Rock the Riverfront Begins!
It’s finally time to Rock the Riverfront! The 3rd annual Riverfront event kicks off this weekend on March 14th and will run an entire month, bringing the Riverfront District of Downtown Chattanooga to life with free events and activities open to all! Experience the Chattanooga Green like never before with Rock the Riverfront featuring Loop, by EKUMEN, an interactive art installation inspired by the zoetrope that plays short flipbook-style movies inspired by Quebec literature.
Loop, by EKUMEN, a co-production of Quartier des spectacles Partnership and Ekumen, distributed by QDSinternational.
What exactly is rock the riverfront?
When 2,300 Chattanoogans provided feedback of what they’d like to see to revitalize and reinvigorate the Riverfront District, there was an overwhelming response for free, family-friendly events and activities to be hosted on the Chattanooga Green. Hence, Rock the Riverfront was born three years ago as a way to engage the community and provide a fun atmosphere for families to spend time together while also serving as a catalyst for economic development and support for businesses downtown.
Loop, by EKUMEN, a co-production of Quartier des spectacles Partnership and Ekumen, distributed by QDSinternational.
Why is Rock the riverfront important to the community?
Rock the Riverfront and other arts and culture events like it provide an accessible outlet for visitors and locals alike to play and enjoy the downtown area, building up the communities around it and helping to economically boost and develop the local businesses it surrounds.
This annual event gives us all something to look forward to and serves as a beacon of fun and enjoyment for everyone that comes by.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event happen!
What’s Happening When?
From March 14th to April 14th, there will be a wide range of activities and performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with food vendors and a Riverfront bar throughout the weekend. Below are a few of the highlights for the month of Rock the Riverfront fun!
Alexandre Ayer
3.14 - 3.17: Get in the Loop
Loop is open for play 8:30AM - 8:30PM: Open daily, we welcome all ages to interact with our art installation - Loop! With 12 different animations and musical experiences to enjoy, grab a seat and let the world twirl around you! At the center of each giant wheel is a music box to provide accompaniment for the hand-drawn animations. Sit down inside the zoetrope, pump the bar, and make the image cylinder turn to watch the pictures spring into motion.
Fire & Dance Performer 6:00PM - 7:00PM: Chattanooga Fire Cabaret was formed in 2010 when a group of fire-spinning friends were hired for their very first gig. Moving alongside of the band World Leaders, the Fire Cabaret will showcase an ambient fire show!
3.22 - 3.24: Magic of Cinema featuring Light Up Chatt Parade
Dance Performances 6:00PM - 7:30PM: Garrell Woods-Trinity and Damien Chaney, two creative minds in collaboration, draw inspiration from the motion pictures of the LOOP to present a captivating performance. With a nod to the literal "motion pictures," our show pays homage to the iconic music of cinema. Through the mediums of dance and song, we delve into the timeless melodies immortalized by their inclusion in films across generations. Join us on a journey celebrating the powerful fusion of music and the silver screen.
Light Up Chatt Parade 6:00PM - 7:30PM: Create your own lantern at a workshop or at home and join in as we Light Up Chatt with a colorful parade across the river to the Chattanooga Green.
3.29 - 3.31: Hip N Hop
Best Bunny Contest 1:00PM - 2:00PM: Who will be crowned the best bunny? Bring your canine friend dressed up in their Easter finest to enter to win “Best Bunny!” Hosted in Partnership with Humane Educational Society.
Picnic in the Park All Day: Relax with your family on the beautiful Chattanooga Green for a picnic in the park experience. Visit one of our many food trucks to find the perfect dish or feel free to pack a lunch or dinner from home.
4.5 - 4.7: Retro Rewind
Soul Aerobic Line Dancing 2:00PM - 3:00PM: Soul Aerobic Line Dancing is a group fitness class that turns dancing to hip hop and R&B hits into legitimate fun exercise for people of all ages.
Choo Choo Chorus 5:00PM - 6:00PM: Come with us as we explore a time of the past with sweet melodies of the Choo Choo Chorus!
4.12 - 4.14: Pure Imagination
Children’s Entrepreneure Market 9:00AM - 12:00PM: The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is an award-winning program teaching young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through experiential learning. The markets have helped over 10,000 kids in 24 states. Shop a wide variety of businesses on the Chattanooga Green!
Ensamble de Mexico 10:00AM - 11:30AM: Ensamble de México promotes and celebrates Mexican culture and traditions in the Chattanooga community through dances from the states of the Republic of Mexico.
To view the full event schedule, click here.
No matter your age or what you normally like to do on the weekends, Rock the Riverfront has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’ve been looking for something to do with your family or have been searching for an opportunity to feel like a kid again, find some time over the next month and allow your inner child to come out at an experience where the only thing required of you is to play and enjoy the company of your community.
Tori Catlett
Marketing Intern