There’s something special about May in Chattanooga. The Tennessee River glistens a little brighter, the trails of Lookout Mountain come alive with color, and the energy across the Scenic City shifts into full bloom. As spring hits its stride, so does Chattanooga’s event calendar, offering something for everyone—live music, local art, barbecue competitions, food truck feasts, beer festivals, and community traditions that locals look forward to year after year.
The month kicks off with Bunny Hop! on May 2, a family-friendly fundraiser hosted at First Horizon Pavilion. The event benefits the Chambliss Center for Children and creates a joyful atmosphere with baby animal petting stations, karaoke, crafts, face painting, and a Peter Rabbit coloring book for every child. Adults can enjoy a catered dinner, community connections, and a silent auction, all in support of a meaningful cause.
May 3 brings a trio of beloved Chattanooga events. ChattaDerby 2025 at The Signal invites attendees to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in true southern style, complete with themed cocktails, Derby-day bites, best-dressed contests, and a large-screen viewing of the race—all to support women and children experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, the smell of barbecue fills the air on Lookout Mountain during Ruby Falls' Battle Below the Clouds. This friendly but competitive cook-off features bluegrass music, family activities, giveaways, and of course, smoked perfection—all for a good cause. Art lovers won’t want to miss the 4 Bridges Arts Festival, running May 3–4, which transforms First Horizon Pavilion into a nationally recognized fine art market with over 120 juried artists, food trucks, live music, and interactive exhibits.
The momentum continues on May 12 with the Monday After the Masters golf tournament at The Farm Golf Club in Dalton, Georgia. This annual event offers a blend of competition and philanthropy, featuring a catered lunch, golf contests, and a post-event reception, all while supporting pediatric cancer recovery programs.
May 17 offers two standout experiences. Lula Lake’s Hike Bike Brew invites outdoor enthusiasts to hike or bike along scenic trails while sampling craft beers at tasting stations along the route. The event wraps up with an after-party featuring food vendors, live music, and games—all in support of trail preservation. That same evening, Spirits in the Wild returns to the Chattanooga Zoo, offering guests a 21+ night out with animal encounters, live entertainment, local bites, and unlimited beer, wine, and spirits tastings in a unique after-hours zoo setting.
May 18 marks one of the city’s largest athletic events of the year: IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga. Now celebrating its 10th year, this iconic race attracts athletes from across the globe for a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike course, and 13.1-mile run that winds through downtown, along the riverfront, and into North Georgia’s scenic countryside. It’s not just a test of endurance—it’s a community-wide celebration of strength, resilience, and the power of support.
Memorial Day weekend brings even more reasons to get out and explore. On May 24, Chattanooga Beer Fest takes over First Horizon Pavilion with unlimited tastings from more than 25 local and regional breweries, along with food trucks and a laid-back, sun-soaked atmosphere. On May 25, the same venue transforms again for the Chattanooga Street Food Festival, where top food trucks from across the region serve everything from tacos and donuts to globally inspired street fare.
Finally, May 26 brings two long-standing Memorial Day traditions. The Chattanooga Chase, now in its 58th year, is the city’s oldest competitive road race. The event includes an 8K and 1-mile fun run through the Riverview neighborhood, followed by a community block party. For those looking for a slower pace and historic charm, the Memorial Day Celebration at McCoy Farm & Gardens in Signal Mountain offers a day of live music, craft vendors, children’s play areas, antique sales, and a flag ceremony honoring veterans—all in a beautiful garden setting.
Whether you’re new to town or a longtime local, May is the month when Chattanooga shines its brightest. With an event around nearly every corner, there’s no better time to explore the city, support local causes, and enjoy the people, flavors, and traditions that make this community so special.
