With the month of June comes the official start of summer, and the city of Chattanooga is well prepared. Whether you’re a local Chattanoogan or just in town for the weekend, the Scenic City has plenty of things to do this month, from a weekly concert series to a pet festival and so much more.
June 1
The Walnut Street Bridge Festival is back for its third year in Chattanooga, now happening in Coolidge Park due to bridge construction. The event will feature a variety of food trucks, local music performances, and a KidZone with fun activities for children. Families can enjoy pony rides, explore handmade goods from local vendors, and take part in other community activities. Entry is free, so bring the family out for a day of good food, music, and local fun.
June 6
Celebrate the wonders beneath the surface at Ruby Falls on the National Day of Caves and Karst. Explore the underground world with guided cave tours, interactive activities, and fascinating insights into the importance of caves and karst landscapes. Great for adventurers of all ages, this special event highlights the geology, history, and conservation of these natural wonders.
June 6, 13, 20, and 27
Nightfall will host four concerts in the month of June at Miller Plaza and Miller Park. Each event will begin at 6 p.m. with an art market in the park, beverage sales, and food trucks. The concerts will begin at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, and the concert lineup can be found on Nightfall’s website.
June 7
McKamey Animal Center will host their annual Paw Palooza in Coolidge Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to fundraise for the shelter. This pet walk and festival will include dog-friendly games, contests, local vendors, food trucks, and much more. The event is free to attend, and participants are encouraged to donate or register as an individual or team walker for the fundraiser. Top fundraisers have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes. More details can be found on MAC’s website.
June 14
Join Crabtree Farms for their signature fundraising event, the Annual 100 Dinner & Auction. Held on June 14 from 6 to 9 p.m., 200 guests will enjoy a multi-course meal using local ingredients and prepared by influential culinary artists in Chattanooga. Guests will also enjoy alcoholic beverages, live bluegrass music, and a rustic atmosphere for a magical summer evening. Tickets can be purchased on the farm’s website.
June 15
Hosted by the Bethlehem Center, Southside Juneteenth Jubilee is returning this year from 1 to 4 p.m. for its annual celebration of freedom. The event will feature local vendors, food, and live music. Guest speakers include Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley, Mayor Wamp, District 11 Commissioner Joe Graham, and Mayor Kelly. The event is free to attend, and those interested in volunteering can register on the center’s website.
June 17
Dedicated to advancing economic opportunity in the workplace, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual DIVERSIFY event is back at the Chattanooga Convention Center in downtown to engage the business community. This year’s keynote speaker will be leadership expert Juanita McDowell, also known as “The Success Engineer,” who will share her unique perspective on personal and professional development. The event begins with breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the program at 8:30 a.m. Registration is required.
June 21
Join the worldwide celebration of music at Make Music Day Chattanooga. This free, city-wide event fills streets, parks, and venues with live performances from local musicians of all genres and skill levels. With live concerts, jam sessions, workshops, and more, it’s a day to connect through the universal language of music. Whether you’re playing, singing, or simply soaking in the sounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Photo Courtesy of The Bessie Smith Cultural Center
June 21-22
Bessie Smith Cultural Center’s Big 9 Music Fest is back by popular demand for its third year. This free community event is held in honor of the powerful legacy of music, history, and community that existed on what was once 9th Street. Guests can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere while seeing live performances from popular music artists, such as Jeter Jones, Tasha Mac, and more.
June 22
Get ready for the 43rd Annual Publix Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon! Swim in the shadow of Lookout Mountain, bike along the historic riverfront, and run through the beautiful Tennessee Riverwalk. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just enjoying the competition, the fast, downstream swim and full-course support ensure a smooth ride.
June 22
Join the Walden’s Ridge Civic League for the fifth annual celebration of its auditorium, built in 1921. From 4 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy music, hayrides, balloons, a kite-flying workshop, games for kids and grown-ups, and much more. There will also be free birthday cake and ice cream to celebrate. The event is free to attend, but some activities may require purchasing a ticket.
June 22
The Climb is a free annual event to raise awareness and funds for perinatal mental health disorders such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Created by Postpartum Support International (PSI), a nonprofit organization, Team Chattanooga will host its community walk on Sunday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Renaissance Park. Participants can also enjoy kid-friendly games and activities, community vendors, giveaways, and more!
June 27
The Chattanooga Cocktail Festival is back at the First Horizon Pavilion in Southside with a tropical twist, featuring fresh summer sips and tasty eats. This celebration brings together local bartenders, mixologists, and distillers for a weekend of tastings, creative concoctions, and cocktail-inspired experiences. Sip and savor expertly crafted drinks, enjoy live entertainment, and immerse yourself in Chattanooga’s vibrant cocktail scene. Each ticket includes 12 fun-size summer-inspired cocktails, plus access to all the festivities and entertainment. This event is 21+ only.
Whether you’re looking for a race to compete in or a fundraiser to attend, Chattanooga has something for everyone this month. Happy adventuring!
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Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Media & Marketing Group, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She also is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media accounts. In her free time, Ali enjoys exploring Chattanooga’s many hiking trails and searching for the best burger in the city.
Lindsey Clute, BA
Lindsey Clute is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in international studies. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Lindsey worked in social media marketing, managing social media accounts and supporting various marketing initiatives. In addition, she worked as an editorial intern for a local media group. Today, Lindsey leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys hanging out at local coffee shops and taking advantage of Chattanooga’s outdoor activities.