Pops On The River Is July 3 At Coolidge Park

Thanks to the support of the city of Chattanooga, along with sponsorships from ArtsBuild, Alliance Physical Therapy and Integrity Buick GMC Cadillac and Integrity Chevrolet, Chattanooga will be able to continue its tradition of celebrating Independence Day with Pops on the River, Thursday, July 3. This event, held from 8-10 p.m., features a free outdoor patriotic concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera at Coolidge Park as well as a fireworks display over the Tennessee River. The Hixson Museum of Flight will also provide a flyover at the beginning of the performance.

The CSO, directed by Music Director Kayoko Dan, will present a program full of patriotic pieces that features Sousa Marches, the Armed Forces Salute, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, as well as a Star Wars medley.  The Dismembered Tennesseans will also perform a 15-minute set during the show.

This will be the third Pops on the River concert with Ms. Dan, who said she is excited to direct the symphony once again at this patriotic event, especially after last year’s cancellation due to rain. As Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s Executive Director Molly Sasse states, “We're so glad that Pops on the River is taking place again and we're very grateful to ArtsBuild, Chattanooga Presents, all the sponsors, and particularly to the city of Chattanooga for doing the hard work to assure that this beloved community event takes place again. And we're thrilled that once again our very good friends Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans will be joining us.”      

A variety of food, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drink concessions will be available on site. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic during the concert and fireworks display.        

Coolidge Park will be closing to vehicular traffic at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the show. There will be free shuttle service running from the Republic parking lots (previously owned by UNUM) between 4th and 5th Streets from 6-11 p.m. The lots are pay-to-park lots.  Complimentary buses will shuttle passengers across the river, unloading near the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. Drop off and loading at the event will be at the intersection of Tremont and River Streets.