Here's what's happening this week in the Chattanooga area.
For the to-do list
A Chattanooga attraction has made the list of Best Memorial Day Destinations for Families, according to a survey by MaxTour, a Las Vegas-based company specializing in small group excursions. The Tennessee Riverwalk, a 13-mile paved walkway along the Tennessee River that passes parks, playgrounds, art and restaurants, was the top pick in the state and 21st overall. The Top 5 destinations were Virginia's First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach; Massachusetts' Cape Cod National Seashore; Georgia's St. Simons Island beaches; Virginia's Arlington National Cemetery; and Florida's Clearwater Beach. Other regional destinations included Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville (No. 64) and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Alabama (No. 78). The survey reflected the Top 125 responses from 3,000 families about where they would like to spend Memorial Day with their loved ones if distance were not a factor.
CALENDAR
ARTS
THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. "The Hardin Valley Project," photos by Emily Greenquist, and "Exposure," group photography show, through June 7. athensartscouncil.org
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts presents members exhibit, "Drawings," and Scenic City Clay Arts' Military Family Nights exhibit, through June 14. avarts.org
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. "Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War," Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts recovered from archaeological field school in 1975, 30+ years after the death of the former slave who lived within the park and worked for the U.S. War Department from 1894 to 1922. nps.gov/chch
CLEARSTORY ARTS — 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. "Boldly Taking Up Space: Southeast Scope," featuring art by women and nonbinary artists, through June 1. clearstoryarts.com
CREATIVE ARTS GUILD — 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. "ATL Imported: A Showcase of Atlanta Art" in Gallery Five20 and "Fanciful Flowers & Foliage" by Tammy Evans Gossett in Gallery One11, both through May 31. creativeartsguild.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. "The Root of It All" community show, through June 2. Paintings by Diane Lee, through June 30. Intake for "All Things You Can Ride On" community show, May 30- June 2. franklincoarts.org
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga summer show, through Aug. 2. chattanoogaphoto.org
ICA @ UTC — University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Fine Arts Center, 752 Roland Carter St. Institute of Contemporary Art exhibition: "The Moon Is Rusting and We Don't Know Why," featuring Feinstein scholarship recipients Ali Brooks (painting, drawing) and Magan Marks (graphic design), through June 1. icachatt.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. "The 50th All-Member Show," marking gallery's 50th year, through May 31. intowngallery.com
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. "Mishpachah-Family" exhibit by 44 artists from Israel, the U.S. and Canada, including 12 from Chattanooga. 423-493-0270
LOCALS AT SEWANEE — 49 University Ave., Sewanee, Tenn. Spring show featuring Kellen Mayfield and new works by 10 other artists, through July 27. localsatsewanee.com
MUSEUM CENTER AT FIVE POINTS — 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. Exhibition celebrating Cleveland Boy Scout Troop 10's 100th anniversary, through June 29. museumcenter.org
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Works by John Whipple (mixed media) and Brad Schwieger (pottery), through May 31. river-gallery.com
STOVEWORKS GALLERY — 1250 E. 13th St. stoveworks.org
› Through May 31: "You Are Jules," by Jules Jackson.
› Through June 15: "Someone Thinking of You" by Emily Clayton.
› Through June 22: "Hand to Mouth," group exhibition.
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM — 1 Broad St. Two dozen images of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore's Photo Ark, including species photographed on-site, through December. Included with regular admission: $30-$40. tnaqua.org
COMEDY
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. Stand-up by Chris Thomas, "The Mayor," 7 p.m. May 26. $28. barkinglegs.org
THE CHATTERY — 1800 Rossville Ave., Suite 108. Introduction to Improv class, 6-8 p.m. May 29. Free. thechattery.org
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. thecomedycatch.com
› May 26: Billy Wayne Davis, special engagement, 7 p.m. (final show). $18-$24.
› May 30: Cleanish Comedy Showcase, featuring Carollynn Xavier and friends, 7 p.m. $15-$20.
› May 31-June 1: Jon Reep, special engagement, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. $25-$35.
