2009
These events are only a small portion of what there is to do in our area. Please check individual websites listed for more fun family events and activities and for exact schedules and pricing information.
Chattanooga Nature Center and the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Open Year Round, please refer to website for holiday closure schedule.
The Chattanooga Nature Center has a broad display of native and endangered animal and bird species. Visit and learn more about these beautiful creatures. The Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden is a drive through a beautiful display of nature's landscapes. Each season is filled with beauty and bloom. Everyone in your family will enjoy this breathtaking drive.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Thursday - Saturday
Open Year Round
Come and enjoy an all you can eat dinner while being entertained with a dinner show. Meet crazy characters and maybe even be part of the show!
Thunder Nationals Monster Truck Jam
McKenzie Arena
February 27 - March 1
Visit the University of Tennessee for tickets or more information.
Chattanooga Ducks Amphibious Vehicle Tours
March through October
Take a tour on land and in the water aboard authentic WWII amphibious landing vehicles. Tour schedules vary by season. Visit Chattanooga Ducks online for more information.
Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride
Trip season begins March 7 with limited schedules.
This trip is just the right size! The ride is approximately 50 to 55 minutes long. Travel 6 miles along Chattanooga's original rail lines and see and learn about train travel. Early season trips are limited. Full train schedules are available during the summer months. For more information, visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum online.
Dr. Seuss Member Night at the Tennessee Aquarium
Friday, March 13 (6:00 - 8:30 p.m.)
Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday at the Tennessee Aquarium with fun activities for the whole family.
Shamrock City
March 14 and 15 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Irish celebration with food, music, and more. See Rock City online for more information.
IMAX® 3D Theater
Now through March 19
Now showing: Under the Sea and Dolphins and Whales. See the Tennessee Aquarium website for show schedules and ticket information.
Jeff Dunham - Spark of Insanity
March 27 (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets can be purchased online at the University of Tennessee website.
Freestyle Motorcross
April 4 (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets can be purchased on the University of Tennessee website.
Hiwassee River Rail Adventure
April 11 - November 28
Fifty miles of breathtaking views on the Hiwassee Loop. Visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum online for more information.
Easter Bunny Cruise
April 11
Have fun with the Easter Bunny and a magic show. Children ages 2 - 12. For more information, visit the Chattanooga Riverboat Company online.
Easter Lunch on the River
April 12
Enjoy a wonderful lunch buffet and a cruise with the Easter Bunny! See the Chattanooga Riverboat Company website for more information.
Rock City Raptors - Bird of Prey Shows
Memorial Day through Labor Day
See owls, hawks, vultures, and more. Various show times and schedule online at See Rock City.
Outdoor Chattanooga's Outdoor Expo, Gear Swap, and New Facility
Grand Opening
Saturday, March 28
This event is for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can buy and sell gear or learn a new activity. Booth space is available. For more information, visit Outdoor Chattanooga online.
Hug a Bunny
Saturday, April 4
Chattanooga Zoo
Find out more at the City of Chattanooga online.
The Chattanooga Dragon Boat Races
April 18
Teams race 40 foot dragon boats along the Tennessee River. Also enjoy a festival of Asian culture. Read more about the dragon boat races online.
Earth Day
April 22
Chattanooga Zoo
Celebrate Earth Day at the Zoo!
National Cornbread Festival, South Pittsburg, TN
April 25 and 26
Come enjoy the food, music, and fun at the annual National Cornbread Festival located just minutes from the Lookout Mountain KOA.
3rd Annual Scenic City Triathlon and the Scenic City Duathlon
3rd Annual Scenic City Triathlon is April 26 and the Scenic City Duathlon is April 25
Contestants compete along the Tennessee River. Visit Scenic City Multisport for more information.
Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine
April 24 - 26 and May 2 and 3
Enjoy a ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt , live music, storytelling, and much more! For more information, visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
22nd Annual 3-State 3-Mountain Challenge
May 2
Register by April 23, 2009 to participate in the most rigorous cycling challenge: 100 miles through three states and over three mountains! Event limited to 2500 participants. Other options are a 62 mile and 25 mile ride. Visit the Chattanooga Bicycle Club online for more information.
U.S. 11 Antique Alley
May 14 through 17
This event extends 502 miles along U.S. Highway 11 from Meridian, Mississippi through Birmingham, Alabama and through towns in Dade County, Georgia, through Chattanooga, Tennessee, and continues on to Bristol, Virginia. Learn more by visiting the U.S. 11 Antique Alley online.
Spirits in the Wild at the Chattanooga Zoo
Saturday, May 16 (6 - 10 p.m.)
An evening of wines, spirits, food, and music. Support the Chattanooga Zoo by participating in this fun event. Visit the City of Chattanooga online for more information.
Your House, My House at the Creative Discovery Museum
Now through May 31
This hands-on exhibit is a fantastic journey into the homes of people around the world. To learn more, visit the Creative Discovery Museum website.
Nightfall Concerts
Friday Nights May 22 - September 25
Friday's only - features musical talents from near and far including rock, blues, jazz, reggae, bluegrass and more. Call 423-265-0771 for more information.
Dreamnight at the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
Friday, June 5 (5:30 - 7 p.m.)
An open house event for special-needs children and their families which offers a VIP zoo visit after normal hours for a more relaxing outing. Visit the City of Chattanooga online for more information.
Riverbend Festival
June 5 - 13
Enjoy nine days of world class music entertainment including rock, country, urban, and bluegrass along the Tennessee River. Riverbend Festival also includes a Children's Village and a fireworks finale. Sure fun for all!
Hank's Day
Saturday, June 20 (10 - 3 p.m.)
"Who is Hank?" you ask. Only the most famous chimp at the Chattanooga Zoo! Visit the City of Chattanooga online for more information.
The World's Longest Yard Sale
August 6 - 9
Stay with us as you find treasures galore along this 654 mile long yard sale spanning from West Unity, Ohio to Gadsden, Alabama.
Rock City's Enchanted Maize
September 18 through October 31
Make your way through a cornfield maze located in the valley below Lover's Leap. See Rock City for hours of operation.
Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride
Third Saturday in September (September 19)
The Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride is an annual event that begins in Chattanooga, TN and ends in Florence, AL. Be part of this brotherhood and discover what 90,000 bikers say is "more than a ride, it's an experience."
Rock City's Rocktoberfest
Saturdays and Sundays in October (11a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Enjoy German heritage, food, music, dancing and fun. See Rock City for more information.
Prater's Mill Country Fair
October 10 - 11
The 2nd weekend in October is when this annual event is held near Dalton, Georgia. There are artists, craftsmen, music, food, and more for the entire family. Only 30 minutes from Chattanooga. Visit Prater’s Mill online for more information.
Fall Leaf Cruises
October 19 through November 8
Take a 4-hour cruise on the Southern Belle along the Tennessee River and experience the breath taking colors of fall. Includes lunch and live entertainment.
Forest of Fear in 3D
Friday and Saturday Nights in October
See Rock City online for this years schedule and ticket information.
Thanksgiving Cruise
Southern Belle Riverboat
November 26
Take a Thanksgiving cruise and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast and music.
North Pole Limited
November 20 - December 22
Take a 75 minute trip to the "North Pole" including story telling, light refreshments, and a visit with Santa. Great family fun! Check Tennessee Valley Rail online for trip schedules, as times may vary and change.
Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises
November 27 - December 19
Caroling, dinner and fun are aboard during these cruises. Even visit with Santa!
Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights
November 20 through January 2, 2010 (6 - 9 p.m.)
Visit the annual Enchanted Garden of Lights and see the award-winning displays featuring more than 25 holiday scenes and nearly a million lights! See Rock City for more information.
New Year's Eve Gala
December 31
Bring in the new year with a great cruise, food, and champagne toasts!
