With warmer weather finally here to stay, the Scenic City comes alive in May! Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or night out with friends, there are plenty of events in Chattanooga you won’t want to miss this month.
May 3
Bunny Hop! is a family-friendly fundraiser benefiting the Chambliss Center for Children. Hosted at First Horizon Pavilion from 6 until 8:30 p.m., kids can enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, a baby animal petting station, inflatables, and more. All children in attendance will receive a Peter Rabbit coloring book to take home, and parents can also enjoy an evening of festivities – including dinner and a silent auction. chamblisscenter.org/events/2024/5/3/bunny-hop-2024
May 4
Racing to end homelessness, Chattanooga Room in the Inn’s ChattaDerby 2024 is held the same day as the Kentucky Derby. While the big race is playing on a big-screen TV, attendees can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, mint juleps, auctions, and more. There will also be a Grand Hat and Best Dressed Gentleman contest! Everything takes place at Parkside Hall from 5 to 8:30 p.m. chattanoogaroomintheinn.com/derb_old/
May 4-5
Come on out to Camp Jordan Amphitheater for a weekend of everything taco! Family-friendly offerings include inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, trackless train rides, on-stage entertainment, and over 175 vendors! Of course, there will also be food trucks ready to serve up your favorites. The event takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. https://touchtheskyevents.com/events/chattanooga-taco-festival-2/
May 10
The Go Red for Women experience continues to be the cornerstone of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in the Chattanooga community. Taking place at the Chattanooga Convention Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., this empowering gathering focuses on saving lives and raising critical funds for the AHA. https://ahachattanooga.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20232024ChattanoogaGoRed/tabid/1378442/Default.aspx
May 11
The 9th annual Hike Bike Brew Beer Festival at Lula Lake takes place on Saturday, May 11th! This 21+ event takes you into the heart of Lula Lake for an adventurous day filled with iconic sights, delicious brews, and beautiful trails. Grab your friends to come out and hike or bike the “Beer Path Loop” to Lula Lake and Lula Falls, and don’t worry – there are plenty of beer tasting stops along the way! Check in between 1-1:30 p.m. and enjoy the meadow party with live music from Tall Ted and snacks from 3-5 p.m. Ticket sales benefit Lula Lake’s trail work and conservation efforts. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hike-bike-brew-2024-lula-lake-beer-festival-tickets-847333967707
May 13
The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s third Annual “Monday After the Masters” Golf Tournament, presented by Textile Rubber & Chemical Co. Inc., takes place at The Farm Golf Club in Dalton, GA, on Monday, May 13. While foursome spots are full, the event boasts a silent auction with many items and gift cards from local businesses. The event and auction help fund the Foundation’s mission to support families affected by pediatric cancer with 100%-free mental and behavioral health counseling and services. www.hatcherfoundation.org/golf
May 18
Enjoy an evening with the Chattanooga Zoo at Spirits in the Wild. This event features cocktails, live entertainment, and delicious food from some of the Scenic City’s best local restaurants. Proceeds support the Chattanooga Zoo and its animals. www.chattzoo.org/events/spirits-in-the-wild
May 19
The 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga offers the perfect training opportunity for those getting ready for the full-distance IRONMAN Chattanooga, which is celebrating 10 years of racing this year, or a chance to race in one of triathlon’s most welcoming race communities on the IRONMAN circuit. It begins with a 1.2-mile swim, transitions into a 56-mile bike course, and then ends with a 13.1-mile run. www.ironman.com/im703-chattanooga
May 24-September 2
Get ready to soak up the sun at Rock City’s Mountaintop Summers! From May 24 to September 2, wind through cool corridors of stone and beat the heat with a refreshing beverage while taking in a seven-state view! As always, the Rock City Raptors birds of prey shows are a sight to see, as some of nature’s most incredible birds soar overhead in this immersive educational program. Animal encounters will vary daily. www.seerockcity.com
May 25
Taking place at First Horizon Pavilion from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Chattanooga Beer Fest is a 21+ ticketed craft beer event with sample tastings from both local and visiting breweries. Every ticketed participant receives sample tastings from all event partners with no need for tokens or additional purchases. You also get a collector tasting glass with your ticket purchase! Designated driver tickets are available at a discounted rate at the door when accompanied by regular admission ticket holders. https://chattanoogabeerfest.com/
May 26
Head over to the Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion for the Chattanooga Street Food Festival, which boasts a gathering of the best food trucks from our area! Foodies rejoice, there will be donuts, tacos, stir-fry, pizza, empanadas, kabobs, popsicles, and even healthy options like salads, juices, and rice bowls! Loosen up your belt and bring the whole family for a day of fun and sharing cultural foods, plus live performances by Amber Fults and The Briars! https://chattanoogamarket.com/events/street-food-festival/
May 27
A true Memorial Day commemoration, this free celebration, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes a salute to the flag and veterans, the national anthem, picnic food for purchase, a children’s play area, local musical entertainment, and more at McCoy Farm & Gardens. www.mccoywalden.org
May 27
Established in 1968, the Chattanooga Chase is our area’s oldest active competitive road race! This event features an 8k and 1-mile race through the scenic and historic Riverview neighborhood on the Northshore, kicking off at Riverview Park. The 8k will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 1-mile run at 10 a.m. https://chattanoogachase.org/
