This month offers a first taste of fall all around Chattanooga – and you don’t want to miss out on the fun! From food-themed festivals to live performances and highly anticipated triathlons, there’s sure to be an event for anyone and everyone.
Nightfall
September 2
Catch one last night of Nightfall before summer ends at Miller Plaza. This event – produced by Chattanooga Presents – is free to the public. Butch Ross opens the show at 7 p.m., and headliner Miko Marks, a country music performer hailing from Flint, Michigan, takes the stage at 8 p.m. Come early and shop handmade artisan goods beginning at 6 p.m.; food trucks will begin selling at 6:30 p.m.
Rail & Hops Brewers Festival
September 3
From 5 until 10 p.m., join the Rail & Hops Brewers Festival downtown at Miller Park for local and regional handcrafted beers. Just a few of the participating breweries include OddStory Brewing Co., Heaven & Ale Brewing Co., Nantahala Brewing Company, and Wild Heaven Beer. Lee Fields & The Expressions will headline the event on the EPB Community stage. Proceeds from the Rail & Hops Brewers Festival benefit SoundCorps’ mission of supporting our local music economy.
National Treasures: Party at Point Park
September 8
Support the National Park Partners – and enjoy a beautiful evening at Lookout Mountain’s Point Park – by attending Party at Point Park. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests can enjoy music from The New Dismembered Tennesseans, keepsake photos on Umbrella Rock, a barbecue dinner, prizes, kid-friendly activities, and more. The National Park Partner’s mission is to champion the conservation of the natural, historic, and cultural resources of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Fall Market at Collegedale Commons
September 10
The third annual Fall Market at Collegedale Commons will have fun for the whole family from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. In addition to inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, trackless train rides, and live entertainment, there will also be more than 150 vendors set up to prepare you for the fall season ahead. Admission and parking are free.
Brew Skies Beer & Wine Festival
September 10
Brew Skies Beer & Wine Festival is coming to AT&T Field, where you’ll find a wide selection of wine and Oktoberfest beers from breweries across the Southeast and Germany. Regular admission tickets include unlimited tastings and a commemorative cup, with VIP tickets to offer early admission and a free all-you-can-eat buffet. Live music, games, Oktoberfest fun, and “best dressed” competitions are also in store.
Moon River Music Festival
September 10-11
Returning to Coolidge Park for another year of music and fun is Moon River Music Festival. More than 20 performances will take place over two days, including performances from Leon Bridges, The National, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Band of Horses, Local Natives, Zach Bryan, and more. Local food and drink vendors will be set up on-site. Also except family-friendly activities for the little ones and football streaming for the sports enthusiasts.
Apple Festival at the Chattanooga Market
September 18
Apples and autumn go hand in hand, so celebrate this fall fruit at the Chattanooga Market on September 18. Vendors will be selling everything from apple pies and apple strudel to apple candles and apple-scented lotions, as well as fresh local produce and artisan goods. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion.
Banana Ball
September 24
This year’s Banana Ball at the Chattanooga Zoo will feature Joel Sartore, an award-winning National Geographic photographer and founder of Photo Ark. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and a program, dinner, and VIP book signing will follow. The Banana Ball is the Zoo’s single largest fundraiser, with all proceeds going to support the African Expansion.
Little Debbie IRONMAN Chattanooga
September 25
Cheer on your favorite triathlete at IRONMAN Chattanooga, presented by McKee – A Family Bakery. Participants will compete in a 2.4-mile swim in the Tennessee River, a 116-mile bike ride through North Georgia, and a two-loop run through downtown Chattanooga, finishing at Ross’s Landing. Spectators can set up shop anywhere along the race route, but the best viewing spots are outlined in a guide at ironman.com/im-chattanooga-supporters.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
September 30 – October 1
This free festival is a community favorite, with two days of performances from some of the biggest names in traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass. Since its inception in 2007, featured artists have included Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Mandolin Orange, Rhonda Vincent, and Ricky Skaggs. The event takes place rain or shine at Ross’s Landing. Lawn chairs, blankets, and dogs are welcome!
