2026 Chattanooga Checklist

Photo Courtesy of Lookout Mountain Lavender Farm

Harvest calm.

Every June, Lookout Mountain Lavender Farm invites the public to their U-Pick Lavender Event. With $8 admission, guests can explore and harvest from the lavender fields, grab a bite from the daily food truck, or sit back and enjoy the fragrant scents and scenic views of the 55-acre farm. Before leaving, stock up on homemade, lavender-based products at The Lav Shack and check out what lavender-themed classes the farm is offering.

lookoutlavender.com

Play pickleball.

Chattanooga serves up plenty of places to play pickleball outdoors. In East Brainerd, Batter’s Place Pickleball Complex offers five outdoor courts that are open to the public, including an ADA accessible option, open from sunrise to 10 p.m. Red Bank Park adds six public courts, while Standifer Gap Park provides four more, all open from dawn to dusk. The Collegedale Pickleball Courts have four dedicated courts with lights on a timer to allow play from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Wherever you play, there’s always a spot for a good game.

chattanooga.gov/things-to-do/athletic-therapeutic/seasonal-sports | redbanktn.gov/258/parks-trails-recreation-division | parks.hamiltontn.gov/268/standifer-gap-park | collegedaleparksandrec.com/sports-outdoors 

Grab your binoculars.

Chattanooga offers rich biodiversity, making it ideal for birdwatching. At Audubon Acres, spot pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, red tailed hawks, and summer migrants like wood thrush and indigo buntings. Accessible only by water and also managed by Chattanooga Audubon Society, Maclellan Island provides exceptional views of osprey and great blue heron, as well as migratory birds like blackpoll warblers. Ten miles west, Prentice Cooper State Forest features 35 miles of trails where migrating species such as red eyed vireos and scarlet tanagers pass through.

chattanoogaaudubon.org | tn.gov/agriculture/forests/state-forests/prentice-cooper 

Photos Courtesy of the Tennessee Aquarium

A whimsical new experience awaits you.

The Tennessee Aquarium takes guests on a water and wildlife journey, connecting freshwater streams in the Appalachian Mountains to the ocean. The Aquarium’s latest gallery is the mythical Scuttlebutt Reef in Ocean Journey. Explore 11 new exhibits, highlighting the delightfully unexpected and playfully mysterious. From the enigmatic, peeking heads of Green Moray Eels to the spiky bumps of little Lumpsuckers, Scuttlebutt Reef will reveal the wonders of ocean life.

tnaqua.org

Photos Courtesy of the Tennessee Aquarium

Interactive and engaging all ages.

Scuttlebutt Reef answers the marine rumors of these captivating creatures through touchscreens for guests in English and Spanish. For the youngest visitors, low-set porthole windows have bubbles to pop and fish to color, while a punch bag tests guests’ strength compared to a Peacock Mantis Shrimp. Elsewhere, gently touch a Lake Sturgeon or Stingray or add a Deeper Dives tour to trek behind the scenes. Plan your visit today!

Photo by Stefan Hunt

Go further and explore deeper
in IMAX this summer.

Debuting on May 15, BBC Earth’s Wild Asia: Life at Extremes 3D traverses the world’s largest continent, featuring spectacular animals from land and sea. Ocean Dreams 3D takes moviegoers on a global adventure beneath the waves, starting in June. Then, July brings the blockbuster of summer, The Odyssey, from filmmaker Christopher Nolan, shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. A millennia-old epic deserves the largest screen and best experience at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater.

tnaqua.org/imax

Discover the Empathic Universe.

Saya Woolfalk’s Empathic Universe exhibition uses immersive digital artwork featuring kaleidoscopic video and sound to explore imagined future realities, as well as the power of connection to transform individual lives and communities. As only the second venue for the exhibition following its debut at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City, the Hunter is excited to bring this one-of-a-kind, mesmerizing experience to the region. Saya Woolfalk: Empathic Universe will open May 21and run through September 7, 2026.

Above: Saya Woolfalk, Floating World of the Cloud Quilt, from the “Visionary Reality Outpost” series, 2022, Two‑channel video projection, digitally printed vinyl flooring, and pillows, Digital asset production and animation: Isabel Sakura Conley, Dimensions variable, Each floor piece (2 total): 1/4 x 108-1/8 x 310 in. Courtesy of the artist and Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects.

Photos Courtesy of Hunter Museum of American Art

Something old, something “new.”

Think you’ve seen everything in the Hunter’s permanent collection? Think again! Only 10% of the Hunter Museum of American Art’s permanent collection is on view at any time, and “new to audiences” works are regularly unveiled in the museum to wow locals and tourists alike! Get inspired by the past, including a newly acquired 1891 work, Fisherman’s Wife, by Anna Brown, as well as a “Jackson Press,” a type of cupboard made during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Fun fact: the Hunter’s Jackson Press was made here in Tennessee in 1830!

huntermuseum.org

Creativity for the whole family.

