The city of Red Bank’s Active Older Adult program continues to feature free classes and special events aimed at residents 55 and older. All activities will take place at the Red Bank Community Center, located at 3653 Tom Weathers Drive. This month’s highlights include a return visit from local author and historian Lawrence Miller, who will present historic photos and stories about Red Bank Monday, June 9. Thursday, June 26, Red Bank Police Sergeant Steve Hope will lead a discussion on fraud prevention and theft awareness. In addition to these events, the AOA program continues to offer chair yoga, qi gong, guided exercise, music jam, bingo and art sessions presented by The Chattery and supported by a grant from Tennessee Arts Build. Complete schedule: www.redbanktn.gov/316/Red-Bank-Active-Older-Adults and @redbanktn on Facebook.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
We Were Always Here
A public reception will mark the opening of the pride-themed exhibition. Presented by ClearStory Arts and the Chattanooga Queer Empowerment Collective, the gallery features LGBTQIA+ artists from the Tennessee River Valley and explores queer identity through themes of history, nature and liberation. The opening reception will take place 6-8 p.m. at ClearStory Arts, 1673 S. Holtzclaw Avenue, with a closing event scheduled for June 28. Both are free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Paw Palooza
This free event for animal lovers and their four-legged friends will take place at Coolidge Park 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A fundraising walk will kick off at 11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the nearly 5,000 animals McKamey Animal Center serves each year through shelter, care and adoption services. Paw Palooza will feature a variety of pet-friendly attractions, including food trucks, a vendor village, pet contests, dog games and educational talks by Chattanooga Zoo staff. On-site dog adoptions will also be available.
June Fest
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors invites the community to celebrate Hispanic and Guatemalan culture with a free afternoon of live music, dance, art and food at East Lake Park. The family-friendly event is set for 1-5 p.m. and feature performances by Casey Haywood and Andrea Solis Tankersley, the Canta Music Showcase and the Ensamble de México Latin Band. Guests can enjoy authentic cuisine, shop from unique vendors and experience vibrant cultural traditions – all at no cost.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Veteran’s Expo
Chattanooga Elks Lodge 91 will roll out the welcome mat for local veterans with a free event packed with support services, a complimentary lunch and a special talk on PTSD awareness by licensed clinical social worker Wendy Bovell. The expo will run 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1067 Graysville Road. Vendors can reserve a table by calling 423 595-8891.
JUNE 14-15
Garden Tour
The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County will host its 38th annual tour Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event will feature six gardens on Signal Mountain and in Hixson, and showcase everything from specimen trees and creative water management to raised beds, yard art and a regenerative farm with alpacas. Tickets are valid for both days; free parking will be available at every location. The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace, starting at any garden and visiting in any order. Master gardeners and homeowners will be on-site to answer questions, and plant lists will be available. Proceeds will benefit horticulture scholarships and community garden grants. Tickets and map
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Red Bank Festival
The city of Red Bank will celebrate its 70th anniversary this summer with a free community festival at Red Bank City Park. The event will take place noon-5 p.m. at 3817 Redding Road. City departments, nonprofits, churches, schools and community groups will host interactive booths. Live music will be featured throughout the day including singer-songwriter John Benjamin Davis from noon-1:30 p.m. and Randy Steele 1:30-3:30 p.m. The celebration will close with a performance by storytelling duo In the Company of Wolves 3:30-5 p.m. Local food trucks will be on-site and White Oak Bicycle Coop will be giving away free bicycles.
THURSDAY, JULY 3
Collegedale Freedom Festival
The city of Collegedale will celebrate Independence Day early at The Commons on 4950 Swinyar Drive 4-9:30 p.m. The festival will feature live music, food vendors, a pie-tasting contest and a presentation by the Quilts of Valor that will honor Collegedale police officers and regional firefighters. Additional food vendors and a range of children’s activities will be set up at Veterans Memorial Park on Apison Pike, including slides, a foam pit and face painting. Live music will kick off at 5 p.m. inside Chestnut Hall with the Get Happy Jazz Band. The Quilts of Valor presentation will follow at 6 p.m. The Chattanooga Horn Authority will take the stage at 6:45 p.m. and the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra will wrap up the night’s performances at 8 p.m. ahead of a fireworks display. Admission will be free. Parking near the event might require a fee to support local youth organizations or cover maintenance costs. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring lawn chairs and blankets. The Collegedale Police Department will post traffic and parking plans on social media.