WTCI PBS will present a series of free preview screenings of the latest documentary from filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. In partnership with local libraries and community organizations, the events will give audiences an early look ahead of the film’s national broadcast premiere Nov. 16. Screenings are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Chattanooga Public Library downtown branch, Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Chickamauga Public Library and Monday, Nov. 3, at WTCI PBS Studios. The final event will include live Revolutionary War-era music performed by Tom and Fran Morley, along with presentations by the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
Red Bank in October
The city will host a lineup of community events featuring food trucks, live music and opportunities to shop locally. Food Truck Fridays will bring music and meals to Red Bank City Park Oct. 3, 17 and 31. A new event, Traffic Garden Jamz, will debut Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with live music by Josh Branum, bicycles available from White Oak Bicycle Co-Op and food from Tata’s Bosnian food truck. The Second Saturday Morning Market will return Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., offering goods from local vendors and artisans.
Fireside Concert Series
Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors Department will host its annual music showcase every Thursday evening at Greenway Farm Park in Hixson. The free, family-friendly series invites guests to bring blankets, chairs and picnic suppers to enjoy live acoustic music around a campfire beside the historic Sniteman Log Cabin. Concerts will run 7-9 p.m. The 2025 lineup features Bella Lam Oct. 2, Ashly Dilbeck Oct. 8, Tyler Andrew Lackey (Ayeyoty) Oct. 16, Owen Saunders Oct. 23 and Sam Dean Oct. 30. Parking will be available in the nearby field.
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
Culture on 4
Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy will host a conversation with Megan Ledbetter and Tom Lee on the fourth floor of the Downtown Library 6-7 p.m. Ledbetter will discuss her ongoing photographic project “The Field,” which documents a neglected municipal cemetery for the poor and dispossessed in Chattanooga. Emmy award-winning journalist and political strategist Tom Lee will join her to provide historical and cultural context. The event is free and open to the public.
SUNDAY, OCT. 5
Apple Festival
The Chattanooga Market will launch its fall festival season 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion. Local farms will showcase their apple harvests, offering varieties such as Honeycrisp, September Wonder and Gala, along with fresh cider sold by the gallon or in ready-to-drink pouches. Georgia Peach Truck will join with apples instead of peaches, while Melon Patch Farms and RC Farms will add their own selections. Vendors will feature apple-inspired foods and goods, including apple turnovers from Federal Bake Shop, desserts, candles, lotions and themed art. Shoppers can also find seasonal items such as mums, spaghetti squash and other fall produce. Live music will be part of the festivities, with Justin Moyar performing at 12:30 p.m. and Fresh Mind at 2 p.m.
MONDAY, OCT. 20
Smith + Howard Golf Tournament
Smith + Howard will host its 2025 golf tournament at Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club. The annual event, launched in 2020, combines golf with charitable giving. This year’s tournament will direct all proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga. The tournament will follow a four-man select shot format, with sign-in and breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Play will start at 10 a.m., followed by lunch, awards and a raffle at 12:30 p.m. The venue is located at 809 James Boulevard in Signal Mountain. Register
Neighborhood Roundtable
The city of Chattanooga’s Department of Public Works will hold the next public discussion 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga City Council Building (1000 Lindsay Street). The session will offer an overview of how the city plans, builds, maintains and protects infrastructure and the environment, with staff addressing streets, sidewalks, trees, garbage and recycling, development permitting, code compliance and stormwater management.
SATURDAY, Oct. 25
Fire Up the Fields
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park’s signature fundraising event will blend art, music and food with the burning of a monumental wooden sculpture created by local artist Andrew Nigh. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with live music, food trucks and beverages. The sculpture burn is set for 8:30 p.m., followed by an afterparty until 10:30 p.m. Proceeds will help sustain the nonprofit’s mission of maintaining and operating the city’s 33-acre international sculpture park. Tickets
SUNDAY, OCT. 26
Chattanooga Jazz Festival
The Chattanooga Choo Ayyat will swing to the sounds of jazz, blues and funk 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free and open to the public, attendees can expect a full day of live performances, beginning with Lon Eldridge and continuing through a lineup that includes the Given Graber Trio, The Time Travelers, Jim Crumble Quartet, Dexter Bell and Friends, UTC Jazz Band and the Premier Jazz Orchestra. The celebration will continue with an official afterparty at Wanderlinger Brewing 6:30-9:30 p.m. featuring Jared White and Friends. With support from the Lyndhurst Foundation, Arch Audio Studios, River City Company, Songbirds, Barking Legs Theater, WUTC 88.1 and Clean Right Solutions, the festival expects around 2,000 attendees. Sponsorship opportunities are available until Oct. 3. Information
SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Cane Car Show
The show will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 2015 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road in Ooltewah. The event is open to the public with a $10 vehicle entry fee or the donation of an unopened toy. Proceeds will benefit the Forgotten Child Fund, which provides gifts and support to local children in need during the holiday season. This year’s show will feature classic, antique and modified vehicles, along with free food, raffles and games. Prizes will be awarded to the top 10 vehicles. The event is being planned and promoted by students in Coraleigh O’Neal’s East Hamilton High School Introduction to Business and Marketing class.