Downtown Chattanooga

Where do people from all walks of life come to be a part of the energy and excitement of Chattanooga? Downtown! It's the place to live, play, build, grow, renew, innovate and plug directly into the source of what makes Chattanooga one of America's best cities. Where else but Downtown could be both our favorite place to do business and to get down to the business of having fun? Our main stage, our gathering place, our common ground, it's the one area that truly belongs to us all. Quite simply, Downtown is where Chattanooga… happens .

Play Downtown

Downtown you'll find the Tennessee Aquarium, several museums including the Hunter Museum of American Art and Creative Discovery Museum for children, an IMAX Theater, Bluff View Art District, sports teams such as L.A. Dodgers farm team the Chattanooga Lookouts and Chattanooga FC soccer, the Chattanooga Market, as well as annual events such as the Riverbend Festival, 4 Bridges Art Festival, Southern Brewer's Festival, Wine Over Water, Nightfall Summer Concert Series, 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival and the Southern Writers Conference to name a few.

There's plenty to do and see in Chattanooga to keep you intrigued and entertained. Check out the many attractions located downtown.

Live Music/Entertainment

Barking Legs Theater View in map

Special live events, 1307 Dodds Ave, 423-624-5347

Chattanooga Ghost Tours View in map Supernatural walking tours, 138 Market St, 423-821-7125 Chattanooga Symphony & Opera View in map

Tivoli Theater, 709 Broad St, 423-757-5050

Chattanooga Zoo View in map WILD ANIMALS, 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, 423-697-1322
Eats Food Tours View in map Local food tours while riding Double Decker Bus, Aquarium Plaza Pick-Up at Aquarium Way, 423-763-7163 Folk School of Chattanooga View in map Special live events and music, 1800 Rossville Ave, 423-827-8906 JJ's Bohemia View in map

Alternative bands, 231 E MLK Blvd, 423-266-1400

Lindsay Street Hall View in map

Americana bands, 901 Lindsay St, 423-756-9111

Market Street Tavern View in map

Local music, 809 Market St, 423-634-0260

Memorial Auditorium View in map

Special live events, 399 McCallie Ave, 423-757-5042

Miller Plaza View in map

Special live events, Market St at MLK, 423-267-3700

Northshore Grill View in map

Acoustic artists, 16 Frazier Ave, 423-757-2000

Rhythm & Brews View in map

National touring bands and cover bands, 221 Market St, 423-267-4644

The Honest Pint View in map Local and Touring Bands, 35 Patten Parkway, 423-468-4192 Track 29 View in map

Local music, 1400 Market St, 423-266-1996

Tremont Tavern View in map

Local music, 1203 Hixson Pike, 423-521-2929

Vaudeville Cafe View in map Comedy and Murder Mystery Shows, 138 Market St, 423-517-1839

Festivals and Events

Nightfall Concert Series View in map

Hands down one of the best social events for locals and visitors alike. Catch some of America's best-known live bands (even before they become famous). Or, just socialize with your neighbors every Friday night May thru September in Miller Plaza. Don't miss this year's soon-to-be-famous line-up! Admission is free.

Spark View in map

Spark is an annual, multi-day celebration of the Chattanooga area's creative culture showcasing a variety of high-caliber, collaborative events that include the arts, history and technology. From April 11-21, S park celebrates the best of a collaborative, public-private spirit. From nationally recognized artists to local performers, all will be represented during this celebration of artistry and creative works.

RiverRocks View in map

RiverRocks is a family-friendly outdoors event featuring rock climbing, trail running, kayaking, rowing, cycling, off-road biking, hiking and hang gliding for both expert and novice competitors as well as casual participants of all ages. The 10-day October event also features entertainment such as live music, hot air balloons, skydivers, river cruises and more.

WhoFest View in map

One of the premiere folk art festivals in the South, WhoFest features more than 100 notable folk artists from around the country exhibiting on Memorial Day weekend each year along with free music in Renaissance Park on the Northshore. Bring your checkbook, but admission is free.

