Chattanooga, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is gearing up for an action-packed weekend featuring the Ironman Chattanooga triathlon, the inaugural Chattanooga Comic Con, and various Halloween events. Starting Thursday, activities will include over 2,500 athletes competing in the Ironman, comic enthusiasts gathering at the Convention Center, and family-friendly Halloween festivities across the city. Residents and visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of arts, culture, music, and community events throughout the weekend.
Chattanooga Gears Up for a Thrilling Weekend with Ironman Competition, Comic Con, and Halloween Festivities
This weekend, Chattanooga will host a series of exciting events, including the Ironman Chattanooga, Chattanooga Comic Con, and various Halloween festivities. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to an action-packed schedule beginning on Thursday and continuing through Sunday.
Ironman Chattanooga
The highlight of the weekend is the Ironman Chattanooga, a premier triathlon event scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. The race expects over 2,500 athletes to participate, each competing in a rigorous series of challenges consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon of 26.1 miles. Race headquarters will be at Ross’s Landing, where activities will commence starting Thursday.
Chattanooga Comic Con
Also taking place this weekend is the inaugural Chattanooga Comic Con, which runs Saturday and Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center. This event celebrates comics, animation, gaming, and cosplay, offering attendees a chance to meet celebrity guests, participate in industry panels, and engage in gaming rooms. Admission is priced at $30 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, and a weekend pass costs between $40 to $80; please note that additional fees apply for autographs and photo opportunities.
Halloween Events
In addition to Ironman and Comic Con festivities, Halloween spirit will be alive with several events scheduled across the city. The Ruby Falls Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition will operate at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, featuring spine-chilling ghost stories. The Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City opens on Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, offering pumpkin installations and family activities. Finally, The Haunted Hilltop will be open Friday and Saturday nights, providing thrills with a haunted house experience and a haunting hayride.
Arts and Culture
As part of Chattanooga’s vibrant arts scene, visitors can explore the Chattanooga Public Library to experience the “American Revolution Experience,” which concludes on Wednesday. The Hunter Museum of American Art will feature “Silver Linings: Black Hair Edition” on Thursday, with admission set at $20. Additionally, the Exum Gallery will showcase “Second Nature” by Emily Ford, holding an opening reception on Friday from 5-7 p.m. On Saturday from 1-3 p.m., the River Gallery will host a painting demonstration by artist Steve Dininno.
Comedy Shows
Several comedy events are also on the calendar. The Comedy Catch will host an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, with comedian Laura Peek performing on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Improv Chattanooga invites audiences to a Standup + Improv show Friday at 7:30 p.m., with admission costing $10.
Festivals
A variety of festivals will bring entertainment and culinary delights to the weekend. The Chattanooga Bacon & Barrel Festival occurs Friday from 6-9 p.m. at First Horizon Pavilion, where a $54 ticket grants guests unlimited food samples. Simultaneously, the Oktoberfest event will be held on the same day from 6-9 p.m. at the Museum Center at Five Points, with tickets priced at $20. Other events include the Bird & Barn Sale at Black Fox Farms on Friday and Saturday, the Show & Sell at Rock Spring United Methodist Church on Saturday, and the East Ridge Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Camp Jordan featuring over 150 vendors.
Music Events
Music enthusiasts can enjoy the Noontunes Finale featuring The ChattanooGuys on Thursday at noon in Miller Park. The Campfire Concert Series will showcase the Latin-centric COT Band on Friday evening, while the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera presents “Three Billy Goats Gruff” with performances from Friday through Sunday.
Sports
Soccer fans can cheer for the Chattanooga Red Wolves as they face off against Union Omaha on Saturday at 7 p.m., with ticket prices starting at $14.
Theater
The Chattanooga Theatre Centre is set to launch its 102nd season with the production of “Memphis,” which will run from Thursday to Sunday.
Other Events
Numerous other events are planned including the Meacham Writers Workshop from Wednesday to Saturday at the University of Tennessee and the Banana Ball Gala on Saturday at the Chattanooga Zoo, benefiting the veterinary hospital with tickets priced at $185. The weekend will wrap up with the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, offering free admission for attendees to browse over 200 vendors and enjoy live music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ironman Chattanooga?
The Ironman Chattanooga is a premier triathlon starting at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, featuring over 2,500 athletes who will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.1 miles. Race headquarters will be at Ross’s Landing beginning Thursday.
When does the Chattanooga Comic Con take place?
The Chattanooga Comic Con takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center, featuring celebrations of comics, animation, gaming, and cosplay.
What Halloween events are happening this weekend in Chattanooga?
Halloween events include the Ruby Falls Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition on Thursday and Sunday, the Enchanted Pumpkin Patch at Rock City opening on Friday, and The Haunted Hilltop being open Friday and Saturday nights.
What notable festivals are occurring this weekend?
Notable festivals include the Chattanooga Bacon & Barrel Festival, Oktoberfest, Bird & Barn Sale, and the East Ridge Fall Festival, all taking place throughout the weekend.
Is there any live music this weekend?
Yes, there are several music events including the Noontunes Finale, Campfire Concert Series, and performances by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.
Key Features
| Chattanooga Weekend Events Overview | |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Date/Time |
| Ironman Chattanooga | Sunday, 7:30 a.m. |
| Chattanooga Comic Con | Saturday and Sunday |
| Ruby Falls Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition | Thursday & Sunday, 9:15 p.m. |
| Enchanted Pumpkin Patch | Opens Friday, 10 a.m – 9 p.m. |
| The Haunted Hilltop | Friday & Saturday Night |
| Chattanooga Bacon & Barrel Festival | Friday, 6-9 p.m. |
| Oktoberfest | Friday, 6-9 p.m. |
| Noontunes Finale | Thursday, noon |
| Chattanooga Red Wolves vs Union Omaha | Saturday, 7 p.m. |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Weekend Events
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Lisa Denton Stories
- Google Search: Chattanooga events
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Arts Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
