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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
