Chattanooga isn’t just a scenic city – it’s also a musical one. The city plays host to live music events all year long, including a lineup of concert series featuring fun for the whole family, often at no cost. Here, we take a look at what’s in store for 2026.
Nightfall
Every Friday night from May 1 to July 31, Chattanooga Presents will host a free evening of outdoor music at Miller Plaza and Miller Park, located in the heart of downtown. Nightfall has been a Chattanooga tradition since 1988 and features a broad range of music genres performed by national, international, and local artists. Concerts begin at 7 p.m., but come early to shop handmade artisan goods and grab a bite from local food trucks. To view this year’s schedule, click here.
The McLemore Songwriters Series
This exclusive monthly music experience – held May through October – is hosted at McLemore, a golf resort and master-planned community on Lookout Mountain. The McLemore Songwriters Series features performances by songwriters who have written and collaborated with stars like Keith Urban, Jimmy Buffett, Jason Aldean, Amy Grant, Darius Rucker, and more. The series begins on May 21 with Eric Paslay, followed by Maggie Rose on June 17, Shawn Mullins on July 23, Mae Estes on August 20, Patrick Davis on September 24, and Billy Dean on October 22. An intentionally intimate concert experience, tickets are limited.
Campfire Concert Series
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center celebrates local talent in the great outdoors with its Campfire Concert series, which brings people together every spring and fall to enjoy live music set against the backdrop of Lookout Mountain. The event raises money for the nature center, with a camping add-on available for a night under the stars on the property. This year’s spring series kicked off in April with Fresh Mind, The Pine Hill Haints, and Randy Steele and High Cold Wind, and its final concert is planned for Friday, May 22, featuring Tennessee’s Dead. For future performances, keep an eye on the organization’s events calendar.
Riverfront Nights
Starting this May, head to Ross’s Landing for Riverfront Nights, a free summer music series hosted by Friends of the Festival. The family-friendly and pet-friendly event will take place every Saturday evening from May 23 until September 5. Concertgoers can enjoy on-site food and beverage vendors, scenic river views, and of course – live music! Concessions open at 6 p.m. each evening, and music begins at 7 p.m.
Lakeside Live!
Coming to Chester Frost Park in Hixson this summer, Lakeside Live! is a brand-new free outdoor concert series organized by Hamilton County Parks & Recreation. Families are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy vendors and live music, all set against the backdrop of Chickamauga Lake. The series begins Saturday, June 13, with Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked and opener James Snider with Fresh Mind. Two more concerts are planned for July 11 – featuring Rubiks Groove – and August 15, featuring former “The Voice” contestant, Amber Carrington, and opener Bella Lam & The Boys. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m.