Why just learn about the artists when you can become the artist yourself? Discover Sunday Studio, a monthly public program for families that includes drop-in, hands-on art projects led by Hunter staff, special performances, and rotating activities from its community partners – including The Downtown Library, the Houston Museum, Audubon Acres, and more. Upcoming summer Sunday Studios are May 10, June 14, and July 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Get a bird’s eye view.

Experience the Scenic City from above in a private helicopter flight! Elite Helicopters is “Chattanooga’s premier luxury aerial experience,” offering three different guided tours with FAA-certified pilots: the Luxury Downtown Aerial Experience, the Lookout Mountain Grand Aerial Experience, or the Ultimate Scenic Experience. Whether you’re visiting Chattanooga for the first time or are a ‘Nooga native, Elite Helicopters takes sightseeing to new heights!

chattanoogaheli.com

Learn to dance.

Bust a move – or learn how – at Chattanooga’s beginner-friendly dance groups and classes. At ChattaLatin Dance Society and G2G Salsa, join hour-long salsa or bachata lessons, followed by a lively social. The Pop Up Project nurtures access to dance with their beginner, adult-focused dance studio, Studio34 – offering a range of different styles, such as jazz, modern, hip hop, and more. Have fun breaking things down at Dance Tonight Chattanooga, where you can join group instruction and dances on their calendar, and also try individual instruction at their studio downtown.

chattalatin.com| g2gsalsa.com | thepopupproject.org | dancetonightchattanooga.com

(Left) Photo Courtesy of Dance Tonight Chattanooga; (Right) Photo Courtesy of ChattaLatin Dance Society

Shop vintage.

With multiple fan-favorite shops specializing in era clothing and nostalgic wares across Chattanooga, building your retro collection on a budget is easy. Visit Southside and pop in to Poor Taste and the brand-new Electric Crocodile location before exploring multiple shops along Frazier Avenue, including Collective Clothing, Ugly Duck Vintage, and, the newest addition, Lucky 37. Then head over to Cherokee Boulevard and browse 20+ vendors at the Local Dive Retail and 30+ vendors at the original Electric Crocodile Vintage location next door.

instagram.com/poortaste.co | instagram.com/electriccrocsouth | instagram.com/collectiveclothing | instagram.com/uglyduckvtg | instagram.com/lucky37.co | instagram.com/localdiveretail | instagram.com/electriccrocodile

Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga VIP Tours

Sample The South

Wine or whiskey? On Chattanooga VIP Tours’ Taste of the South experience, you can enjoy both. Begin with a warm welcome on Station Street before heading to Georgia Winery for an exclusive tour, a full glass, four tastings, and a complimentary bottle. Back in Chattanooga, explore the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, then visit the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery for an in-depth tour and guided tasting. Finish with a memorable dinner at Nic & Norman’s, blending great food with Hollywood charm.

chattanoogaviptours.com

Find your new favorite read.

Chattanooga is full of cozy corners for book lovers. For early risers, The Book & Cover is an independent bookstore and coffee shop in Riverview, offering a curated selection of brews and reads. Pennington’s is Chattanooga’s newest indie bookstore in Southside, offering new and used books, a full menu of coffee, espresso, tea, and mocktails, local art, and more. On Frazier Avenue, Winder Binder features new and used books, vinyl records, and eclectic collectibles. For an evening wind down, visit The Reading Room, where you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine while browsing floor-to-ceiling book shelves.

thebookandcover.com | penningtonsbooks.com | instagram.com/winderbinder| instagram.com/thereadingroombar

(Left) Photo Courtesy of The Book & Cover; (Right) Photo Courtesy of Pennington’s

Do the Hokey Pokey
through Northshore.

Turn your everyday stroll around as you dance your way through Northshore! Imbedded in the sidewalks along Frazier Avenue, a series of interactive artworks guide locals and visitors through the movements of famous dances with numbered, step-by-step paving stones. Try The Hokey Pokey, The Merengue, The Mambo, The Waltz, and more – or make up your own dance with The Improvisation – while waiting at a crosswalk or heading to your favorite shop or restaurant.

Photo Courtesy of NoogaSplash

Take a dip.

Make a splash this summer at Chattanooga’s outdoor water spots. For a lake day, NoogaSplash at Chester Frost Park offers 10,000 square feet of inflatable fun on its 38-piece aqua park. Closer to town, Coolidge Park’s fountains provide a quick cool down after a riverfront walk. At the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, relax by man-made streams and fountains, then stroll to The Passage, where interactive waterfront steps pair river views with meaningful public art.

noogasplash.com | chattanooga.gov/things-to-do/parks/coolidge-park | tnaqua.org/exhibit/tennessee-aquarium-plaza

Photo Courtesy of GirlChat

Meet people in the Scenic City.

