CHOOSE CHATT™ BLOG

Things to Do in Chattanooga: August

Contributing Author: Lindsey Clute

School may be back in session, but summer break isn’t slowing down just yet. The Scenic City still has plenty of summer fun to offer individuals and families alike. From free concerts and pool parties to a margarita festival and more, there’s plenty of things to do in Chattanooga in August.

Riverfront Nights

August 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30

Every Saturday in August, head to Ross’s Landing in downtown Chattanooga for free live music under the stars. This weekly summer concert series features performances from talented local artists. Concessions will open at 6 p.m. each evening with the concert starting at 7 p.m. The summer 2025 schedule can be found on Riverfront Nights’ website.

A group of friends in casual outfits happily roller skating indoors with vibrant decor and a festive atmosphere.

Final Skate Blowout

August 2

Join Skate Station at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Southside as they celebrate the end of summer with a final roller rink bash. From 7 to 10  p.m., attendees can get their skate on while listening to music from DJ Shoey. Admission to the skating rink is $10, and skate rentals are $4.

A group of diverse runners posing together in a park on a sunny day, with trees and a lamppost in the background.

Missionary Ridge Road Race 2025

August 2

The 52nd running of the Missionary Ridge Road Race, hosted by the Chattanooga Track Club, includes a 4.7-mile road race and a one-mile fun run that starts and finishes at Bragg Reservation. Experience spectacular views of Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain as you run through the historic neighborhood of Missionary Ridge. Event shirts and medals are included with participation and door prizes will be awarded after the race (including cash prizes) for various category winners. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross of Chattanooga and Team Bruner.

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A vibrant cosplay scene at a convention, with attendees in colorful costumes and booths displaying merchandise.

FarleyCon

August 2-3

Celebrating its 10th year, FarleyCon is the ultimate pop culture and comic book expo. Held at the Camp Jordan Arena in East Ridge, FarleyCon features panels, vendors, and cosplay opportunities for a fun-filled weekend. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, FarleyCon is pulling out all the stops with a lineup of celebrity guests, including voice actors, comic book creators, and more.

A woman in athletic gear leads a group of runners on an urban street, with traffic lights and spectators in the background.

Summer Sizzler

August 3

Grab your friends or family and register for the annual Summer Sizzler 5K, 10K, or 15K at Camp Jordan on August 3. This fun summer event includes race swag, awards, photos, vendors, delicious treats waiting at the finish line, an after party, and even a Kid’s Dash for children under the age of 10! Whether you’re participating as a racer, a vendor, or a volunteer, there’s plenty of fun to be had for everyone.

A crowded baseball stadium at sunset, with players on the field and fans watching from the stands.

Lookouts vs. Smokies

August 3

Head to AT&T Field to back the Lookouts as they take on the Knoxville Smokies on Sunday, August 3. As a part of Food Drive Sunday, attendees can donate a canned food item in exchange for one free general admission ticket to the game. Following the game, Great Clips will present Kids Run the Bases.

A smiling girl in a princess costume poses with a woman dressed as Ariel, surrounded by greenery and a stone statue.

Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses

August 9

Ahoy there matey! The Chattanooga Zoo invites you to attend their Pirates, Parrots, and Princesses event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring a treasure hunt, pirate and princess meet-and-greet, and more, it’s sure to be a blast for kids of all ages. Children 12 and under who dress in their best themed attire will be given 50% off admission!

A lively outdoor gathering with people in colorful dresses and suits mingling around pink-striped tables.

Bingo for the Grove

August 9

Get ready for an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and – you guessed it – bingo! This year’s theme, “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,” invites guests to dress up in their best Greek disco outfits and come out to the Hunter Museum of American Art to support the Orange Grove Center. The event starts with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by an after party with a DJ and dancing.

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A bartender smiles as she pours a drink into colorful cups at an outdoor event, surrounded by bottles and supplies.

Chattanooga Margarita Festival

August 9

Tequila lovers rejoice! The Chattanooga Margarita Festival will be returning to First Horizon Pavilion on August 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. With the purchase of a general admission ticket, guests will enjoy 10 mini margaritas, local DJs, a photobooth, and food vendors while voting for the best margarita in Chattanooga. This event is only open to those 21 and older.

A mother and daughter joyfully painting with colorful paints on a sunny day outdoors.

SPLASH Summer Arts Festival

August 16

SPLASH Youth Arts Workshop will be hosting their summer festival in Miller Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring local artists, live music, food vendors, and plenty of free art activities, this event will be a fun-filled day for the whole family.

A busy waterfront scene with a pier, crowds, white tents, and a cloudy sky reflecting on the water's surface.

Chattanooga River Games

August 15-17

For the second year in a row, the Chattanooga River Games are taking over Ross’s Landing for a free, three-day weekend experience. This one-of-a-kind, multi-sport festival combines extreme sports – including highlining, wake surfing, high diving, kayak launches, cliff jumping, deep-water soloing, and more – and live DJs to create an atmosphere you’ll never forget. Thrill seekers and spectators unite in celebration of adventure, outdoors, and music.

Two women in swimsuits sit near a pool, chatting while others swim and relax on inflatable floats in a sunny setting.

Swim Series: The Waterin’ Hole

August 23

Join Common House for the fourth installment of their summer swim series: The Waterin’ Hole. This sun-soaked, western-themed pool party will feature country flair, line dancing, and ice-cold drinks, along with beats from DJ John Stamps. Open to members and non-members alike, attendees are encouraged to dress in their best country and western gear.


Star Night event Siskin

StarNight 2025

August 23

StarNight 2025, Siskin Children’s Institute’s largest fundraiser, marks the organization’s 75-year diamond milestone, honoring the children who inspire with their strength, resilience, and joy. Held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, this widely anticipated premier gala includes a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, silent and live auctions, high-energy entertainment, and more. All proceeds help raise awareness and funds to ensure Siskin’s life-changing services continue.

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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.

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