CHOOSE CHATT™ BLOG

Things to Do in Chattanooga: September

Contributing Author Lindsey Clute

As summer winds down and fall comes into view, the Scenic City still has plenty of things to do while enjoying the cooler weather. From U-Pick flower events to races and more, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best events and celebrations happening in the month of September.

Aerial view of a green landscape featuring a riverside and a historic column structure surrounded by trees.

National Treasures: Party at Point Park

September 4

The National Park Partners will be hosting the 16th annual National Treasures: Party at Point Park on Lookout Mountain. The event will feature live music from The New Dismembered Tennesseans, professional photos at Umbrella Rock, barbeque from C&W Cafe, and much more!

Creating Place: An Evening in Color

September 5

Join the AIM Center for their largest annual fundraising event, Creating Place. Boasting a creative and colorful atmosphere, this one-of-a-kind formal event features unlimited cocktails, dancing, live music, member art, mouthwatering food, and Chattanooga’s largest silent auction. All proceeds from the event will directly support the AIM Center.

A serene waterfall cascades into a clear pool, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged stone layers.

Lula Lake Land Trust

September 6

Join Lula Lake at their first Open Gate Day of the month. With over eight miles of trails, bluff views, and a breathtaking, 120-foot waterfall, this is an outdoor adventure you don’t want to miss. Reservations are made by the car at $16 each. (All proceeds go towards the preservation of Lula Lake.)

Vibrant wildflowers in foreground with people interacting and a greenhouse in the background under sunny blue skies.

Creekside Flower Farm – U-Pick

September 6

Head to Creekside Flower Farm for their first U-Pick event of the month. Tickets are $30 each, and each ticket holder will receive a glass jar to fill with seasonal blooms. Want to enjoy the beauty of the field without taking any flowers home? You can purchase a “just looking” ticket for $10 each.


A person stands in a dimly lit cave, gazing at rocky formations illuminated by soft lights.

Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition

September 7

Starting on September 7, join Ruby Falls on select nights for their after-hours lantern tour, complete with thrilling ghost stories from Ruby Falls’ 96-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.

Aerial view of a golf course beside a river, with lush greenery and a modern building in the background.

CHI Memorial Foundation Annual Golf Invitational

September 8

Join fellow golfers on Monday, September 8, for the 34th annual CHI Memorial Foundation Golf Invitational tournament – Chattanooga’s premier golf event. CHI Memorial remains at the forefront of caring for our community. All funds raised will specifically impact cardiac and cardiovascular care, ensuring the latest technology is available right here at home and the highest level of care is provided.

A row of golfers practicing their swings at a driving range, with yellow golf balls scattered on the grass.

Kidney Kup

September 8

Join the Kidney Foundation for the 8th annual Kidney Kup golf tournament on September 8 at the Ooltewah Club! Participants will enjoy a full day of golf, complete with lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks, and exciting giveaways. Hosted in memory of Charles “Pete” Webster, the Kidney Kup supports a meaningful cause – all proceeds directly benefit kidney patients throughout the Chattanooga and North Georgia communities.

A bluegrass band performs with a mandolin, stand-up bass, and guitar in a cozy indoor setting.

Bluegrass N’ Blooms

September 13

Head to Flat Top Mountain Farm from 6 to 10 p.m. for a beautiful evening of authentic bluegrass music, featuring the Grassy Creek Bluegrass Band. Tickets are $13 each, with free admission for children under 13. Grab your chair or blanket and relax with friends and family while enjoying live music, and don’t forget to grab dinner from the farm’s food truck on site.

A chef prepares fresh ingredients at a busy outdoor cooking event, with an attentive crowd watching nearby.

Lodge Cast Iron Cook-off

September 14

Head to the Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion for the Lodge Cast Iron Cook-off. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can shop for local art, food, and other goods while watching five local chefs compete live on the Lodge Cast Iron Sizzle Stage. Celebrity chefs will shop for ingredients from local vendors to make a special creation to present to a panel of judges.


RMHC Run4Kids and Fun Fest

September 20

In memory of Karen Lawrence, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga will host its 6th annual Run4Kids 5K Run and Fun Fest. The event will take place at the Tennessee Riverwalk, Hubert Fry Center at 9 a.m. on September 20. For 40 years, the Lawrence family has hosted the Karen Lawrence Run in memory of Karen, who battled acute lymphocytic leukemia. Since the opening of RMHC in 1990, the Lawrences have helped other families stay close to their sick children, offering the comforts of home, and RMHC continues to honor her legacy.

A lively event with an audience seated at tables, a presenter on stage, and a large screen displaying visuals.

Celebration of Life and Hope

September 20

Get your tickets for the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s 18th annual Celebration of Life and Hope! This gala-style event features family stories and celebrations, complete with live and silent auctions, live music, an open bar, specialty cocktails, food, and entertainment – all in support of families affected by childhood cancer. This year’s event is presented by Material Handling Inc. (MHI) and Textile & Rubber Chemical Company (TRCC).

A wooden tray filled with small cups of colorful salads topped with crispy bacon and fresh ingredients.

Bacon & Barrel

September 26

Bacon lovers rejoice! The Chattanooga Bacon & Barrel Festival will be returning to First Horizon Pavilion on September 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. With the purchase of a general admission ticket, guests will enjoy unlimited samples of signature bacon-themed dishes, 12 whiskey samples, live music, fun photo opps, and more. This event is only open to those 21 and older.

A runner in athletic gear jogs along a bridge, with blue skies and decorative street lamps in the background.

IRONMAN Chattanooga

September 28

IRONMAN Chattanooga returns on September 28! Get ready for a plunge into the Tennessee River for multiple time Athletes’ Choice Award Winning 2.4-mile swim, a bike ride across a scenic course, and a race through the downtown streets for a final push to the finish line as spectators cheer you on. In total, participants can expect 140.6 miles of heart-pumping physical activity for an unforgettable experience.

Ali Lemmons Headshot
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) 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, 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. She is also involved in content creation for Digital Smart Marketing customers and is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.

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/digital content specialist, 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, 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.

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