Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:
Grand Illumination and 36th Annual Lighted Boat Parade November 25
Celebrate the holiday season at the Grand Illumination and 36th Annual Lighted Boat Parade on the Chattanooga Riverfront on Friday, November 25 from 7-9 p.m. This is a FREE event and open to the public. Unfortunately, there will be no fireworks this year due to the dry weather conditions and fire danger. If you wish to show off your decorated boat in the parade, contact Erwin Marine Riverfront at (423) 266-1316 or email jprice@erwinmarinesales.com.
Free Photos with Santa & Mrs.
Claus November 25, 26, 27, Dec. 10 & 11
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at The Barn Nursery November 25, 26, 27, Dec. 10 and 11 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Everyone is invited to bring your family and/or animals out and take one free photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Additional photos available with a $5 donation to Lana's Love Foundation.
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Trot November 26
Join the tradition at the Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Half Marathon & 5k on Saturday, November 26. Prices vary depending on race selection and registration is open until the day of the race. Each participant gets a free zip up sweatshirt with registration and delicious cinnamon rolls are waiting for you at the finish line. Proceeds benefit Chattanooga Sports Ministries.
Cravens House Christmas Program December 2 & 3
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a Christmas Open House at the Cravens House located on Lookout Mountain. The Cravens House will be decorated in a manner very similar to the Civil War era. This special holiday event will take place from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. Tours begin every 30 minutes. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, and for more information about this event, please contact the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at (423) 821-7786.
MAINx24 Festival December 3
MAINx24 is a 24-hour long festival on Main St. on the Southside of downtown Chattanooga. It consists of parades and pancakes, art and artisans, small shops and restaurants, poetry and caroling, music and dancing, food and fun -all in celebration of Main Street and the Southside. Held the first Saturday in December, since 2007, this 24-hour festival is comprised of over one-hundred events taking place throughout the day and night, and is organized completely by residents, merchants, artists, and friends of the Southside community. This year, they celebrate the 10th year of 24-hour partying on the Southside! Find a list of events here. Outdoor Chattanooga's recommended events: Light Your Bike Ride, Adult Big Wheel Race for CAC, International Food Market, Parade & Mutt Strutt, Massage on Main, World Heavyweight Chili Championship, Main Street Beats, Laughter Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
Outdoor Chattanooga Recommends
The day after Thanksgiving has traditionally been known as Black Friday, due to the masses heading to the stores to score deals on Holiday gifts. Last year REI did something different on Black Friday, they closed their retail store doors and encouraged the nation to opt outside with them. This year, Outdoor Nation is joining REI in their mission to opt outside on Black Friday and they have some incentive for those who choose to join them. On Black Friday, November 25, share your outdoor adventures via INSTAGRAM with Outdoor Nation using #optoutside and #outdoornation and be entered to win a $200 REI prize package! 25 winners will be randomly selected! Outdoor Chattanooga encourages Chattanoogians to get outside, explore and photograph our Scenic City on Black Friday. If you include #outdoorchattanooga, we'll pick the best photo submitted and feature it in the next newsletter and on our Instagram.
OptOutside Guided Hike November 25
Meet Cumberland Trail State Park Ranger Josh Kuykendall at the Signal Point Trailhead for an opt outside guided hike to Rainbow Lake on Black Friday, November 25 beginning at 10 a.m. Along the way, he'll discuss the local history, native plant and wildlife and anything else interesting that is seen. The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip and does involve some rugged terrain. Both adults and children are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and bring water.
Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Community News
Gun Hunting Season for Deer Opens November 19
Tennessee's 2016-17 gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 19. Deer gun season has traditionally opened on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. Open Hunting dates run through Jan. 8, 2017 in most counties surrounding Hamilton County, except Polk County, which ends Dec., 4. During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloader or archery equipment. During gun season, hunters and hikers are reminded to wear bright colors when they wander through the woods. Learn more at TWRA.
Upcoming Events
November
24 Grateful Gobbler Walk/Run
25 Grand Illumination and Lighted Boat Parade
26 Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Run
27 StuffedCross Cyclocross Race
December
2-3 Cravens House Christmas Program
3 Mainx24
6 Rapid Learning Kayak Roll Class
10 Old Grey Barn Cyclocross Race
Guided Educational Riding Tour
12 Learn to Ride a Bicycle
17 Lookout Mountain 50 Miler & 10K Race
19 Street Cycling 101
2017
January
7 Snake Creek Gap Time Trials
10 Rapid Learning Kayak Roll Class
19 Winter Workshop: Knots & Rescue Skills for Paddlers
28-29 Wilderness First Aid Training
February
7 Rapid Learning Kayak Roll Class
9 Winter Workshop: Map & Compass
11 Wildlife Photography Workshop
Snake Creek Gap Time Trials
March
4-5 Chattanooga Marathon