With the month of June comes the official start of summer, and the city of Chattanooga is well prepared. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or just recently moved here, the Scenic City has plenty to offer for individuals, couples, and families alike.
June 1
To start Pride Month, LGBTQ+ youth are welcome to attend Chattanooga Youth Pride at the Edney Innovation Center. The event will last from 12 to 8 p.m., and this year’s theme is “United in Diversity.” The event will feature interactive workshops, discussion panels, live performances, and more.
June 2
Black Rainbow Movement presents the seventh installment in their event series: The Emerald City Ball. Join them at the Chattanooga Convention Center from 8 to 11 p.m. With “The Wizard of Oz” as the theme for the event, participants are encouraged to get creative with their style in preparation for the yellow-brick runway. There will be five different fashion categories that participants can enter to win cash prizes.
June 4
Join Songbirds at this mouth-watering fundraiser to benefit their Guitars for Kids program. Before the show, dinner will include barbecue, a variety of sides, and a dessert courtesy of local restaurant, Elsie’s Daughter. Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m.and Steve Earle will take the stage at 8 p.m. for his solo and acoustic performance. Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased on Songbird’s website.
June 7, 14, 21, and 28
Nightfall will host four concerts in the month of June at Miller Plaza and Miller Park. Each event will begin at 6 p.m. with an art market in the park, and food and beverages will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. The concerts will begin at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, and the concert lineup can be found on Nightfall’s website.
June 8
McKamey Animal Center will host their annual Paw Palooza in Coolidge Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to fundraise for the shelter. This pet walk and festival will include dog games, contests, local vendors, food trucks, and much more. The event is free to attend, and participants are encouraged to donate or register as an individual or team walker for the fundraiser. Top fundraisers have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes. More details can be found on MAC’s website.
June 12
With a mission to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion across the region, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual DIVERSIFY summit aims to engage the local business community. Held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, this year’s keynote speaker will be James “Jay” Bailey. Jay is the President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta, GA. RICE is an economic development organization that supports business development for Black entrepreneurs. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., and registration is required.
June 15
Join the Chattanooga Zoo and all of its residents at this year’s Ice Cream Safari. From 4 to 7 p.m., attendees can watch as the animals enjoy cool summer treats. Games, crafts, animal encounters, and ice cream vendors will also be available to attendees. Tickets can be purchased online.
June 15
Hosted by the Bethlehem Center, Southside Juneteenth Jubilee is returning this year from 1 to 4 p.m. for its annual celebration of freedom. The event is open to all in Chattanooga and will feature local vendors, food, and music. Participants are also encouraged to sponsor, volunteer, or host a booth if desired.
June 16
Join the Chattanooga Zoo and the Chattanooga Public Library for a fun series of Adventure Days. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 16, all Chattanooga Public Library cardholders ages 18 and under can enjoy free admission to the zoo, hands-on activities provided by the library, and plenty of zoo fun!
June 22
Join the Walden’s Ridge Civic League for the fourth annual celebration of its auditorium, built in 1921. There will be free birthday cake, ice cream, and balloons from 4 p.m. until dusk. Music, games for kids and grown-ups, prizes, hayrides, and a supervised children’s free play area are also in store. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
June 22
Join the Chattanooga Market at the First Horizon Pavilion from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to celebrate the summer season with cocktails, food, and entertainment. The event will be throwback themed, so feel free to show up in vintage attire. The cocktail festival is only available for those 21-years-old and up, and tickets are $45 per person.
June 22
Join the Tennessee Aquarium as they host their second annual Fish + Sips event. Participants will journey through the river and ocean exhibits after hours while sipping on beers from local breweries. Afterwards, there will be food, music, and more. The event will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and is only available for those 21-years-old and up.
June 22
The Lula Lake Land Trust is partnering with Roost Racing, LLC for the 2024 Five Points 50 Ultimate Endurance Mountain Bike Race. With 50-mile and 25-mile course options, this event boasts scenic views around Lula Lake Land Trust and technical trails that span Lookout Mountain. This race will raise funds for LLLT’s mission of conservation, education, and low-impact recreation. Registration and more details available online.
June 29
Looking to volunteer? Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center will be hosting a volunteer day to remove weeds and invasive plants from the monarch waystations on their campus. Volunteers are asked to join them at their Native Plant Nursery from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to support the monarch butterflies in their migration period.
