As much as I love summer, I’m always super excited when fall comes around. There’s so much to love about this season, from all pumpkin everything to football to sweater weather and beyond. I’ve already had my one obligatory pumpkin spice latte of the season, so now I’m ready for everything else.
This summer in Chattanooga was jam packed with some amazing events, and the fall calendar is no different. There will be things to do almost every weekend now through the holiday season. My calendar is going to fill up quickly with all sorts of special events.
Here are 11 things to do in Chattanooga this fall!
In general, I’m a huge fan of apple picking and going to pumpkin patches. There are plenty of places in Tennessee and North Georgia to pick apples of any and all varieties. I’m a fan of R&A Orchards in Ellijay, Ga. I came back last year with nearly two pecks of apples that I turned into applesauce and apple butter.
If shows and concerts are more your style, the Tivoli Theater has a fantastic schedule for the 2016-2017 season. If you’re looking for any special events, here’s what’s happening in Chattanooga now through the end of the season:
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival – Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 // Two whole days of nothing but bluegrass, at Ross’s Landing right down by the Tennessee River. This year marks 10 years of the festival, and the lineup for this year can be found on their website. The best thing about 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival: it’s completely free.
Wine Over Water – Oct. 1 // It’s exactly what it sounds like: a wine festival set overlooking the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. This is one of the best things to do this fall in Chattanooga. Sample wines from over 100 wineries and taste food from some of the best local chefs. Are you a red or a white person?
Rock City’s Rocktoberfest – October 1-30 // One of Chattanooga’s iconic landmarks and attractions transforms into an autumnal paradise with fall foliage and all things German. There will be German food, beer, music, dancing, characters in costume and more to bring the true Oktoberfest spirit.
Autumn Children’s Festival – Oct. 1-2 // Want to get the kids out for a day of pony rides, face painting, carnival games and more fun? Get the family together for the Autumn Children’s Festival at the Tennessee Riverpark.
11 things to do in #Chattanooga this fall + a GIVEAWAY! Click To TweetHandcrafted Wishes – Oct. 7 // Here I am with my food and drink benefit events again! Spend an evening at the Hunter Museum of American Art tasting great local food and craft beer, playing some games, listening to live music, and best of all, giving back to the community. All proceeds from the event’s ticket sales and silent auction go toward the local Make a Wish Foundation chapter. Check out their website for more information about restaurants and breweries that will be there. Did I mention it’s on the rooftop of the Hunter Museum, overlooking the river and the bluff? Talk about a view. *This event is 21+ only.
Best Town (For)Ever – Oct. 14 // Did you know that Chattanooga was voted Outdoor Magazine’s Best Town Ever two years in a row? Well, it was. And it’s still awesome. We’re celebrating that again with live local music, delicious food, an outdoor expo and everything else that makes Chattanooga such a wonderful place. The festivities take place on the 700 block of Cherry Street on Oct. 14.
Cleveland Apple Festival – Oct. 15-16 // Speaking of apple picking, check out the Cleveland Apple Festival up in downtown Cleveland, Tenn., the weekend of October 15-16. Aside from apples galore, there will be an arts and crafts show, live music, food booths, hay rides, activities for the kids and more. All net proceeds from the festival will go toward other non-profit organizations in the Cleveland area.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest – Oct. 15-16 // Not to be confused with Rocktoberfest, of course. Who doesn’t love a good German celebration? This is Chattanooga’s premier Oktoberfest event, held at the First Tennessee Pavilion (where the Sunday farmer’s market is). It’s filled with German food, lots of beer (or bier, as the Germans say), music, dancing and good times. Prost!
Chattajack – Oct. 22 // Paddling up the Tennessee River for more than 30 miles? Sounds amazing. Or crazy, depends on your perspective. Whether you’re paddling or watching, this is one of Chattanooga’s biggest outdoor events of the year. I kind of really want to train for it for 2017. Maybe.
Head of the Hooch – Nov. 5-6 // Watch from one of Chattanooga’s bridges or along the banks of the river as hundreds of rowers race in the second largest regatta in the country. I’m a fan of just standing on the walking bridge and watching from above.
What are you excited for in #Chattanooga this fall? Click To TweetMain x 24 – Dec. 3-4 // Okay, so this is a bit past the fall, but it’s still one of the biggest events and most exciting things to do in Chattanooga. Mainx24 is a 24-hour festival that includes everything from food, to live music, to parades, to people in the streets and everything in between. There will be more than 100 events in the 24 hours, so there’s plenty of things to check out and experience. Plus, this year is the festival’s 10th anniversary, so if it’s not on your calendar already, it should be.
And that’s not all! I’m super excited for this giveaway: enter below for your chance to win two general admission tickets to Handcrafted Wishes on October 7 at the Hunter Art Museum! All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment on this post and you’re entered.
Enter TODAY and stay tuned – the giveaway closes October 1 and a winner will be announced October 3!
There are tons of exciting and awesome things to do in Chattanooga this fall. Which events are you most excited for this fall?