Chattanooga, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is set for a weekend filled with diverse activities including the Margarita Festival, Cherokee Cultural Celebration, and numerous family-friendly events. The Margarita Festival will feature local restaurants competing for the Best Margarita at First Horizon Pavilion, while the Cherokee Cultural Celebration offers traditional demonstrations at Red Clay State Historic Park. Additionally, the Chattanooga Zoo will host Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses for family fun. With exhibitions, concerts, and markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Chattanooga Weekend Events: A Schedule Packed with Fun
Chattanooga is hosting a variety of exciting events this weekend, including the Margarita Festival and the Cherokee Cultural Celebration. Residents and visitors can choose from art exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment throughout the city.
Margarita Festival Highlights
The Chattanooga Margarita Festival is set to take place on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion. The event will feature local restaurants competing for the title of Best Margarita, along with live entertainment, a photo booth, and diverse food vendors. General admission is priced at $54, allowing attendees to sample a variety of margaritas.
Cherokee Cultural Celebration
This weekend will also see the Cherokee Cultural Celebration hosted at Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Tennessee, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can enjoy traditional demonstrations, dancing, and music for an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle.
Family Activities at the Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo is hosting a Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. This family-friendly event includes characters from Magic Lamp Entertainment, who will interact with the crowd, alongside a treasure hunt, zookeeper chats, and themed animal enrichment. Zoo tickets range from $12-$17 online or $15-$20 at the gate.
Exhibitions and Arts Shows
The Chattanooga Public Library continues its “Fun on the Spectrum” exhibition through Aug. 30, displaying selected works from Hart Gallery artists. Other cultural institutions participating in the weekend’s festivities include the Creative Arts Guild exhibitions, showcasing works by Kait Steward and Tony Carlson through Aug. 29, and the In-Town Gallery featuring “Nature in Glass” works by Inna Beker until Aug. 31.
Ongoing Arts and Cultural Events
The Association for Visual Arts is conducting its annual juried member show until Sept. 5, and ClearStory Arts hosts the exhibition “Pulling Forth the Invisible”, ending on Aug. 30. The Liquidambar Art Gallery at Sequatchie Valley Institute is also open to the public, showcasing various local artworks.
Concerts and Performances
This weekend will feature numerous musical events, including free summer concert series at Riverfront Nights at Ross’s Landing on Saturday, with performances by Swayyvo and Yacht Rock Schooner. Additionally, Barrelhouse Ballroom will host a tribute to Guns N’ Roses, followed by a 2000s dance party over the weekend.
Mark Your Calendar for Additional Events
On Sunday, the Chattanooga Market will host a back-to-school-themed market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion. Other highlights include the Two Mountains Fine Art Show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dade County High School, and the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater screening films throughout the weekend.
Conclusion
With its mix of cultural, food, and family-oriented activities, Chattanooga offers a fun-filled weekend that caters to a variety of interests. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to make the most of these offerings as the city buzzes with energy and excitement.
FAQ Section
What events are happening in Chattanooga this weekend?
Chattanooga is hosting the Margarita Festival, Cherokee Cultural Celebration, Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses at the zoo, and more events including art exhibitions and concerts.
What is the cost of attending the Margarita Festival?
General admission for the Margarita Festival is $54.
When and where is the Cherokee Cultural Celebration taking place?
The Cherokee Cultural Celebration is at Red Clay State Historic Park on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle.
What family-friendly activities are available at the Chattanooga Zoo?
The Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses event includes a treasure hunt, zookeeper chats, and themed animal enrichment.
Are there any art exhibitions taking place?
Yes, several art exhibitions are ongoing, including “Then is Also Now” by Kait Steward and “Rooting for the Ridge” by Tony Carlson.
Key Event Features
| Event | Date | Location | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Margarita Festival | Saturday, 6-9 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | $54 | Local competition, live entertainment, food vendors |
| Cherokee Cultural Celebration | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Red Clay State Historic Park | $5 per vehicle | Demonstrations, dancing, music |
| Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | $12-$17 online, $15-$20 in-person | Treasure hunt, zookeeper chats, entertainment |
| Chattanooga Market | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | Free entry | Back-to-school themed market |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Weekend Activities
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Events
- Google Search: Chattanooga Events
- Nooga Today: Chattanooga Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan: Margarita Festival
- Google News: Chattanooga Margarita Festival
- Times Free Press: Travel Events
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
