News Summary
Chattanooga gears up for a weekend of celebrations, featuring the Juneteenth Freedom Day festival and the return of the Chattanooga Film Festival. Events include a documentary screening, a parade, and various vibrant community activities across the city, from art exhibits to performances. With a lineup of diverse events, this weekend promises fun, culture, and entertainment for all residents and visitors.
Chattanooga is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with celebrations, cultural events, and entertainment as the city wraps up its Juneteenth events and embraces the return of the Chattanooga Film Festival.
This weekend marks the final celebrations for Juneteenth across Chattanooga, with numerous activities designed to honor African American heritage and freedom. Notably, the Juneteenth Freedom Day festival is taking place at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring speakers, music, and community engagement. Additionally, a documentary screening of “How To Sue the Klan” at New Zion Baptist Church and a National Freedom Day Parade commencing at 4 p.m. on Thursday highlight the significance of the day.
On the film front, the Chattanooga Film Festival is back with a lineup of 178 independent films, including 130 shorts. This event runs from June 16 to June 18 and offers both in-person screenings at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and virtual screenings until June 28 for those who wish to participate from home. The Bobby Stone Film Series will kick off with “Little Richard: I Am Everything” and “Drive Away Dolls” on Saturday at Walker Theatre.
Several vibrant events are planned at Stove Works, starting with the Art-A-Nooga Tonight variety hour at 6 p.m. on Friday, followed by Chattanooga Noise Night at 8 p.m. The open studios event featuring eight artists will take place on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., culminating in the opening reception for Will Sutton’s “Backwash” art exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday evening.
This weekend also sees the conclusion of the Chattanooga Public Library’s “Glass From the Past” exhibit, which provides visitors with a glimpse into the city’s historic glass manufacturing industry. The exhibit will be open until Saturday, allowing patrons one last opportunity to view the intriguing collections.
On Sunday, the Howard Finster’s World Folk Art Church will reopen for an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. after undergoing 25 years of extensive restoration, giving visitors a chance to explore this unique art space.
For fans of comedy, Josh Blue is set to perform at The Comedy Catch, while Fred Armisen will bring his tour to the Walker Theatre on Sunday, adding a humorous flair to the weekend’s activities.
Additionally, the St. Paul AME Church will hold its Youth Day celebration on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., led by Rev. Ju’Quan L. Stewart, fostering community among its members.
Music lovers will find plenty of options this weekend, with an Open Mic Night at Songbirds and a concert by Et Cetera. The Riverfront Nights free music series will continue with a performance by Soul Sacrifice on Saturday, alongside a Community BBQ Bash at Coolidge Park designed to promote unity and togetherness within the community.
The weekend also includes various community-oriented events like Metrotham Con, the final days for the Lookout Lavender Farm’s you-pick event, and diverse summer concerts throughout the city. Educational initiatives like “Bees in the Garden,” hosted by Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, and a book signing at Chickamauga Battlefield will offer learning opportunities for attendees.
The Chattanooga Zoo will commemorate World Giraffe Day with special activities, while Red Bank celebrates its 70th anniversary with music and festivities on Saturday—adding to the weekend’s liveliness.
In the realm of theater, attendees can look forward to performances of “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” and Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” throughout the weekend. For those wanting to experience nature, the final opportunity to enjoy the Lavender Festival at Flat Top Mountain Farm is this weekend.
With a diverse array of events focusing on music, art, culture, and family activities, Chattanooga invites everyone to take part in this weekend’s festivities that promise to be memorable and enriching.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press
- Chattanoogan
- Hits 96
- Tennessee Tribune
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- Google Search: Chattanooga Juneteenth
- Google Scholar: Juneteenth celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Google News: Chattanooga events
