Chattanooga, Tennessee, is not only a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, but also for music fans. Come summer, the city rocks with outdoor concerts, festivals, and events, many of which are free. Here’s a guide to what’s happening in Chattanooga this summer.
Chattanooga Market
Apr 22-Dec 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 1829 Carter St.
The Chattanooga Market brings together 400 active vendors under one roof at the First Tennessee Pavilion selling locally grown produce and work by regional artists. There is always a musician or band performing. This Sunday, June 3, you can put on your dancing shoes and sway to big band music by Sweet Georgia Sound, a 20-member ensemble.
Nightfall Concert Series
May 11-Sep 7, Fridays, 7-10 p.m. Free. Corner of Market Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard
There’s nothing like sipping an ice-cold beer while listening to live music under the stars on a hot summer night. From mid-May to early September, Chattanooga presents the Nightfall concert series on Friday nights at Miller Plaza. This year’s lineup showcases a variety of genres from blues rock (Shannon McNally, June 22) to indie (Deer Tick, Quiet Company, July 13) to contemporary jazz (Lao Tizer, August 31). Street parking is plentiful; you can also park at the Warehouse Row garage for free (starting at 6 p.m.)
Riverbend Music Festival
Jun 8-16, 7-10 p.m. General admission pins for $32, $36.23 online. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., Chattanooga riverfront
Jump-start your summer with Riverbend, Chattanooga’s biggest annual festival. A nine-day music festival along the scenic riverfront in downtown Chattanooga, Riverbend entertains you and your family with over 100 bands on six stages. This year, Riverbend welcomes Foreigner (June 9), Chris Tomlin (June 12), The Band Perry (June 13), and many more.
From now until June 7, you can buy general admission pins for $32 at any local Kangaroo Express convenience stores or online for $36.23. Click on the Riverbend Music Festival website for entry gate locations (Main Gate is at corner of Chestnut and Aquarium Way) and the latest information on artists, band lineup, and schedule.
Pops on the River at Coolidge Park
July 3 (rain date July 4), 8-10 p.m. Free. Coolidge Park, www.chattanoogafun.com
Another popular and fun summer event in Chattanooga is Pops on the River Fourth of July celebration at Coolidge Park. The set-up is like the Boston Pops Fourth of July concert on the Charles River, except for the part where the music is not synchronized with the fireworks. Chattanooga is a much smaller city and thus not very crowded. My favorite spot to capture all the action is from the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge; you have an excellent view of the orchestra, and you can see all the activities at Coolidge Park and on the Tennessee River. Bring blankets or chairs and pack a picnic to enjoy while listening to the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra.
Riverfront Nights Summer Music Series
August 4-September 15. Free. Chattanooga riverfront
For six weeks beginning in August, you can enjoy free live music on the riverfront on Saturday nights. Held at Ross Landing on Chattanooga’s waterfront, the concerts are perfect venues for sultry summer nights, providing fabulous live entertainment for the entire family.
More From This Contributor:
Top 5 Favorite Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Travel Experiences: Celebrating the Fourth of July in Boston
Fourth of July Fireworks on the Charles River in Boston
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