Hey Chatt!! Here is your August 21st to 23rd, 2026 weekend guide!

🍗 Running All Weekend

Nooga Wing & Beer Week

28 spots across the city are serving up $8 wings and $5 local beer through Sunday. Check in and vote for your favorites in the NoogaNightlife+ app, wraps up right as the weekend does.

📍 Citywide, through Sunday, Aug 23

⭐ The Big One

Chattanooga Paddle Parade 2026

A 4-mile costumed paddle from Rivermont Park down to Coolidge Park. Free borrowed kayaks available, costume and boat decoration contest with prizes, shuttles run in the morning.

🕐 Saturday, Aug 22 · Shuttles from 8:30 AM, launch at 10:00 AM

📍 Rivermont Park to Coolidge Park, Northshore

💰 FREE

🚣 Downtown Kayak

Outdoor Chattanooga runs two beginner-friendly guided kayak sessions past Maclellan Island, the Bluff View Arts District, and Ross's Landing. All equipment provided, no experience required. Ages 14+.

🕐 Session 1: 8:00–10:00 AM | Session 2: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

📍 Tennessee River, Downtown Chattanooga

🏰 Nightlife: Rivers & Realms (18+)

The Tennessee Aquarium goes full fantasy for one night, live bards, trinket crafting, jousting, game masters, and artisan portraits inside River Journey after hours. Costumes encouraged.

🕐 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

📍 Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St, Downtown

💰 $35–$45, tickets required, 18+

🎤 Jenny Zigrino

Rated-R standup at the Comedy Catch inside the Choo Choo. Jenny Zigrino brings sharp, unapologetic comedy, this is a real show, not an open mic.

🕐 Two shows: 7:00 PM & 9:15 PM

📍 The Comedy Catch at The Choo Choo, 29 Station St, Southside

💰 Tickets required (18+)

🎵 Luke Pigott, Album Release Show

Chattanooga's own Luke Pigott drops his debut album Against Influence tonight at Yellow Racket Records in East Chatt. Local venue, local artist, all-ages show.

🕐 Doors 7:00 PM | Music 8:00 PM

📍 Yellow Racket Records, 2311 East Main St, East Chattanooga

💰 $10, all ages

🔦 Ruby Falls Lantern Tour

1,120 feet underground, one mile round trip, by lantern light. This after-hours tour keeps groups small and gives extra time at the falls. Ages 10+, advance reservation required, tends to sell out.

🕐 Evening, check site for exact time

📍 Ruby Falls, 1720 S Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain

💰 $42.95, tickets required

🛍️ Chattanooga River Market

The weekly Saturday market on the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, local artists, makers, handcrafted goods, artisan food, and a food truck. Live music included.

🕐 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

📍 Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St, Downtown

💰 FREE

🍉 Watermelon Festival at McDonald Farm

The 3rd Annual Watermelon Festival takes over McDonald Farm in Sale Creek for a full two-day run, contests, food, live music, kids' inflatables, and animal encounters.

🕐 Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, continues Sunday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

📍 McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Rd, Sale Creek

💰 $5 (kids under 10 free)

🎶 Tennessee's Dead (Free Riverfront Music)

Free live music at Ross's Landing, bring chairs, blankets, and a leashed dog. Outside alcohol isn't permitted but food and drinks are on-site.

🕐 6:00 PM

📍 Ross's Landing, 100 Riverfront Pkwy, Downtown

💰 FREE

🎸 Paul Cauthen

Texas singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen brings his big voice and bigger presence to The Signal. All ticket prices include fees and taxes, the venue is cashless, and rideshare is strongly encouraged.

🕐 8:00 PM

📍 The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave, Southside

💰 Tickets required (all-in pricing)

🍉 Watermelon Festival, Day 2

The Watermelon Festival in Sale Creek runs through Sunday too, same great family vibe, now with less crowd.

🕐 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

📍 McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Rd, Sale Creek

💰 $5 (kids under 10 free)

🚒 Touch A Truck at Chattanooga Market

The Chattanooga Market takes over First Horizon Pavilion with work trucks, emergency vehicles, and heavy equipment, kids are encouraged to climb in and explore. Market vendors, food, and live music round it out.

🕐 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

📍 First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd, Downtown

💰 FREE

🎸 Live at The Chattanooga Market

Sunday afternoon live music session at the market, local musicians, good vibes, free to catch while you browse vendors or grab a bite.

🕐 2:30 PM

📍 First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd, Downtown

💰 FREE

🎭 The Temptations + The Four Tops

Two of the most legendary vocal groups in American music, one stage, Sunday night at Memorial Auditorium. If you're only doing one ticketed show this weekend, make it this one.

🕐 7:30 PM

📍 Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave, Downtown

💰 Tickets required

🚂 Have family coming to town? Here's your afternoon.

Chattanooga Derailed: Trolley Tour + Train Ride
A vintage trolley ride through downtown plus a trip on the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Missionary Ridge Local. Turntable demo, restoration shop, the whole thing. Perfect for when the in-laws visit.

🍴 Hungry for a Chattanooga deep dive?

Southside Food Tour with Lunch
Three hours, six stops, one very full stomach. A guided walking tour through Chattanooga's Southside with tastings at local restaurants, plus a sit-down lunch to finish.

⚓ Have you ever seen Chattanooga from the water?

Private Electric Boat Rental on the Tennessee River
Skipper your own quiet electric boat down the Tennessee River. No license needed, no gas fumes, no engine noise. Cruise past Ross's Landing, under the Walnut Street Bridge, and along the Riverwalk at your own pace.