Bessie Smith Cultural Center

200 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

Home to the Chattanooga African American Museum and named for Chattanooga-born blues legend Bessie Smith, this center hosts community programming, exhibits, and — when scheduled — the Songbook performing-arts series and the Bessie Smith Heritage Festival. As of this listing, no music event is posted on the official calendar for October 2026; the center's next listed event is the Bessie Smith Legacy Gala in November. Check the official events page before planning a visit around a performance.