Chattanooga’s social groups make it easy to meet people and build community. Young Professionals of Chattanooga connects and supports emerging leaders ages 21-40 through social, professional, and volunteer experiences, helping young talent to strengthen their connections and advance both personally and professionally. For singles hoping to skip the apps, DateChattanooga offers curated, in-person dating events for adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. GirlChat, an all-women run club, hosts craft nights, themed parties, and collaborative events. 

instagram.com/ypchatt | instagram.com/datechattanooga | instagram.com/girlchat.co

Photo Courtesy of Ruby Falls

Light the way.

Explore a mountain cavern by lantern light during an after-hours Lantern Tour at Ruby Falls. During the tour, an expert guide will lead the way as you explore the dark twists and turns of the cavern trail with hand-held lanterns. This specialty tour features a laid-back pace, extra time at the waterfall, and a limited-sized group. For more adventures at Ruby Falls, visitors can enjoy Lookout Mountain Tower, High Point ZIP Adventure, and unforgettable lodging at Treetop Hideaways.

rubyfalls.com

Photo Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts

Catch a homerun at the new Erlanger Park.

Celebrate with the Chattanooga Lookouts in their new home – Erlanger Park! Located in the South Broad District, “America’s most unique multi-use venue” allows fans to experience action on the field from new vantage points, including the air-conditioned FirstBank Club, right-centerfield cabanas, left-field Little Debbie Berm, or left-field Eldridge Services Field Boxes and Half Rounds. Don’t miss fan favorites like home game fireworks every Friday, Thirsty Thursday™ specials, Star Wars Night, and appearances by Looie the Lookout. View the full promotional schedule and secure your tickets online today!

lookouts.com

Spice up your lunch break.

Chattanooga is home to a plethora of food trucks for every taste. On the first Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join LAUNCH at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga (KIC) for Food Truck Friday – a monthly event that supports local food trucks and small businesses while providing a unique lunch experience at 5704 Marlin Road. Plus, be sure to check out local markets and festivals, which regularly feature food trucks in their lineup.

kitchenincchatt.org/news-events

Photos Courtesy of Rock City

Celebrate America’s 250th at Rock City.

From May 23 through August 9, Rock City invites you to celebrate America’s 250th with a limited-time summer experience that blends iconic views with fresh creative energy. Discover everything from community-reimagined barns and birdhouse art to dog-friendly adventures, mountaintop music, hands-on play, and moments of wonder that unfold from day to night. This milestone season happens just once – making now the moment to explore, connect, and experience a classic American destination in a whole new way.

seerockcity.com

Photo by Gage Henderson

Dine on the railway.

Dinner on the diner – nothing could be finer! Climb aboard for an unforgettable excursion on either a lunch or dinner train with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Lunch and dinner trains depart from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Depot on select Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, traveling at a leisurely pace through portions of urban East Chattanooga before reversing direction and returning to Grand Junction. During the excursion, the dining car superintendent and her team of dining car stewards and chefs serve delicious food and ensure this is a treasured experience to remember.

tvrail.com

Photo Courtesy of The Coker Museum at Honest Charley

Rev it up.

Ready to discover the innovation and artistry that has shaped the automotive world? In the heart of Chattanooga’s historic Southside, over 130 vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and even four airplanes await visitors at The Coker Museum at Honest Charley. This vintage automobile and motorcycle museum houses Corky Coker’s personal collection with over 13,000 square feet of space to explore! The museum also serves as a unique venue space, allowing guests to host events in a beautifully preserved historic setting. With rich history, interactive videos, and iconic memorabilia, a tour through the museum is sure to spark curiosity for visitors of all kinds.

cokermuseum.com

Go on a guided kayak tour.

Discover what’s around the Tennessee River bend with Chattanooga Guided Adventures and their kayak experiences. Explore history on the Chickamauga Dam Lock Tour, where you’ll learn about Tennessee Valley Authority and get lowered down the lock. For a wildlife-focused outing, the Nickajack Bat Cave Sunset Tour offers an unforgettable view of thousands of endangered bats, along with insights into their habitats and conservation – all set against a stunning river sunset.

chattanoogaguidedadventures.com

Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Search for downtown murals.