FESTIVALS
FAIRY & FOLK FESTIVAL — Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Road. Chattanooga Audubon Society celebration of nature and folklore, with music, storytelling, dance, hands-on crafts and activities inspired by fairy tales, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 26 (last day). Costumes welcome. $7-$15. chattanoogaaudubon.org
HONEYBEE FESTIVAL — Villanow and Main streets, LaFayette, Ga. Block party with arts, crafts and food vendors, barbecue contest, bike ride, cruise-in, honey competition and seminars, children's activities, music headlined by Chris Janson and HunterGirl, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 1. Kickoff, 5-10 p.m. May 31, includes steak competition, music by locals, train rides, cornhole tournament and beauty pageant. Free admission. mycityoflafayette.org
NATIONAL MOOFEST — Around Market Park Pavilion, 106 S. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. Arts, crafts and food vendors, soap box derby, Bovines & Bling cow costume contest, Mayfield dairy products contests, music on three stages, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1, rain or shine. friendlycityfestivals.com/moofest
FILM
CHATTANOOGA TRAIL RUNNING FILM FESTIVAL — Rock/Creek Riverside, 1530 Riverside Drive. Celebration of running in eight short films from around the world, 6 p.m. May 26. $20. Proceeds support Chattanooga's outdoor experiences. trailfilmfest.com
(READ MORE: The best shady trails for summer running in Chattanooga)
IMAX THEATER — 201 Chestnut St. Imax documentary "The Blue Angels" and feature film "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," through June 2 (various showtimes). $15 either. tnaqua.org/imax
MUSIC
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. Wednesday Jazz with Joseph Evans Trio, 7:30 p.m. May 29. $10. barkinglegs.org
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
› May 26: Princess Goes, 8 p.m. $30-$33.
› May 31: Big Bam Boom: A Tribute to Hall & Oates, 9 p.m. $15-$20.
› June 1: Of Montreal, with Godcaster, 9 p.m. $25-$30.
CAMPFIRE CONCERT SERIES — Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Road. Series ends with The New Quintet, 6 p.m. May 31. $33-$39 (Hutton & Smith beer, s'mores and entertainment included; extra charge for vendor food, optional camping). reflectionriding.org
THE CAVERNS — 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. All times Central. thecaverns.com
› May 26: Cave Jam festival, featuring The String Cheese Incident and 20 other bands, 1 p.m. May 26 (last day). $49.
› May 31-June 1: Oliver Anthony on Out of the Woods Tour, 8 p.m. Friday (underground), $39; and 6 p.m. Saturday (outdoor amphitheater), $29.
› June 2: Ben Folds on Paper Airplane Request Tour, 6 p.m. $99.
CLEVELAND POPS — Greenway Park, 775 Raider Drive, Cleveland, Tenn. "Heroes Among Us," Memorial Day concert by community ensemble, with presentation of colors by Civil Air Patrol, 7 p.m. May 27. Bring your own seating. clevelandtnpops.com
NIGHTFALL — Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. Summer concert series continues with headliner Lilly Hiatt and opener The Briars, 7 p.m. May 31, rain or shine. Art market starts at 6 p.m.; food trucks begin selling at 6:30 p.m. nightfallchattanooga.com
RIVERFRONT NIGHTS — Ross's Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway. Free summer concert series continues with headliner Strung Like a Horse and opener Lenox Hills, 6-10 p.m. June 1. Free admission. riverfrontnights.com
THE SIGNAL — 21 Choo Choo Ave. thesignaltn.com
› May 31: Flatland Cavalry, 8 p.m. $36-$66.
› June 1: The Emo Night Tour, 8 p.m. $25-$48.
SONGBIRDS — 206 W. Main St. Annual Youth Talent Show for ages 12-18, with host Amber Carrington, 7 p.m. May 30. $10. songbirdsfoundation.org
OUT & ABOUT
ANNUAL BARBECUE — St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road, Ooltewah. Free community dinner following morning service, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2. sfaec.org
CAR SHOW — Washington Hills Community Center, 4628 Oakwood Drive. Queens Carriages Auto Club event, with vendors and other car clubs, 2-7 p.m. May 26. $25 registration; free admission. 423-802-4688
CHATTANOOGA MARKET — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
› May 26: Chattanooga Street Food Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Music by The Briars at 12:30 p.m., Amber Fults at 2 p.m.
› June 2: Market Baketacular, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with cake walks at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Music by Scenic City Sound, 12:30-3 p.m.
CHATTANOOGA RIVER MARKET — Tennessee Aquarium plaza, 1 Broad St. Local artists, crafters and food artisans, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays through October. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
CIVIL WAR HISTORY — Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park events. nps.gov/chch
› May 27: Torch light tours of the Civil War portion of Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave., 8:45 p.m. Starts at old cemetery entrance arch in the southwest section and involves about a mile of walking on rolling, grass-covered grounds. Flashlights welcome. Free.
› June 1: Volunteers needed on National Trails Day to help clear vegetation on Scenic Bluff Trail, 9 a.m.-noon at Lookout Mountain Visitor Center parking lot, 110 Point Park Road.