Wine Over Water View in map

Wine Over Water hosts more than 100 wineries exhibiting their creations among food vendors on the Walnut Street Bridge overlooking the Tennessee River. A great Saturday evening in October for hanging out with friends and sampling fine wines – and it all benefits Cornerstones for Historic Preservation.

3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival View in map

Hear the best bluegrass in the world without ever leaving the Chattanooga area. World-class performers hit the riverfront for two days each October, sponsored by local Bluegrass lover Fletcher Bright. Bring a chair or blanket, plop down and soak in the music. Admission is free.

Head of Hooch View in map

The Head of the Hooch is the second largest regatta in the country. Watch 1,500+ crews race down the Tennessee River, hear the energy from the high school, college and masters rowing teams and the booming voices of the coxswains as they speed past the finish line in Downtown Chattanooga, TN. Held each November on the Riverfront.

Pops on the River View in map

Celebrate July 4th with a patriotic concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO). Pops on the River concludes with a patriotic fireworks finale over the Tennessee River. Grab a blanket, a cooler and the kids and plop down in Coolidge Park for an evening of great music and fun. Admission is free.

Riverbend Festival View in map

The Riverbend Festival is an award-winning nine-day music festival that takes place on the Riverfront each June. Boasting five stages and world-class entertainment ranging from classic rock, to country, urban and bluegrass and plenty of food and activities, Riverbend has something for everyone – including the largest fireworks display of the year.

Riverfront Nights View in map

Presented by Blue Cross – Blue Shield of Tennessee and anchored by entertainment sponsors State Farm of Tennessee, this “green themed” series of free Saturday night shows features exciting musical acts performed from the “green|spaces” stage.

Southern Brewer's Festival View in map

There's one thing thirsty Chattanoogans like better than anything else – cold beer. And not just the super market variety, but the handcrafted nectar of micro brews from all around the South. Check out more than 100 of them one special Saturday in August on the Riverfront at this annual benefit for Kids on the Block.

4 Bridges Art Festival View in map

Chattanoogans support the arts in very tangible ways, and festival participants have spread the word to practicing artists across the country. As a result, more than 700 artists apply to participate in the 4 Bridges Art Festival, but only 150 artists are selected to exhibit their painting, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, sculpture and more each April.

Chattanooga Market View in map

From the art and music to the locally grown organic produce and tasty food and groceries – it's all home grown. The Chattanooga Market is great way to spend your Sunday afternoon seeing friends and stocking up on weekly provisions. Held at the First Tennessee Pavilion from April until December each year. Check out their Oktoberfest held in October. Admission is free.

Main Street Farmers Market View in map Main Street Farmers Market provides Chattanooga with a weekly supply of healthy, tasty and fresh foods grown in the Chattanooga region. This market is producer only and farmer ran. You will find seasonal and delicious items to add to your table like eggs, beef, chicken, honey, blueberries, milk, peppers, tomatoes, and artisanal items like bread, pastry, coffee, and cheese. This market located at 325 East Main Street runs every Wednesday: 4-6p.m. (4-5p.m. in the winter).

Public Art

In Chattanooga, we believe strongly that public art enriches the places and spaces where we live, work, and play. It visually enhances our landscapes. Public art stirs interactions between community members and their environment. It adds artistic and creative dimensions to civic spaces.

The first major public art project was launched as part of downtown's 21st Century Waterfront Project, as an unprecedented 1% of the waterfront budget ($1.2 million) was allocated to purchase public art, and resulted in 3 major public art projects, the Light Masts on the Chattanooga Pier, the Native American art installation at the Passage, and the First Street Sculpture Garden. A citizen committee appointed by the mayor was formed to oversee the project. Partner organizations included Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, the City of Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and River City Company.

View a walking tour map of some of Chattanooga's public art installations .

Renaissance Park View in map

Renaissance Park is a beautiful wetlands park that is home to three permanent pieces of public art. These include: Ascending Path, by Brad Bourgoynne and Aaron Hussey. This piece honors the site as an intersection of past events with the present and future of the Chattanooga community. The arching form of a bridge and a gateway supports seven silent travelers figures crossing the structure. The figures represent transition speaking to all of those who have moved through Chattanooga either by choice or by force. Renaissance Park is also home to “Tennessee Leaf” by Terry Allen and “A Place in the Wood” by Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, pieces from the Hunter Museum's Art in Public Places program.

