Chattanooga, TN, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is embracing the fall season with a lineup of vibrant festivals and community activities. From the Bacon & Barrel Festival to the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, locals and visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences celebrating food, music, and outdoor fun. The events range from the Apple Festival to Porchfest, providing something for everyone throughout the autumn. The city aims to enhance community engagement by showcasing its cultural richness through these diverse festivities.
Chattanooga Prepares for a Festive Fall with Exciting Upcoming Events
The first official day of fall is less than a week away, and Chattanooga is gearing up for a vibrant autumn filled with numerous festivals and community events. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a variety of celebrations that highlight local culture, music, food, and outdoor activities.
Bacon & Barrel Festival
The Bacon & Barrel Festival kicks off the fall season on September 26 at the First Horizon Pavilion. This event will feature a tantalizing selection of bacon-themed dishes alongside 12 whiskey samples, available exclusively for guests aged 21 and older.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
On October 3-4, the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival will take place at Ross’s Landing. This free downtown music festival promises to deliver an eclectic mix of traditional and modern bluegrass acts, making it a must-attend for music enthusiasts.
Apple Festival
The Apple Festival on October 5 at First Horizon Pavilion will showcase a variety of apple-themed products, including sweet treats, candles, and lotions. This event aims to celebrate the beloved fruit with community vendors and family-friendly activities.
Porchfest
Set for October 11 at Highland Park, Porchfest will transform local neighborhood porches into stages for live music performances. This community-based event offers a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy local talent in a relaxed setting.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest
Also on October 11-12, Chattanooga Oktoberfest returns to First Horizon Pavilion, featuring German-inspired food, music, and brews. A costume contest adds an entertaining twist to this festive gathering.
Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair
Families can take part in the Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair scheduled for November 7-9 at McDonald Farm. The fair will offer a variety of rides, food, and educational exhibits aimed at providing a fun day out for all ages.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Chattanooga’s fall festivities extend beyond traditional festivals. The Enchanted Pumpkin Patch runs from September 26 to October 31 at Rock City, turning the area into a glowing autumn wonderland. The Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition is available on select nights through October 31 at Ruby Falls, guiding participants through ghost stories during lantern-lit walks.
Additionally, Boo in the Zoo, hosted at Chattanooga Zoo on select weekends in October, will feature trick-or-treat stations, costume contests, and animal encounters. The ODDtober event at the Tennessee Aquarium, running from October 1-31, will celebrate unique aspects of nature with a series of themed programs.
The Monster Bash scheduled for October 10-11 at the Creative Discovery Museum will provide a kid-friendly Halloween experience, while families can participate in the Haunted Market at First Horizon Pavilion on October 26, complete with trick-or-treating and a costume parade.
Scenic Drives and Outdoor Experiences
The peak leaf color window for scenic drives and hikes is projected between October 27 and November 3, offering breathtaking views of the changing foliage in the region. For those looking to enjoy the landscape, fall foliage river cruises will be available from Southern Belle from September 2 to November 16, showcasing the beauty of the Tennessee River Gorge. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will offer fall train rides through November 28, providing a charming way to witness autumn colors.
Annual Bluegrass Music Events
In addition to the local fall events, Chattanooga is also hosting the 36th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards on September 18 for the first time, showcasing the city’s rising prominence in the bluegrass music scene. The IBMA Festival takes place from September 16 to September 20, featuring a mix of business conferences, performances, and a music festival aimed at boosting local tourism.
Legendary comedian and musician Steve Martin will co-host the awards alongside Alison Brown, highlighting the significance of this event in the cultural landscape of Chattanooga.
Conclusion
This fall, Chattanooga is offering an array of events that promise entertainment and community engagement. With an exciting mix of festivals, cultural experiences, and vibrant autumn scenery, the city is poised to welcome residents and tourists for an enjoyable seasonal celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the Bacon & Barrel Festival?
When does the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival take place?
What is the focus of the Apple Festival?
When is the peak leaf color window for scenic drives?
What special event will be held in Chattanooga related to bluegrass music?
Key Features of Fall Events in Chattanooga
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacon & Barrel Festival | September 26 | First Horizon Pavilion | Bacon-themed dishes and whiskey samples for ages 21 plus. |
| 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival | October 3-4 | Ross’s Landing | Free festival with traditional and modern bluegrass acts. |
| Apple Festival | October 5 | First Horizon Pavilion | Focus on apple-themed products. |
| Porchfest | October 11 | Highland Park | Live music on neighborhood porches. |
| Chattanooga Oktoberfest | October 11-12 | First Horizon Pavilion | German food, music, and a costume contest. |
| Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair | November 7-9 | McDonald Farm | Family-friendly activities and exhibits. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chattanooga Hosts IBMA Bluegrass Live Festival Without Sierra Ferrell
Chattanooga Prepares for the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival
Chattanooga Hosts Cultural Celebrations This Autumn
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Chattanooga Gears Up for Weekend Festivities
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Retired Chattanooga Fire Captain Takes Center Stage for IBMA Bluegrass Festival
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass Music
- WDEF: Kickoff Held for World of Bluegrass Festival
- Google Search: Chattanooga Events Fall
- Chattanooga Pulse: Chattanooga Hosts the Annual IBMA Music Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
- Times Free Press: Billy Strings Encourages Bluegrass to Be More
- Google News: Local Chattanooga News
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.
