Chattanooga, August 13, 2025
News Summary
This weekend in Chattanooga is set to be a lively affair with numerous festivals, art exhibitions, and community events. Events include extreme sports at the Chattanooga River Games, a sunflower you-pick at Happy Valley Farms, and various art showcases at local galleries. The city will also host community festivals, including the Chickamauga’s Art and Folk Festival and live performances. Highlights of the weekend promise to enrich the local culture and bring residents together for a memorable experience.
Chattanooga Celebrates a Vibrant Weekend of Festivals, Art Exhibitions, and Community Events
This weekend, Chattanooga is buzzing with activities across the city, featuring various festivals and art exhibitions that celebrate local culture and community spirit. From exciting sports events at the Tennessee River to art shows and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Notable Events on the Schedule
The Chattanooga River Games will take place along the Tennessee River, showcasing thrilling extreme sports activities such as rock climbing and wake-surfing from Friday through Sunday. In addition, Happy Valley Farms invites attendees for a sunflower you-pick weekend, allowing guests to pick fresh sunflowers for $2 each while enjoying local vendors and pastries.
Art lovers can explore the “Fun on the Spectrum” exhibition at the Chattanooga Public Library, running through August 30. This exhibition features selected works by Hart Gallery artists. Meanwhile, the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton will showcase two notable exhibitions until August 29: “Then is Also Now” by Kait Steward and “Rooting for the Ridge” by Tony Carlson.
The In-Town Gallery continues its exhibition titled “Nature in Glass” by Inna Beker, open until August 31. The Association for Visual Arts is also hosting its annual juried member show until September 5, while ClearStory Arts presents “Pulling Forth the Invisible”, an exhibition exploring fantasy and alternative worlds, on display until August 30.
Community Gatherings and Festivals
On Saturday, the city will host a range of community events, including the Chickamauga’s Art and Folk Festival featuring regional artists, craft demonstrations, and food vendors. The Riverfront Nights concert series will continue with performances from Jawnra and Dizgo from 6 PM to 10 PM. Additionally, Improv Chattanooga will present a back-to-school-themed show at Barking Legs Theater at 8 PM.
Families can also enjoy the Nooga Splash, an inflatable on-water obstacle course operating until September 7, and the Sunshine and Lemonade Festival, which will host local vendors and live entertainment on Saturday.
On Sunday, St. Paul AME Church will celebrate its 136th anniversary with a gospel musical explosion starting at 10:30 AM, and a charity softball tournament hosted by Chattanooga Guns and Hoses will take place, benefiting local programs.
Art and Cultural Showcases
The Hunter Museum of American Art will feature a dance performance by Ballet Esprit on Thursday at 6 PM. The IMAX theater at the Tennessee Aquarium will screen “F1: The Movie” on Wednesday and “The Grateful Dead Movie” from Thursday to Sunday. The Bobby Stone Film Series will present “The Six Triple Eight” on Friday, accompanied by a pre-show talk. Film enthusiasts can also catch two films at the Lookout Wild Film Festival at Barrelhouse Ballroom on Saturday, with tickets priced at $30.
The Chattanooga Lookouts will host a home series against the Montgomery Biscuits, featuring various promotions leading up to Sunday, and the Chattanooga Roller Derby’s final home game of the season will take place at Camp Jordan on Saturday.
In addition to these events, a pre-homecoming fish fry will be hosted by Stanley United Methodist Church on Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering another opportunity for community engagement.
Conclusion
This weekend promises to be a lively celebration of art, sports, and community in Chattanooga, highlighting the city’s vibrant culture and bringing together residents and visitors for unforgettable experiences.
FAQs
What events are happening in Chattanooga this weekend?
Chattanooga will host a range of events, including the Chattanooga River Games, sunflower you-pick at Happy Valley Farms, art exhibitions, community festivals, and live performances.
Where can I find local art exhibitions?
Local art exhibitions can be found at the Chattanooga Public Library, In-Town Gallery, Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, and other venues around the city.
Is there a family-friendly event planned for this weekend?
Yes, families can enjoy events like the Nooga Splash inflatable obstacle course, the Sunshine and Lemonade Festival, and the fish fry hosted by Stanley United Methodist Church.
Key Features of the Weekend Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga River Games | Friday – Sunday | Tennessee River | Extreme sports activities including rock climbing and wake-surfing. |
| Sunflower You-Pick | Friday – Sunday | Happy Valley Farms | Pick sunflowers and enjoy local vendors. |
| Art Exhibitions | Ongoing until August 31 | Various Galleries | Includes “Nature in Glass” and “Fun on the Spectrum”. |
| Community Events | Saturday & Sunday | Chattanooga | Includes Chickamauga’s Art and Folk Festival and a charity softball tournament. |
| Dance Performance | Thursday | Hunter Museum of American Art | Ballet Esprit performance. |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Things to Do in the Chattanooga Area This Weekend
- WRCB TV: Chattanooga River Games Bringing Action-Packed Weekend
- Chattanooga Pulse: Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas
- Nooga Today: Plan Ahead for Chattanooga Events
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
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.
