May 2021 events in Chattanooga center around sport, spirits, creativity, and the great outdoors. Here’s what to watch for as you plan your calendar for the month.
Chattanooga Home & Garden Show
May 1-2
At this annual showcase at the Chattanooga Convention Center, you can check out the latest trends in home decor, landscaping, and home improvement from at 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Vendors will be on site sharing tips, services, and ideas for projects that include patios, pools, flooring, porches, docks, and more. Ready for a remodel? This is the event for you.
Learn to Skateboard
May 1, 15, 29
Sponsored by Outdoor Chattanooga, this beginner’s class is a free 90-minute introduction to foundational skateboarding skills. You’ll learn about proper foot positioning, pushing, balancing, how to fall safely, how to practice at a skatepark with proper etiquette, and how to take care of your board. Located at Chattown Skate Park on Reggie White Boulevard, this class is for anyone age 8 and up, and all the equipment needed to learn is provided. You’ll need a reservation to participate, and keep in mind that the class is limited to one per person per year.
Sensory Night at the Creative Discovery Museum
May 6
A hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits on wedges, levers, and pulleys; the life of a honeybee; dinosaur bones; drawing and sculpting; and performing arts, the Creative Discovery Museum hosts a special evening for children with sensory sensitivity the first Thursday of each month. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., food smells, overhead announcements, and other potentially overwhelming stimuli will be limited. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Chattanooga Football Club Home Games
May 8, 29
Join the Chattahooligan super fans at Finley Stadium to cheer on the Chattanooga Football Club in matches against the Michigan Stars Football Club (May 8) and Maryland Bobcats Football Club (May 29). Walking distance from Naked River Brewing & BBQ and Chattanooga Brewing Co., you’ll have plenty of options for dinner and beer before the game begins. Chattanooga FC first joined the National Premier Soccer League in 2009. This spring, the team stars in a documentary series on WTCI-TV titled “No Matter What: The Rise of Chattanooga FC.” Produced by local production company SuperChief, the series follows the squad through their first season in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
Chattanooga Lookouts Home Games
May 4-9, 25-30
Chattanooga’s Minor League Baseball team, the Chattanooga Lookouts play at AT&T Field in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, walking distance from the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, and restaurants like Lupi’s Pizza Pies, Big River Grille, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, Hennen’s Steakhouse, Mellow Mushroom, and Rodizio Grill. The season opener will include six games against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, starting at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2:15 p.m. Sunday. May 8 is Superhero Night, giving fans the chance to catch a caped crusader roaming the stadium for autographs and photos. The schedule will also include post-game fireworks on Friday nights. New this season, the Lookouts have moved to cashless payments within the stadium. Credit and debit cards will be accepted at all concession stands and the Lookouts Team Store. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase Lookouts gift cards that will be able to be used in the team store, at every concession stand, and at the ticket windows.
Spirits in the Wild
May 15
Featuring live music, animal encounters, and live art demonstrations by local artists Michelle Fountain and Hollie Berry, Spirits in the Wild is a ticketed event at the Chattanooga Zoo centered around sampling spirits, wines, and beers from around the world. Guests will enjoy an open bar and signature cocktail, food tastings from area restaurants, and art created by the animals of the Chattanooga Zoo. A 21-and-older only event, Spirits in the Wild will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. Tickets must be reserved online in advance.
Chattanooga Red Wolves Home Games
May 22, 29
Added to the Chattanooga soccer scene in 2018, the Chattanooga Red Wolves will play their first first home game of the season at CHI Memorial Stadium vs. Fort Lauderdale CF then a second game on the 29th against the Richmond Kickers. The stadium features multiple new elements for the 2021 season including the city’s largest jumbotron, digital field runners, floodlights, and an Executive Club and Sky Suites building. The 28-game season will feature Red Wolves matches against each League One club home and away, along with four matches each against North Carolina SC, 2020 Champions Greenville Triumph, and 2019 Champions North Texas SC.
Chattanooga Spring Bridal Show
May 23
A modern take on access to new trends and regional wedding vendors, this bridal show includes entertainment, music, and a cash bar. You can take a break from brainstorming bouquets, photographers, and gowns for a glass of wine, or bring your groom and park him by a television while you glean ideas for your big day. Part wedding planning, part celebration of your engagement, the Chattanooga Spring Bridal Show will also include a Couples Game Show.