreeViewsHiking

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Stringer's Ridge

Outdoor Fun

Stringer's Ridge

A wooded ridge park on the North Shore with hiking and mountain-biking trails.

North Shore

HikingBikingViewsDate Night

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Sunrise Lookout Park

Outdoor Fun

Sunrise Lookout Park

A scenic overlook on Signal Mountain popular for sunrise views.

Signal Mountain

ViewsPhotographyShort Drive

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Sunset Rock

Outdoor Fun

Sunset Rock

A popular overlook on Lookout Mountain known for sunset views.

Lookout Mountain

HikingViewsPhotographyDate Night

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Walnut Street Bridge

History & Attractions

Walnut Street Bridge

The restored historic pedestrian bridge across the Tennessee River, reopened Oct 3, 2026 after an 18-month renovation, connecting downtown and the North Shore.

Downtown riverfront

FreeWalkingViewsPhotography

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