Con Nooga 2025, scheduled for the Chattanooga Convention Center Feb. 21-23, will feature cosplay contests, more than 400 hours of programming and a gaming arena with tournaments and free-play options. Schedule: www.connooga.com. Download the Apple or Android app
Feb. 22
Black-owned Business Expo
Hamilton Place Mall will host the fourth annual event 10 a.m.-6 p.m. More than 20 local vendors will offer skin care, clothing, candles, soaps, jewelry, baked goods, art and more on the lower level of the shopping center. Returning vendors will include Divine Purity, Penny’s Lemonade, Pan-Cake Bakery and others. Grace Spice & Tea Company, D’s Bead Designs and more will be participating for the first time. Million Dollar Man will provide musical entertainment and a prize wheel will be available to spin.
Feb. 22
Erlanger nurse hiring event
Erlanger will host at Erlanger East Hospital, 1751 Gunbarrel Road. The event will include hiring opportunities for inpatient and outpatient RNs and LPNs, on-the-spot interviews with the nursing leadership team and a tour of Erlanger East Hospital. Erlanger Baroness Hospital, Erlanger East Hospital and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger all have open positions in select departments.
Feb. 25
Israeli Visitors and Community Dinner
The community is invited to meet visitors from the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga’s partnership region of Hadera-Eiron at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. Beginning with a meal at 5:30 p.m., author Noga Hila Motana and entrepreneur Amit Yagur will discuss life in Israel following Oct. 7, 2023. Motana will highlight the feminine viewpoint and the experience of children. Yagur is a lieutenant colonel in the Israel Defense Forces reserves who served four months as the community officer for the Gaza border communities. Register
Feb. 26
‘Citizen Soldier’ book discussion
Robert Elliott, author of “Citizen Soldier: From the Land of Lincoln to Iraq and Back,” will visit the Collegedale Friends & Fun Group at the Collegedale City Hall beginning at 10 a.m. He will discuss his book, share personal experiences and answer questions from attendees. The F2 Club is for community members who are 50 years of age and older. Information: parksandrec@collegedaletn.gov; 423 468-1971.
Feb. 28
Night Market
Join The Chattery for an evening of shopping at local Black-owned businesses. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the organization’s temporary space at 231 Broad St. Founded in 2014, The Chattery offers affordable classes to the Chattanooga community. Information
Feb. 28
Chambliss Mardi Gras Gala
Chambliss Center for Children will host its annual Mardi Gras Gala at The Read House Hotel in downtown Chattanooga. The event will feature Cajun cuisine, live Dixieland jazz and a silent auction. The evening will support Chambliss Center for Children’s programs, which provide affordable and accessible care to over 750 children. Reservations
March 5
CGLA Odyssey Luncheon
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy will host its 2025 Odyssey Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Four CGLA graduates will serve as keynote speakers. CGLA is a public charter school for students in grades 6-12. Tickets
March 14
Dinner of Distinction
Erlanger’s annual Dinner of Distinction will take place at The Westin Chattanooga. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a welcome reception. Dinner and the program will follow at 7 p.m. The Dinner of Distinction recognizes physicians and community leaders who have made outstanding contributions to health care and the greater Chattanooga community. This year’s honorees include: Dr. Michael Carr, pediatric surgeon with University Surgical Associates; Dr. James Haynes, dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine; Dr. Alvaro Valle, surgeon with University Surgical Associates; Dr. Kelly Arnold with Clinica Medicos, who will receive the Gordon Street Distinguished Community Leader Award for her service to underserved communities. Sponsorship information and ticket sales
March 22
Food Truck Festival
Food Truck Festivals of America will host the Chattanooga Food Truck Festival at Coolidge Park from noon-6 p.m. The event will feature more than 20 vendors serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade funnel cakes, wood-fired pizza, smashburgers, fresh lemonade and more. Regional craft beer and other alcoholic beverages will also be on the menu. Activities will include lawn games, face painting, live music and an artisan market. Tickets
March 29
Collegedale Movie Night
Collegedale Airport will screen “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” starting at 6:30 p.m. Activities will include yard games and a display of aircraft beginning at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Food trucks will be on hand selling local fare. The organizers recommend bringing a chair or blanket. Information: 423 236-5008 or @CollegedaleAirport.
Through April 20
Sea Light Festival
A display of traditional Chinese lanterns will illuminate The Sculpture Fields at Montague Park during the Sea Light Festival. The festival will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. at 1900 Polk St. The exhibition will consist of hundreds of Chinese lanterns made of modern LED lights combined with traditional lantern frames made from Chinese silk cloth and steel wire. The award-winning Zigong Acrobatic Troupe will perform juggling, balancing and face-changing acts. Food vendors, shops and games will also be on hand. Tickets