2022 was a year full of excitement and growth for the city of Chattanooga! All year round there’s things going on to keep you on your toes and keep you involved. We all have our favorite events that come to town whether it’s a music festival, market or popup - there’s never a lack of fun in our neighborhoods.

So, what all does 2023 have to offer for Chattanooga?

Click each photo for more information about each event!

February: Bessie smith Cultural center black history month

To celebrate Black History Month, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center has a calendar full of diverse event opportunities to bring the Chattanooga community together. Panel discussions, guest speakers and film screenings will educate event goers on the history of African American culture and activism both globally and in Chattanooga!

February / More information: BLACK HISTORY MONTH – Bessie Smith Cultural Center (bessiesmithcc.org)

March: rock the riverfront

Rock the Riverfront brings the Chattanooga Green to life each March with an interactive art installation! This year is Los Trompos, a celebration of the ‘Spinning Top’ toy that has been loved by children for decades. The installation will include eight large, three-dimensional spinning tops that can be used as seating for relaxation, as well as places of play that spin you around.

March 17 - April 16 / Free and open to the public. More information: https://www.rivercitycompany.com/trompos

April: mothball

Pull out your old prom dress or dust off your wedding dress for the annual Mothball! Hosted by CityScope, the ball will be full of food, fun and fashion for a good cause. Each year this event acts as a fundraiser for a different charity focused on women in need. This year proceeds will go towards the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

April 27 / Purchase your tickets now on the Moth Ball’s website. More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-moth-ball-by-cityscope-2023-tickets-460253860687?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

May: nightfall

Kickoff the summer with the free concert series every Friday night starting on May 27 in Miller Plaza! Each week will host diverse musicians, vendors and food trucks to enjoy. This year will be Nightfall’s 36th season - and it’s guaranteed to be a good one highlighting local and national talent.

May 27 - September 2 / Free and open to the public. More information: Nightfall Chattanooga 2022

June: Chattanooga festival of black arts & ideas

Beginning at the start of June, the Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas celebrates Juneteenth throughout the month with a diverse lineup of events. Award ceremonies, art exhibitions, writing workshops and more are on the schedule to celebrate African American culture and talent in history. Check the festival’s website for updates on the 2023 event calendar!

June 2023 / More information: Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas (blackartsandideasfest.com)

July: red, white and blueberries market

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Chattanooga Market! Every July, the First Horizon Pavilion hosts its annual Blueberry Pie Eating Contest as well its usual lineup of wonderful local vendors for you to shop from. Grab a bite to eat, shop unique artisanal products and enter that pie eating contest this year! Watch the Chattanooga Market’s website to stay up to date on the 2023 market schedule.

July / More information: Red, White and Blueberries – The Chattanooga Market

August: paddlefest

Paddlefest is back! This paddle event celebrates Chattanooga as a cohort river town of the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership and brings the community together on the water. Paddles, kayaks and canoes are invited to paddle along a 5.4 mile stretch from the TN River Park to Ross’ Landing and enjoy the beautiful Tennessee River.

August / More information: Chattanooga Paddlefest | Outdoor Chattanooga

Photo Credit: Nathan Zucker / Moon River Music Festival

September: moon river festival

Fall is kicked off in Chattanooga each year by the beloved Moon River Music Festival! Coolidge Park comes to life for a weekend with live music performances, food + drink vendors, art and so much more. Whether you attend the festival or just stroll through Northshore during the weekend, everyone is involved in the fun.

September 9 - 10 / More information: Moon River Festival – September 9 & 10, 2023 | Chattanooga, TN

Photo Credit: 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival

October: 3 Sisters bluegrass festival

Get ready to dance! The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival is back this October with good music, vendors and community! Whether you love Bluegrass music or just want to have fun, it’s worth stopping by Ross’ Landing to enjoy the event. Celebrating traditional and contemporary Bluegrass, there’s something for everyone.

October 6 - 7 / Free and open to the public. More information: https://www.facebook.com/3sistersbluegrass

Our Ampersand Photography / River City Company

November: gratefull

November is the month of thanks, and one thing Chattanooga is always grateful for is our community. Each year the Gratefull community luncheon provides meals and opportunities to connect with your neighbors throughout the city. Hosted in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, it’s a time for the city to come together and enjoy one another. Whether you want to attend or volunteer, mark your calendars!

Date: November 16 / This event is free and open to the public. More information: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.5952010144855175&type=3

December: mainx24

Imagine 200 different events wrapped up into one - that’s MAINx24! Southside parties all day and night long at this 24-hour long event - music, parades, costumes, specials and competitions such as the annual Chili Cookoff are just a few activities that keep people’s spirits high throughout the weekend.

December 2, 2023 / Free and open to public. More information: https://www.mainx24.com

We hope that everyone has had a wonderful start to 2023 and will join in on the excitement to come in Chattanooga!

Lauryn Allman

Marketing & Communications Intern

A Look Ahead Into 2023