Contributing Authors: Lindsey Clute
With the month of May comes beautiful flowers, warmer weather, and a whole host of events! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, food festival, or more, the Scenic City has got you covered. Here, we explore just a few of the events, celebrations, and things to do in Chattanooga in May.
May 2
Bunny Hop! is a family-friendly fundraiser benefiting the Chambliss Center for Children. This event will be held in the spacious and open-air First Horizon Pavilion from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy various activities, including arts and crafts, a baby animal petting station, face painting, a photo booth, karaoke, and more! All children in attendance will receive a Peter Rabbit coloring book to take home, and parents can also enjoy an evening of festivities – including dinner and a silent auction.
May 3
Racing to end homelessness, Chattanooga Room in the Inn’s ChattaDerby 2025 is held the same day as the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy the excitement of the big race on a large-screen TV while indulging in complimentary Kentucky Derby-inspired food and drinks. There will also be a silent auction, fun contests, and much more. The event takes place at The Signal in Southside from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
May 3
The friendliest barbecue competition in the South is back for its 10th year. The all-day event includes live bluegrass music, giveaways, kids’ activities, and of course, plenty of barbecue! Team registration fees benefit children with pediatric cancer and their families through the Lana’s Love Foundation. Spectator admission is free.
May 3-4
“Taco ‘bout” a good time! The Chattanooga Taco Festival will return to Camp Jordan Amphitheater in East Ridge for a weekend of taco-themed fun. With over 175 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, and much, much more, this event offers a whole host of family-friendly activities. The event takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 9
The Go Red for Women event experience focuses on connection and engagement, fostering an atmosphere of interaction and networking at every turn. It will celebrate the power of women banding together and the joy of spending time with fellow champions of the American Heart Association’s mission. The event will include education and experiences that can help improve your health and well-being and that of the women you know and love.
May 10
The Creative Discovery Museum is turning 30, and they’re inviting everyone to celebrate with them! On Saturday, May 10, the museum will host an all-day block party, complete with hands-on activities, interactive performances, inflatables, games, giveaways, and food trucks – all at no cost! In addition, guests can purchase admission to the museum at their original 1995 prices: $4.95 per child and $7.95 per adult.
May 17
Join Lula Lake Land Trust for their 10th annual Hike Bike Brew Beer Festival! Held at the Core Preserve on Lookout Mountain on Saturday, May 17, this festival allows attendees to bike or hike the “Beer Path Loop” to the waterfall while enjoying beer tasters along the way. Guests can enjoy more drinks at the after party, along with live music, games, food, door prizes, and more. Ticket sales benefit Lula Lake’s trail work and conservation efforts.
May 12
Calling all golf enthusiasts! The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s fourth annual Monday After the Masters Golf Tournament will take place at The Farm Golf Club in Dalton, Georgia, on Monday, May 12. Teams may register as a foursome to participate. Golfers can expect a catered lunch and light reception, a silent auction, a participant gift bag, and prizes for contest winners, including longest drive and closest to the pin. The event supports the Foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer.
May 17
Ready for a wild night out? Head to the Chattanooga Zoo for Spirits in the Wild on Saturday, May 17. Guests can sample a variety of beers, wine, and spirits as they explore all the Zoo has to offer. Guests will also enjoy food tastings from local restaurants, animal meet and greets, live entertainment, and much more. Tickets can be purchased on the Zoo’s website, and all proceeds support the Chattanooga Zoo and its animals.
May 18
Celebrating 10 years, the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga offers the perfect training opportunity for those getting ready for the full-distance IRONMAN Chattanooga or a chance to race in one of the triathlon’s most welcoming race communities on the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit. It begins with a 1.2-mile swim, transitions into a 56-mile bike course, and then ends with a 13.1-mile run.
May 24
Head to First Horizon Pavilion on Saturday, May 24, from noon to 3 p.m. for the fifth annual Chattanooga Beer Fest! This ticketed craft beer event offers sample tastings from over 25 local and visiting breweries – no tokens or additional purchase necessary. Attendees will also have access to a variety of food trucks, water and soft drink options, and a collectors tasting glass. Designated driver tickets are available at a discounted rate at the door when accompanied by regular admission ticket holders.
May 25
Calling all foodies! Head to the Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion for the Chattanooga Street Food Festival. With free admission, attendees can enjoy a gathering of the best food trucks from our area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From tacos and donuts to cultural foods and more, bring the whole family for a day of fun and mouthwatering eats.
May 26
Our community’s oldest active competitive road race, the Chattanooga Chase, is a Memorial Day tradition for many. Experience the scenic 8K and 1-mile races through the historic Riverview neighborhood, followed by the Hanover Street Block Party. All proceeds benefit the Chattanooga Track Club and Siskin Children’s Institute, supporting fitness and children with special needs. Don’t miss the 58th running of the Chattanooga Chase!
May 26
Celebrate Memorial Day commemoration at McCoy Farm & Gardens with this free celebration. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event includes a salute to the flag and veterans, the national anthem, picnic food for purchase, a children’s play area, local musical entertainment, a craft fair, antique china sale, and more.
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