The Chattanooga Market will reopen for the 2018 season on the weekend of April 28 - 29 at the First Tennessee Pavilion. This year marks the 18th season for the Public Markets, that has now expanded with locations throughout the community.
The weekend opener is one of the few times throughout the season that the Market will be open at the First Tennessee Pavilion on both Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A typical opening day will consist of the season's first harvest of strawberries, fresh herbs, sunflowers and items for the garden.
Visitors will be able to shop at nearly 200 vendor booths, including artists, crafters and homemade prepared foods, along with plenty of nearby farms with in-season produce, meats and cheeses.
Live music is featured on the EPB stage every week, and opening weekend will be no exception. Saturday will feature Sweet Georgia Sound for several sets throughout the day. On Sunday, Sweet Georgia Sound will give a repeat performance at 12:30 p.m. and Martin Rodriguez will take the EPB Stage at 2 p.m.
New for 2018 are a two-day Street Food Festival, Team Tennessee Teen Cook-off, Apple Festival and an opportunity to meet the CFC team members. The complete 2018 schedule for the Chattanooga Market is online.
Folks eager to get a jump start can visit these Public Market locations starting a bit sooner:
Chattanooga River Market: Opening day is Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza. This mostly artist's market boasts live music entertainment and a free community yoga class at 10 a.m. every Saturday.
Collegedale Market: A selection of farms, artists and food trucks will be kicking off the season at The Commons from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both Saturdays and Sundays, April 7/8, 14/15, and 21/22. After the April launch, the Collegedale Market will resume on Wednesday afternoons from 4-7 p.m. Live music will also be at this Market.
Cambridge Market: Geared for the East Hamilton county residents and businesses, the Friday evening Market is a family/date night made perfect. Live music takes the stage every Friday right on the square, accompanied by a selection of local artists and crafters. The Cambridge Market is open Fridays from 6-9 p.m.
Erlanger Market: Year-round, this Market is a convenient option for downtown folks, patients and visitors who are looking for a quick grab of flowers, meats/cheeses, produce (seasonly), home-baked goods and other "essentials". The Erlanger downtown campus hosts the Market Fridays 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the medical mall entrance near Starbucks.