Memorial Day Weekend in Chattanooga
Memorial Day weekend in Chattanooga always feels like the unofficial start of summer.
The weather is warming up, the city starts to feel alive, and there is something happening in every direction. You can be downtown at the market, on the North Shore for a race, at Finley for soccer, on the river, or just finding a patio somewhere with your people.
For me, one of the classic Chattanooga Memorial Day memories is the Chattanooga Chase.
Throwback to running it — and if you have ever done it, you know it is one of those races that feels very Chattanooga. It runs through the scenic and historic Riverview neighborhood on the North Shore, and it has been around since 1968, making it the area’s oldest active competitive road race.
It is the kind of event that reminds you how much tradition this city has.
You see runners, families, neighbors, kids doing the 1-mile, people cheering, and everybody starting the day with a little movement before the cookouts, lake time, market trips, or whatever else the long weekend brings.
This year, Memorial Day weekend has a full lineup. Here are a few Chattanooga highlights worth having on your radar.
Saturday, May 23: Chattanooga Beer Fest
Chattanooga Beer Fest is happening Saturday, May 23 from 12–3 PM at First Horizon Pavilion. It is a ticketed craft beer event with tastings from participating breweries, plus food options and a market-style atmosphere.
If you are looking for a Saturday afternoon plan, this is an easy one to build around. Grab a ticket, walk around, try something local, and make an afternoon of it.
Sunday, May 24: Street Food Festival
On Sunday, Chattanooga Market is hosting the Street Food Festival from 11 AM–4 PM at First Horizon Pavilion. Admission is free, and the event brings together local food trucks and street food concepts in one place.
This is one of those events where you do not need much of a plan. Just show up hungry, walk around, try something new, and enjoy the market.
Sunday, May 24: Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium
If soccer is more your speed, Chattanooga FC plays Carolina Core FC at home on Sunday, May 24 at 3 PM at Finley Stadium.
A market lunch and a CFC match actually makes a pretty solid Sunday combo. Food first, then walk over to Finley and support the home team.
Monday, May 25: Chattanooga Chase
Memorial Day morning brings the Chattanooga Chase, with the 8K starting at 9 AM and the 1-mile race at 11 AM. The race takes place through Riverview on the North Shore and supports Siskin Children’s Institute through the Extra Mile for Siskin.
Whether you are running, walking, cheering, or just remembering past years, this one is a Chattanooga classic.
And yes, if you are running it, go ahead and prepare yourself. It is fun, but it will still make you work for it.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Ceremony
As much as Memorial Day weekend brings the food, races, and summer energy, it is also important to pause and remember what the day is actually about.
The Chattanooga National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 25 at 11 AM.
That is worth mentioning, worth respecting, and worth making space for.
Chattanooga Does Long Weekends Well
That is what I love about this city.
You can make Memorial Day weekend whatever you need it to be.
You can start with a race, head to the market, catch a soccer game, sit by the river, visit the cemetery, grill out with friends, or just slow down for a couple days.
Chattanooga gives you options without making you overthink it.
So whether you are running the Chase, chasing food trucks, cheering on CFC, or just enjoying a long weekend with your people, I hope you get out and enjoy this city a little.
And if you see somebody out there running the Chase, cheer them on.
They might need it.