River Gallery Sculpture Garden View in map

River Gallery Sculpture Garden, designed by landscape architect Joe Baasch, is a two-acre outdoor exhibit space located in the Bluff View Art District overlooking the Tennessee River and was recently included in Smithsonian's Archives of American Gardens.

Visitors to River Gallery Sculpture Garden enjoy one of the Southeast's most impressive private collections of contemporary American sculpture, including work by Leonard Baskin, Allan Houser, Isamu Noguchi, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Richard Serra, Frank Stella, and Ernest Trova.

River Gallery Sculpture Garden is open to the public every day from 9 a.m. until dusk, year-round. There is no charge for admission and printed guides can be obtained at the Sculpture Garden entrance for self-guided tours, or guided tours can be arranged through River Gallery. Exhibit information and images are available by contacting River Gallery.

First Street Sculpture Garden View in map

The First Street Sculpture Garden is at First and Market Streets in downtown Chattanooga. Take a 50-second ride on the First Street Incline up to the Walnut St. Bridge. Walk through the Sculpture Garden to reach the Holmberg Bridge and then cross Riverfront Parkway to the Hunter Museum and Bluff View Arts District. Open 24 hours.

Main Street

Since 2006, Public Art Chattanooga has organized an outdoor juried exhibition called “Art on Main” along the bustling sidewalks of Main Street. The exhibition rotates every two years and features the works of local/regional artists. Works are available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

Shopping

There are many different areas around town for a little retail therapy. Each features an eclectic mix of both retail chains as well as independent local shops. Here are some hot spots:

CitiPark City Center Located on the 800 Block of Chestnut Street, this new downtown shopping destination is unique and varied. CitiPark is the place to grab a tasty doughnut, bagel or have a diner experience and browse through the vintage and consigned treasures in the area. With a significant crafting and art influence, you can pick up some unique fabric, make some candles, utilize a specialty sewing lab and buy that new painting to go on your wall. If you are a console or internet gamer, then CitiPark has unique options for you too.

Market & Broad Streets City Center

Midtown features many locally owned establishments, from bodegas and ethnic restaurants to gentlemen's tailors and formal dress boutiques. Coffee shops, mom and pop luncheonettes, opticians, barbershops and financial institutions of any sort dot the street level spaces of the high rises between 4th and 12th streets.

Warehouse Row City Center

Located in an 18th century stone and brick fortress, Warehouse Row is the destination for an eclectic mix of boutique shopping, artisans, and dining. From high-end furniture and home décor accessories to the latest trends in clothing, shoes and jewelry, this up-and-coming downtown beacon is becoming one of the hottest places to play.

Frazier Avenue Northshore

Ask anyone and they'll tell you Frazier Avenue is where you'll find locally owned shops featuring everything from art supplies to clothing and shoes, folk art, books, wind up toys, handmade gifts and poster art, bicycles, jewelry and gifts, housemade beer, donuts, ice cream, hot dogs and more. There's even a Walgreen's and Family Dollar just across the street for convenient essentials.

Manufacturers Road Northshore

A shopping haven for those who can't stand the traditional mall, 2 Northshore offers dozens of stores including a natural foods grocery store, upscale wine shop, outdoor equipment outfitter, bicycles, education toys, designer modern furniture and home accessories, jewelry, hair stylists, a day spa, and much, much more.

Aquarium Area Riverfront

Tourists will love the selection of souvenirs and other sundries in this popular haven for out of towners. However, locals flock there daily to take advantage of the great locally-owned restaurants the riverfront area has to offer. From housemade pizzas and handcrafted beers to Chattanooga's premiere steakhouse and the hippest diner in the Southeast, there's plenty to taste.

Main Street Southside

Discover locally-baked artisian bread, housemade sausages, handcrafted furniture and accessories, custom stationary and more. Main Street is also home to a diverse selection of restaurants, from a simple taco stand to the most upscale sushi and Italian cuisine Chattanooga has to offer. There's even an authentic Spanish grocer, and Enzo's specialty grocery store is coming Spring 2013.