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 Labor Day plans to fall festivals and more, we’ve compiled a list of the best events and celebrations happening in the month of September.
McLemore Family Golf Tournament
September 1
To celebrate Labor Day weekend, head to the McLemore Resort from 2 to 9 p.m. for a family golf tournament. Team up as a parent and child duo, and compete in nine holes at your designated course. It costs $60 per team to play, and the fee covers the tournament as well as a cookout and clinic with professional golfer, Charlie Rymer.
Lula Lake Land Trust
September 1
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.)
Creekside Flower Farm – U-Pick
September 7
Head to Creekside Flower Farm for one of their monthly U-Pick events. Tickets are $25 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.
Southern Drawl – Music + Food Series
September 13
Join Songbirds at their latest evening in their Music + Food series. Starting at 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy a mouthwatering dinner from Bluegrass Grill, featuring braised beef, plenty of sides, and dessert. At 7:30 p.m., the show will begin as Southern Drawl takes the stage to perform Dolly Parton’s greatest hits.
UTC vs. Mercer
September 14
Cheer on the UTC Mocs at their first home football game of the season. The Mocs will take on the Mercer Bears on September 14th at 6 p.m at Finley Stadium. Tickets range from $15 for general admission to $25 for chairback reserved seats.
Apple Festival
September 15
Join the Chattanooga Market at the First Horizon Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the market’s Apple Festival. In addition to usual market activities (like vendors, food trucks, and more), attendees will be able to purchase a variety of apple-themed goods like apple pies, butters, lotion, candles, and more.
A Night With Nurture the Next
September 19
Join Nurture the Next at The Common House to celebrate their 40th year of serving families in Tennessee. This year, Nurture the Next will be honoring Chattanooga and Hamilton County’s Family Justice Center. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy food and drink, a live auction, and a performance by artist Rick Rushing. Tickets can be purchased on Nurture the Next’s website.
Banana Ball
September 21
Join the Chattanooga Zoo at their annual gala, the Banana Ball. This year, all fundraising proceeds will go towards a new state-of-the-art animal hospital. From 5:30 to 9 p.m., attendees can enjoy a delicious dinner and open bar, up-close animal encounters, animal art, and a keynote presentation from David Mizejewski. Tickets are limited and can be purchased on the Zoo’s website.
Chattanooga Bacon Festival
September 21 – 22
Calling all bacon lovers! Head to Camp Jordan from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday for the Chattanooga Bacon Festival. This outdoor event will feature over 175 craft and commercial vendors, food vendors, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and so much more.
Intermission
September 25
Join ArtsBuild at the Chattanooga Theatre Center for InterMission, an evening to celebrate the arts and honor the recipients of the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Awards. Out on the lawn, the event will feature local performers, live music, and a carnival-like atmosphere. Later, in the Mainstage Theatre, attendees will gather for the awards ceremony. All proceeds of this event will go towards ArtsBuild’s work, and tickets can be purchased on their website.
Harvest Hustle 5k
September 28
Flat Top Mountain Farm will be hosting their first 5k, the Harvest Hustle, on the farm. This off-road race will begin at 9 a.m and take runners around the farm and through the sunflower fields and corn maze. Interested runners can find more registration details on their website.
Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival
September 28
It’s officially time for fall festivals! On Saturday, September 28, head to the Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for family-friendly fun. This event will feature food trucks, vendors, live music, and a KidZone with inflatables, face painting, and more.
IRONMAN
September 29
It’s hard to believe that the IRONMAN is already back in Chattanooga! While the race is no longer accepting registrations, you can head out to the streets and cheer participants on as they swim, bike, and run their way across the Scenic City. Head to their website to look at the course’s route.
