Though many of us are still nursing a holiday hangover, the Scenic City offers plenty of activities to start 2022 on the right foot. From Broadway musicals to blistering half marathons and everything in between, here’s what you can look forward to this month.
“How Are We Doing? A Pandemic Retrospective” Art Exhibit Opening
January 7
The Association for Visuals Arts (AVA) is kicking off 2022 with the exhibit “How Are We Doing? A Pandemic Retrospective.” Created in partnership with the Arts and Healthcare Program at CHI Memorial Hospital, the exhibit highlights artists who have been making work in response to, with materials from, or as a means of coping or processing different aspects of the realities of life in light of COVID-19. The opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the AVA gallery on the Northshore.
Dread Hollow New Year’s Nightmare
January 8
Dread Hollow is Chattanooga’s premier haunted attraction, and for those who enjoy a screaming fun time, New Year’s Nightmare is just the ticket. This special-edition haunt and escape room is open for only one more night: January 8, from 8 until 10 p.m. Tickets are sold online only, and a timed-entry reservation is required. Note that this attraction is not recommended for children under 12.
Freeze Your Half Off
January 8
What better way to spend a Saturday morning than a run alongside the Tennessee River – in the middle of winter? Presented by Run Chattanooga, the Freeze Your Half Off event features three races: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Registration is available online, with the registration fee to include entry into the race distance of your choosing, online results, swag, aid station goodies, and a medal. All races start from 4601 Amnicola Highway at 9 a.m.
Dry January: Mocktails 101
January 13
If you’re participating in Dry January this new year – or you’re just looking to learn something new – The Chattery has the perfect class for you. From 6 until 7:30 p.m., Kaleena Goldsworthy-Warnock will be leading a demonstration-style class all about mocktails. Not only will attendees learn how to combine flavors to create a yummy treat, they’ll also receive samples of three mocktails as well as access to the class presentation and recipes to replicate at home. To register, visit The Chattery’s site online.
Lookout Wild Film Festival
RESCHEDULED: February 4-6
For the past decade, the Lookout Wild Film Festival has showcased wild places and the people they inspire with outdoor adventure and conservation films from around the world. The Tivoli Theatre is set to host this incredible weekend, and more than 50 films – with titles including The River Runner, The Long River Home, and Out of the Blue – are on the docket. A full schedule can be viewed online.
Tennessee Running Tour – Trail of Tears
January 15
This annual race, held at Red Clay State Historic Park, is part of the longest state park running series in the United States. The approximately seven-mile course starts and finishes at the lodge and takes runners across the state line into Georgia. Walkers are also welcome!
Color Chattanooga Pink!
POSTPONED
Although CHI Memorial’s Pink! Gala is sold out, you can still help the organization Color Chattanooga Pink! during the week leading up to the big event. Lots of activities are scheduled around town, so follow facebook.com/PINKGALA on Facebook and @Pinkgalachatt on Instagram to stay in the know.
Jersey Boys
RESCHEDULED: July 29-30
The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium is bringing Broadway to the Scenic City with three performances of Jersey Boys. The Tony and Grammy award-winning production tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and features legendary hits such as “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Walk Like a Man.” From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this musical keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Harlem Globetrotters
January 29
This world-famous squad will be showing off some ball-handling wizardry at the UTC McKenzie Arena on January 29. The Trotters have been entertaining families for more than 90 years with their jaw-dropping basketball skills, and their all-new Spread Game Tour features ankle-breaking crossovers and an in-game dunk contest. Premium experiences, including one-on-one meet and greets and celebrity court passes, are also available.
