Contributing Author: Lindsey Clute
Summer is in full swing, and Independence Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re searching for events, celebrations, or just fun things to do, Chattanooga has something for everyone in July, from fireworks on the river to an after-hours aquarium visit and more.
July 3
Pops on the River will be returning to this year on Thursday, July 3, starting at 4 p.m. for an Independence Day bash. This free event in Northshore will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and so much more. Once the sun sets, guests will enjoy a stunning fireworks show. More details are coming soon and can be found on the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors’ Facebook page.
July 4
Join the Lookouts for Independence Day fun at AT&T Field as they take on the Birmingham Barons. With plenty of excitement on and off the field, fans can look forward to a great game followed by a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate America’s independence. See the full promotional schedule and get tickets online.
July 6
Celebrate Independence Day this year at the Chattanooga Market’s annual Red, White, and Blueberries event! This berry-themed day will consist of blueberry pie eating contests for attendees and vendors and plenty of patriotic fun for the whole family. Head out to First Horizon Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and check out vendors with fresh produce, home goods, and red, white, and blue merriment!
July 12
Join the Chattanooga Zoo as they provide a summer cookout featuring locally-made barbecue and a selection of beer and wine. The event will also feature a live bluegrass band, tortoise races, and other animal meet-and-greets. While all ages are welcome to attend the event, three drink tickets will be provided for attendees over 21 years of age. Tickets can be purchased on the Zoo’s website.
July 12
Burn Your Half Off by Run Chattanooga is a no-pressure race event that is perfect for walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities. Spend your Saturday morning taking in the scenic views along the Tennessee River with your choice of a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. The course features a multi-loop out-and-back route with a massive, fully stocked aid station at the center, offering snacks, drinks, and supplies to keep you fueled and smiling every step of the way.
July 12
Head to Chester Frost Park on July 12 for the Chattanooga Water Lantern Festival. At this family-friendly event, guests will decorate their own floating lanterns, and once the sun sets, launch them into Chickamauga Lake for a stunning and memorable experience. Each ticket includes access to the festival, a floating lantern kit, playing cards and conversation cards, a drawstring bag, and entry into a scavenger hunt giveaway.
July 13
This month, the Chattanooga Market will feature the Peach Festival at the First Horizon Pavilion. Along with the market’s usual festivities, vendors will incorporate peach scents, flavors, and more into their locally-made goods. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase peach treats like jam, salsa, pastries, and more.
July 19
Head downtown to the Tennessee Aquarium for Fish + Sips: an after-hours adventure filled with beer, appetizers, and of course, fish! Wander through the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings while sampling beers from local and regional breweries, and end the night at the Aquarium’s outdoor pavilion with music, food from Good Company Catering, and more. Guests will also receive a branded canvas tote bag and reversible bucket hat.
July 19
The Chattanooga Fitness Expo will celebrate its fifth anniversary on July 19, 2025, at a new location – the Chattanooga Convention Center. In addition to the annual Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition, the expo will introduce a new division – Slim Fit Showdown – to celebrate weight loss journeys. Whether you’re a competitor, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for some motivation, this event promises an extraordinary experience for everyone.
July 25
This exclusive night at Creative Discovery Museum is for participants 21 years and older. From 7 to 10 p.m., grab your boots, dust off your hat, and come explore the museum after hours. Activities will include whiskey tasting, saloon games, line dancing, and much more. General admission includes one drink ticket, one whiskey tasting, and one bull ride; light fare; all activities; and a drink koozie.
July 26
Join the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation for a night out at the sixth annual Big Hair Affair to celebrate the organization’s founding and the first kidney transplant at Erlanger in 1989! This event, which will take place at The Walden Club, invites you to grab your friends, dress up in your favorite throwback outfit from the ‘80s or ‘90s, and dance the night away while enjoying food, drinks, a silent auction, trivia, and more.
July 26
Register to play in the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Hit It For Hatch Sand Volleyball Tournament at the XSV Beach courts on July 26! Players may register as a team of four and can expect morning pool play followed by bracketed play in the afternoon, with one team crowned as the winner! Grab your friends and sign up to support the Austin Hatcher Foundation at this fun day filled with friendly competition.
Get Next Month’s Events Sent Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up for our monthly Choose Chatt™ newsletter, What’s Happening in the Scenic City!
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.
