CHOOSE CHATT™ BLOG

Things to Do in Chattanooga: October

Contributing Author: Ali Lemmons

With the start of October comes cooler weather, pumpkin-flavored treats, and plenty of fall-themed festivals and celebrations for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re searching for the best events to attend in the Scenic City this month, look no further. From a bluegrass music festival to a local marathon, there’s sure to be an event to interest everyone.

October 1 – 31

For the entire month of October, join Ruby Falls for their after-hours lantern tour, complete with thrilling ghost stories from Ruby Falls’ 95-year history. Guests will walk to the waterfall by lantern light and see the sites of different spooky encounters. This event is not suitable for children younger than 12 years old.

October 1 – 31 (Thursday – Sunday Nights + Halloween)

This award-winning haunted house experience is not for the faint of heart! This year, the Dread Hollow scream team turns up the terrifying fun with three all-new haunted houses and three horror-themed escape rooms complete with realistic special effects. Parental discretion is advised for ages 12 and under. Buy timed-entry tickets in advance online. Admission is $25 per person for all three haunted houses and $15 per person for the escape rooms.

October 3

Southern Adventist University’s A Taste of Southern gala gives the community a taste of the Southern experience that has transformed and uplifted students’ lives for over 130 years. Hosted at The Signal, the event will feature music by Southern’s jazz ensemble, a bakeoff competition by Southern’s Vegetarian Culinary Arts Program, and evening entertainment by multiple GMA Dove award winners Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.

October 4 – 5

This exciting, two-day music festival is known for bringing the biggest names in contemporary and traditional bluegrass to Ross’s Landing. This year’s features include The Brother’s Comatose, The SteelDrivers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and more. Beer, wine, food, and non-alcoholic drink concessions will also be available.

October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26

The Chattanooga Zoo’s annual Boo in the Zoo is a merry-not-scary Halloween event perfect for families with kids of all ages. Trick-or-treat stations, scavenger hunts, and costume contests will all be a part of these festive evenings, and the entire zoo will be decorated for the holiday. Note that the zoo’s regular admission will close at 3:30 p.m. on event days before reopening at 4 p.m. for Boo in the Zoo. General admission tickets are not valid for Boo in the Zoo.

October 11-13

Head down to the West Village in Downtown Chattanooga for the fifth annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. Automotive enthusiasts and curious car lovers alike will enjoy exciting car displays, panel discussions, celebrity guests, Broad Arrow Auctions, the exotic Ferraris at the J. Willard Marriott Ferrari Club, the Concours d’Lemons, the world-class Concours d’Elegance, street festivals, and fun for the whole family. All for the benefit of the NeuroScience Innovation Foundation.

October 12

Head to the Tennessee River Park on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Shop the Market’s spookiest art and farmers market yet—the Spooky Paws Pet Parade! Shop arts, crafts, and produce from local vendors and dress your furry friends up in their favorite costumes for this spine-chilling processional. The event is free to attend, and prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed pets!

October 12-13

Don your favorite German attire for this year’s Chattanooga Oktoberfest. Enjoy two festive days of German food and tradition, including oompah music, craft brews, and local vendors. Visitors of all ages can also look forward to viewing and participating in the annual Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest® Contest on Saturday evening.

October 19

Best Cellars is Chattanooga’s premier wine-tasting event. Held at the beautiful Hunter Museum of Art, this year’s Best Cellars presents a selection of premium wines along with fine food and live music. Support historic preservation initiatives in Chattanooga while taking an exceptional wine journey. 

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October 19

The Medical Society & Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, Denim & Diamonds, is back and ready to wow you with a great evening for an incredible purpose. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., this fun community event will feature dinner, entertainment, and dancing to directly support life-saving programs like Project Access and LifeBridge.

October 19-20

The Cleveland Apple Festival takes place each year on the Bradley County Courthouse Square. Come enjoy an arts and crafts show, live music, food booths, a petting zoo, the Apple Blossom pageant, and, of course, the apple dessert contest. Net proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations in the Cleveland area.

October 20

Chattanooga’s oldest marathon is actually five races in one: the 7 Bridges Marathon, 4 Bridges Half Marathon, 4 Bridges 10K, 2 Bridges 5K, and a family fun run. The marathon starts at Coolidge Park at 7 a.m. and will feature an expo with medals, event shirts, a DJ, and more. Register now and find more information online. 

October 24

Take a spooky safari with your favorite beer and wine at this 21+ event! Each event ticket comes with three drink tickets, trick-or-treat stations, and entry into the zoo’s costume contest with great prizes. Enjoy fun music and wild Halloween decorations as you tour the zoo in your costume! Food will be available for purchase at an additional cost.

October 25

Dress in your best Halloween costume and join in on a family-friendly celebration of all things scaly, spooky, and fun at Aquascarium, the Tennessee Aquarium’s trick-or-treating event. Ticket holders can enjoy themed decorations, costumed divers, music, candy, and more!

October 25

Creative Discovery Museum will be open for adults only (21+) during this Halloween event. Wear your best costume and explore the museum with a drink in hand. Be transported to a vintage carnival with eccentric characters and classic games, including a caricature artist (additional cost). Admission includes access to the museum’s exhibits, one drink ticket, activities, a souvenir cup, and light fare.

October 25 – 26

Head to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens for the 10th annual Tennessee Whiskey Festival. The event will feature live music, whiskey tastings, and a variety of food vendors. Attendees can choose from different kinds of tickets from general admission, which features no whiskey tastings, to the VIP whiskey lover pass, which includes unlimited tastings.

That’s a wrap for October! With so much to see and do, make sure you get out and enjoy all that Chattanooga has to offer this season. Happy Fall, y’all!

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