FUNBOX — Northgate Mall, 271 Northgate Mall Drive. World's biggest bounce park, with 25,000 square feet of jumping zones connecting 10 play areas, weekends through June 16. Hours: 3:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays, 10:45 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, plus 10:45 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Memorial Day. $18-$26. visitnorthgatemall.com
GORDON-LEE MANSION TOURS — 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga, Ga. Friends organization opens mansion for self-guided tours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Labor Day weekend. $1-$5. Email: [email protected]
GUEST CHEF DINNER — Easy Bistro & Bar, 801 Chestnut St. Kenyatta Ashford, former sous chef at Easy Bistro who founded his own restaurant, Neutral Ground, at the Proof Incubator, prepares a la carte Afro-Creole specialties alongside the regular menu, 4-9 p.m. May 29. Reservations recommended. resy.com
JURASSIC QUEST — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Traveling dinosaur experience, with true-to-life exhibits, interactive displays, dinosaur rides, inflatables, fossil digs and other activities, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. May 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27 (final days). $22-$36. jurassicquest.com
(PHOTO GALLERY: Jurassic Quest 2023 at the Chattanooga Convention Center)
KELLY'S ADOPTATHON — Humane Educational Society, 4155 Randolph Circle. Third annual event honors memory of Cumulus Chattanooga radio veteran Kelly McCoy and her passion for animals, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1. Includes free adoptions, 50+ vendors, pet photo booth, food trucks, music by The Dose. heschatt.org
(READ MORE: Radio personality Kelly McDoy dies after a short illness)
LAKE WINNEPESAUKAH — 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville. Amusement park expands schedule to Mondays on May 27. $43 includes SoakYa water park; special offers on designated days. lakewinnie.com
MOUNTAINTOP SUMMERS — Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Roam With the Gnomes activities, animal education shows, through Sept. 2. $19-$32 ($5 more at gate). seerockcity.com
NORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITY EXPO — Morning Pointe at Happy Valley, 2989 Happy Valley Road, Rossville. Food, merchandise and business vendors, Bagby's Critter Coral petting zoo, 2-4 p.m. May 28. $10 booth space. 706-916-2777
THE PEACH TRUCK — Nashville-based company makes first deliveries of peaches fresh from Georgia farms to advance-order customers at multiple sites in Chattanooga and Hixson, May 26 (more dates and sites throughout summer). $38 for 12-pound box. Full schedule: thepeachtruck.com
RK GUN SHOW — Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Features vendors with guns, hunting supplies, military surplus and outdoor gear, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 26 (last day). $4-$16. rkshows.com
SETHRA-CASA RODEO — 287 Pine St., Dunlap, Tenn. Main fundraiser for Southeast Tennessee Human Resources Agency and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children includes rodeo competitions and roping contests, children's games, food vendors, beer garden, 7:30 p.m. May 31-June 1. Concerts by Dusty Leigh Huston at 5:30 each night (all times Central). $10-$15. sethracasa.org
SPRING GREENHOUSE — Lookout Mountain Conservancy, Rockmont Park, 1835 Old Wauhatchie Pike. Volunteers needed to help grow seedlings, plant garden beds and other projects, 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. Thursdays. lookoutmountainconservancy.org
STABLE 41 FARMERS MARKET — 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Celebrate Reading Day with Catoosa County Library, 3-6 p.m. June 1. stable41market.com
WALKATHON — Pioneer Park, 1515 Tombras Ave., East Ridge. National Senior Fitness Day event with East Ridge Parks and Recreation Department 's Senior Fitness class, with options from half-mile to 4 miles, 7-10 a.m. May 29. (Rain date June 5.) eastridgeparksandrec.com
SPORTS
CHATTANOOGA FOOTBALL CLUB — Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. chattanoogafc.com
› May 25: CFC Men vs. New England Revolution II, 7 p.m. $20 and up.
› June 2: CFC Women vs. Knoxville 865 Alliance, 6 p.m. $12 and up.
CHATTANOOGA LOOKOUTS — AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. Chattanooga's Double-A affiliate of Cincinnati Reds vs. Mississippi Braves, 2:15 p.m. May 26 (last in series). Sunday promotions: Malmö Oat Milkers Day, Food Drive Sunday (trade donations to Chattanooga Area Food Bank for tickets), Catch on the Field, Kids Run the Bases. $8 and up (discounts for children and seniors). lookouts.com
THEATER
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
› May 28: Fourth Tuesday play reading, 7-9 p.m. Watch, read or submit a play.
› May 31-June 1: Seed Theatre's world premiere of Abigail Thorn's "The Prince," about a relationship set within works by Shakespeare, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. $15.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplay house.com
› Through June 4: "Dial M for Murder." $19-$35.
› Through Aug. 1: "Steel Magnolias." $19-$35.
SENIORS GOT TALENT — Online auditions for Morning Pointe Foundation's fifth annual showcase of singers, musicians, dancers, poets, comedians and other talents, for seniors 60 and older, through June 28. In-person auditions: June 18-27. Show, with chance to win $1,000 grand prize, is July 29. morningpointe.com
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at [email protected] or 423-757-6281.
Staff File Photo / A Civil War reenactor takes part in a torch light tour through the Chattanooga National Cemetery in May of 2003. A similar historical tour will take place Monday evening, Memorial Day.