Chattanooga is dotted with intricate and vibrant murals. “Main & Highland Park Community Mural” on East Main Street and “Change Starts in Your Own Backyard” near the Aquarium provide colorful backdrops for photos. At more than 40,000 square feet, “We Will Not Be Satisfied Until” on MLK Boulevard is one of the largest murals in the Southeast. More murals include: “Rise and Shine” on Passenger Street, featuring a running rooster; “Flying Doughnuts,” showcasing giant donuts on Broad Street; and Frazier Avenue’s “Founding Fathers of Technology” and Southside’s “Communal Kaleidoscope,” which celebrate creativity and unity.

Photo Courtesy of Verre Noir

Shop local goods all day long.

Chattanooga’s market scene is thriving with daytime, twilight, and evening options. For 25 seasons, the Chattanooga Market has been the region’s largest producer-only marketplace, offering locally grown produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods at the First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga River Market, and Erlanger Market. Newer, whimsical and fantasy-themed additions include the Twilight Firefly and Twilight Grand Markets by Shop the Market At on June 6 and August 29, and Verre Noir’s Night Market, held the last Friday of each month.

chattanoogamarket.com | shopthemarketat.com | verrenoir.co/night-market

Head to the playground.

Chattanooga offers fun parks and playgrounds for all ages. Newly opened, Wildwood Playscape at Enterprise South is a three-acre, nature-inspired play area with climbing elements and structures made from natural materials that encourage imaginative, outdoor adventure. In Collegedale, Little Debbie Park features fiberglass pastry sculptures, walking paths, bench swings, a children’s zipline, and climbing pieces. Warner Park’s Miracle Playground and Riverview Park in North Chattanooga – a National Demonstration Site – offer inclusive playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12. On Signal Mountain, Pumpkin Patch Playground provides long slides, a wooden play area covered by shade trees, picnic space, and disc golf. Downtown Ringgold’s Little General Children’s Park features climbing structures, swings, and covered picnic spots.

parks.hamiltontn.gov/422/4301/wildwood-playscape | chattanooga.gov/things-to-do/parks/parks-directory | collegedaleparksandrec.com/parks | pumpkinpatchplayground.org | cityofringgoldga.gov/parks-recreation/parks

Sip into summer.

If you’re craving a lively night out, the Margarita Festival on August 1 is the perfect place to soak up the city’s warm-weather energy. Sip and sample your way through a vibrant lineup of signature margaritas crafted by fan-favorite restaurants as they compete for the title of Best Margarita in Chatta-nooga. With great drinks, fun energy, and plenty to explore, it’s a can’t-miss
summer celebration.

chattanoogamargfest.com

Photo Courtesy of Bike Chattanooga

Bike the Riverfront.

Spend a day biking or scootering through Chattanooga’s scenic Riverfront. With several Bike Chattanooga stations located throughout the area, you can start pedaling or scooting at any time. Ride along the winding paths and enjoy public art, green spaces, and river views. When you’re ready for a break, return your bike at any Bike Chattanooga station and explore nearby attractions and local eateries – turning a simple ride into a full day of adventure.

bikechattanooga.com

Carousel the afternoon away.

With 52 hand-carved, whimsical animals, the Ellis Carousel at Coolidge Park is unlike standard carousels that only feature horses. Free to ride this year, guests can choose between giraffes, tigers, ostriches, rabbits, frogs, sea creatures, a lion, and more. The 1894 Dentzel carousel also features ornate details between gold leaf benches and a nostalgic melody played by a calliope band organ. Located in the heart of Coolidge Park, many restaurants and local attractions are within walking distance, including the Tennessee Riverwalk.

chattanooga.gov/things-to-do/parks/coolidge-park

Photo by Tamara Slocum

Explore alleyway art.

Looking for a fun summer promenade? Chattanooga’s alleys deliver unique experiences. Chalk Alley by local artist, Alecia Vera Buckles, connects Frazier Avenue to Coolidge Park, inviting visitors to leave chalk creations on its walls and walkway. Cooper’s Alley features zig-zagging art installation City Thread, while the adjacent Urban Chandelier suspends 6,000 reflective triangles that shimmer overhead. In the West Village, Umbrella Alley offers a colorful stroll beneath vibrant umbrellas and twinkling lights, a picture-perfect moment woven into one of Chatta-nooga’s most walkable neighborhoods.

facebook.com/chalkalley | artworkarchive.com/profile/city-of-chattanooga-public-art/artwork/city-thread | officefeuerman.com/projects/urban-chandelier | westvillagechattanooga.com 

Go glamping, camping, and lamping.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns and
Campground is a premier, Open Road Resorts destination. With traditional campsites, new safari tents, cabins, and a pull thru RV site, it welcomes both new and seasoned campers alike. Explore the underground caverns by walking the 5.5-mile geological landscape or joining a headlamp-lit caving expedition to see underground wildlife. Offering plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, additional amenities include hiking trails, a playground, dog park, outdoor pool, and more.

raccoonmountain.com