The second annual festival will bring a day of free live music to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The family-friendly festival will showcase more than 10 local jazz, blues and funk artists, including Zowie Boyd, Jim Crumble, Karen Collins, the Monday Night Big Band and the UTC Jazz Band. An all-day market will feature local arts, crafts, clothing, food and beverages, along with family activities hosted by St. Elmo Stroll. The festival will conclude with the Jared White and Friends Open Jam 7:30-9 p.m. at Wanderlinger Brewing Company, where musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join the free community jam session. Drums, amplifiers, keyboard and microphones will be provided. Information
Oct. 25
America Through the Tempest
Scenic City Shakespeare will present “America Through the Tempest,” a free, family-friendly outdoor production, at 2:30 p.m. at Greenway Farm Park in Hixson. The production pairs Shakespeare’s words with the trials and triumphs of American history, with a particular focus on Tennessee and Hamilton County. The performance is supported by a $10,000 Tennessee America 250 grant awarded to Scenic City Shakespeare through the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Admission is free. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets, as seating will not be provided at the historic Sniteman cabin.
Oct. 31
Walk Run Pedal Jamz
This festival will take place at Chattanooga Green at Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway. The free, family-friendly festival will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a casual 2-mile walk and run and a bike ride. Food trucks and vendor tents will open at 11 a.m. Other activities will include free giveaways, a costume contest for all ages, children’s activities and live music featuring The Dexter Thomas Band. Costumes are encouraged. All donations and registration fees from the walk, run, bike ride, vendors and food trucks will benefit the Urban League.
Nov. 2
Smith + Howard golf tournament
Smith + Howard will host its annual golf tournament benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, 8919 Harrison Bay Road in Harrison. Originally scheduled for Signal Mountain Country Club, the fundraiser relocated due to course maintenance and playing conditions. The tournament will feature a four-person scramble format, with registration and lunch beginning at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. Individuals and businesses can participate as players or sponsors. Registration, sponsorship opportunities, additional Information
Nov. 5-6
Black Appalachia
Documentary photographer Chris Aluka Berry and oral historian, writer and poet Kelly Elaine Navies will discuss Black Appalachian life and culture during “Affrilachia: Testimonies in Text and Image” at UTC’s Institute of Contemporary Art. A reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a public conversation at 6 p.m. in the Card Family Auditorium. The program will complement Berry’s exhibition, “Affrilachia: Testimonies,” an eight-year photographic survey documenting Black Appalachian communities, traditions and landscapes. Berry, a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow, will return for a First Friday book signing from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 6. The exhibition will remain on display through Dec. 4. ICA Chattanooga is in the Fine Arts Center at Dr. Roland Carter and Palmetto streets on the UTC campus. Parking is available in the adjacent Lupton Hall Parking Garage, 700 Vine St.
Nov. 6-8
Hamilton County Fair
The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair returns to McDonald Farm in Sale Creek with three days of family-friendly entertainment, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, fair food, rides, rodeo events, lumberjack shows, pig races and live music. Country artist Rodney Atkins will headline the Saturday night concert with Hamilton County native Brandon Davis opening, while David Leonard and Amber Carrington will perform during Sunday’s Christian concert. Admission includes amusement rides, concerts and most attractions, and parking is free. Children 10 and younger are admitted free, with discounted tickets available for veterans, active military members, seniors, first responders and teachers. Tickets/information
Nov. 7
Tails, Trails and Ales
This dog-friendly fundraiser will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road. It will feature 5K and 10K trail runs beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an untimed, one-mile Pup Dash for families, walkers and their canine companions at 11:30 a.m. Participants and spectators can also enjoy music, food trucks and pet-friendly vendors. Registration costs $25 for the Pup Dash, $50 for the 5K and $60 for the 10K, plus processing fees. Proceeds benefit Reflection Riding’s conservation and environmental education programs. Register at reflectionriding.org/events/tails-trails-and-ales-2026.
Nov. 10
AI’s economic impact
Bitcoin developer, educator and author Jimmy Song will present “The Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence” 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 200 of Fletcher Hall at UTC, 615 McCallie Ave. Hosted by the university’s Scott L. Probasco, Jr., Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, the lecture will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping productivity, business operations and the broader economy, including its potential effects on economic growth and long-term trends. Song has more than 20 years of programming experience and is the author of several books on Bitcoin and economics. The event is free and open to the public.
Nov. 13
Larry Gatlin and Friends
An Evening of Stories and Songs will take place at 6 p.m. at WTCI PBS, 7540 Bonnyshire Drive. The event, benefiting the studio, will feature Grammy Award-winning country music artist Larry Gatlin, known for hits such as “All the Gold in California” and “Broken Lady,” alongside Nashville songwriters Dean Dillon, cowriter of “Tennessee Whiskey,” and Rachel Thibodeau, cowriter of “Good Directions.” The three will perform songs and share the stories behind them. General admission includes Southern hors d’oeuvres, beverages and free parking. VIP tickets also include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Gatlin. Tickets
Nov. 26
Grateful Gobbler Walk
The 27th annual walk will take place Thanksgiving morning beginning at 8 a.m. at Coolidge Park. The family- and pet-friendly 5K will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families, which provides emergency shelter and supportive services and is preparing to expand into a new 134-bed facility called Provident Place. Registration costs $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Those unable to attend can participate as virtual or sleep walkers for $20. Register