The national ambassador for young people’s literature will visit the Chattanooga Public Library’s downtown branch (1001 Broad Street) April 9 at 5:30 p.m. as part of his nationwide tour, “Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear and See.” Barnett will explore how words, illustrations and even page turns create a uniquely engaging reading experience for children and adults alike. The free event is open to the public.
APRIL 11
Sip TN
Chattanooga’s wine festival will transform the First Horizon Pavilion into a showcase of wines, hard ciders and meads from more than 15 Tennessee wineries. The festival runs 1-5 p.m. with more than 100 wines available for tasting and purchase and opportunities to meet winery owners and winemakers. The event also includes live music, food trucks and local artisan vendors alongside the region’s producer-only arts and crafts farmers market. General admission tickets are $40 and include a Tennessee Wines souvenir glass and a six-bottle tote bag. A limited number of $50 VIP Early Access tickets provide noon entry and include general admission benefits. Designated driver tickets are $10. Proceeds benefit Tennessee agriculture and small businesses. Tickets and information
River City Ribbon Run
Registration is open for the fourth annual run hosted by the CommonSpirit Memorial Foundation, which will be held on the Chattanooga State campus. The family-friendly event includes a timed 5K run, an untimed 5K walk and a one-mile timed children run. Registration, check-in and warmup activities begin at 8 a.m., followed by the timed race at 9 a.m. and the untimed events at 9:15 a.m. Food trucks, a children’s zone and a health expo will be available on-site until 11 a.m. Proceeds from the River City Ribbon Run stay local and support patients of CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital’s Joe & Virginia Schmissrauter Center for Cancer Support, part of the Rees Skillern Cancer Institute. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for children and cheerleaders, plus fees. Participants receive a 2026 River City Ribbon Run T-shirt, swag bag and finisher medal. Register
APRIL 18-19
4 Bridges Arts Festival
The Association for Visual Arts will host its annual event at the First Horizon Pavilion on Chattanooga’s Southside. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults ($6 with credit card) and free for children under 18. The juried festival will feature 140 artists from 30 states, including several from the Chattanooga area, offering work in a wide range of media including painting, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, wood, glass and photography. Food trucks will be on-site with coffee, meals and desserts. New this year, the Chattanooga Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will host its Chattanooga Design Awards during a lunchtime ceremony Saturday. A ticketed preview party will be held April 17 for sponsors, patrons and guests. For more information, visit 4bridgesartsfestival.org or call 423 265-4282.
APRIL 24
Terrace at Twilight
The Hunter Museum of American Art will invite guests to step into an Alice in Wonderland-themed evening of entertainment on the museum’s River Terrace. Presented by Tremont Tavern and co-chaired by Amber and Dan Norton, the open-air event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails and mocktails, themed activities and performances and a costume contest inspired by Wonderland. General admission includes food, drinks and dancing, while VIP tickets offer access to a private lounge, enhanced food and beverage options and valet service. Proceeds support the museum’s mission to provide arts education and community engagement.
APRIL 25-26
Chattanooga Market Opening Weekend
Chattanooga Market will kick off its spring season with a two-day event featuring hundreds of vendors, including new and returning makers, bakers, crafters and entertainers. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Boulevard, Chattanooga. Information
APRIL 30
Perspectives
Preserve Chattanooga will host a community event from 5–7 p.m. at the Waterhouse Pavilion downtown, featuring national preservation leader Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois. McDonald will share insights from her Relevancy Guidebook and discuss how historic preservation can address modern challenges such as climate change, housing and community equity. The event will also mark the launch of Chattanooga’s first community Preservation Plan since 1977, with organizers inviting public input to help shape the city’s future. Guests will be served hors d’oeuvres and sustainable wines while connecting with community leaders and preservation advocates.
May 1
Women Build Brunch
Join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Chattanoogan Hotel. This annual spring fundraising event brings together women and allies from across the community in support of affordable homeownership for local families. Guests will enjoy a keynote from Natosha Reid Rice, vice president of housing opportunities and mission engagement at Habitat for Humanity International, along with homeowner stories and a celebratory brunch. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available now at www.habichatt.org/womenbuild.