Welcome to your go-to source for Chattanooga’s top events! With accessible outdoor adventures and a vibrant downtown scene, the Scenic City truly comes to life in the summer. From firework shows to indoor beach bashes, ice skating in July, food truck festivals, and much more, here are a few events that offer fun ways to beat the heat throughout the month of July.
July 2
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors’ Independence Day bash, Pops on the River, is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in Northshore! Starting at 4 p.m on River Street, the event will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and, once the sun sets, a stunning fireworks show.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Chattanooga’s original free concert series, Nightfall, is back at Miller Plaza and Miller Park every Friday night throughout the month of July. Rain or shine, the series will feature a vendor market, food trucks, and live performances from bands like The Mood Swings, Link & Chain, Sweet Magnolia, MT Jones, and more.
July 4, 11, 18, 25
Enjoy music under the stars at Ross’s Landing during the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union’s Riverfront Nights. Every Saturday night until September 5, guests can enjoy free live music from some of the area’s most vibrant and talented artists. See the lineup online.
July 5
Celebrate Independence Day with blueberries – the featured “firecracker fruit” – at the Chattanooga Market’s annual Red, White, & Blueberries event! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the First Horizon Pavilion will be lined with vendors, blueberry pie eating contests, and plenty of berry-themed and patriotic fun for the whole family.
July 9
See The Iron Maidens live in concert at The Signal. Internationally renowned as the world’s only all-female tribute act dedicated to the British metal band, Iron Maiden, the heavy metal band will be led by an opening act from School of Rock. Doors open at 4 p.m. with tickets starting at $30.15.
July 11
Described as a “community celebration built by chefs for food lovers,” the first annual Chattanooga World Food Truck Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark. The free event features a diverse array of food trucks and beverages, live music, a kids zone with bounce houses and inflatables, axe throwing, a grand movie night finale, and so much more.
July 11
The Chattanooga Fitness Expo is celebrating its sixth anniversary at a new location – Erlanger Park’s Coca-Cola Pattern Shop! With a focus on community fitness and health, the indoor event will feature an annual Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition, Slim Fit Showdown to celebrate weight loss journeys, strength competitions, health and fitness vendor market, and more.
July 11
Join the Chattanooga Zoo at their annual summer cookout, Q ‘n Brew, featuring locally-made barbecue and a selection of beer and wine. Registered attendees over 21 years of age will receive three drink tickets, full access to the zoo, and the chance to witness tortoise races, other animal meet-and-greets, and a live bluegrass band.
July 11
Run Chattanooga presents Burn Your Half Off – a no-pressure race event that is perfect for walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities! With your choice of a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, take in the scenic, Saturday-morning views along the beautiful Tennessee River in the multi-loop, out-and-back route.
July 12
Pack a picnic and bring the whole family to Family Fun Day at Greenway Farms from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide equipment for attendees to try archery or rent a canoe to paddle on North Chickamauga Creek, as well as “Power of Parks” themed activities – including exploring trails with handy maps, youth and adult scavenger hunts, disc golf, and more.
July 12
Celebrate peach season at the Chattanooga Market’s Peach Festival! Enjoy the market’s traditional vendors and festivities, as well as unique offerings incorporating peach scents, flavors, and themes in locally-made goods like jam, salsa, pastries, and other summertime finds.
July 18
An after-hours adventure filled with beer, appetizers, and, of course, fish, awaits at the Tennessee Aquarium’s Fish & Sips event! Head downtown to sample beers from local and regional breweries while wandering through the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, as well as music, food from Good Company Catering and The Edwin, and more at the after party on the Aquarium’s outdoor pavilion.
July 24
Don your loudest Hawaiian shirt and get ready for the Drink & Discover – Beach Bash by the Creative Discovery Museum! From 7 to 10 p.m., trade the Tennessee mountains for a sandy shoreline while exploring the museum after hours with activities like sandcastle building, mechanical shark rides, karaoke, hula hooping, and more. This event is 21+ only.
July 25
Want to see the floating lanterns? Gather with friends and loved ones at Chester Frost Park for the Chattanooga Water Lantern Festival! Enjoy food trucks and live entertainment as you personalize your own eco-friendly lantern before releasing it onto the waters to light up the night.
July 25
Beat the summer heat and enter a winter wonderland at Stable 41’s Christmas in July and Winter Skating Event! From 7 to 10 p.m., the free, festive summer event invites guests to get their jolly on by enjoying skating, cornhole, games, and Christmas music.
July 25
The ‘80s and ‘90s are so back with the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation’s seventh annual Big Hair Affair. To celebrate the organization’s independence and the first kidney transplant at Erlanger in 1989, guests are invited to don their favorite ‘80s or ‘90s throwback outfit to dance the night away and enjoy food, drinks, a silent auction, trivia, and more at the Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall.
July 27-August 2
Calling all model railroad enthusiasts, collectors, and families! Join a week of creativity, craftsmanship, and community at the 2026 NMRA National Convention and Train Show, featuring a full schedule of engaging activities – including the popular “Modeling with the Masters” workshops, immersive layout tours showcasing incredible model railroads, and opportunities to connect with some of the areas most talented builders.
July 30
The Morning Pointe Foundation presents Seniors Got Talent 2026 – an annual live talent competition showcasing seniors 60+ across the Southeast. Celebrate ageless talent as senior singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, illusionists, and more perform to help support scholarships and caregiver programs for partner colleges and communities.
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Abby Callahan, BA, Cum Laude
Abby Callahan is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Spanish and the distinction of Cum Laude. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chattanooga State Community College, earning honors through the Global Scholars Honors Program. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor/digital content specialist, Abby successfully fulfilled roles in marketing and event planning, as well as strategic communications and storytelling for a wide variety of initiatives. Today, Abby leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.