The 15th annual MAINx24 parade and street festival will take place on the Southside on Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. with breakfast specials. Look for lard fried donuts at Niedlov’s Bakery, breakfast burritos at Conga and breakfast sandwiches to-go from Main Street meats (opens at 9 a.m.). Swing by Smile Studio Orthodontics to take advantage of the waffle bar.
The 24-hour long festival will continue with crafts, sales, shopping, music in the air and the aromas of Chattanooga food. Events include local shops offering discounts and door prizes, restaurants offering special menus, artisans in action, poetry, caroling, music, dancing, food and fun for all ages - all in celebration of Main Street and the surrounding Southside.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Volkswagen Chattanooga, crossing guards will be located on Main Street at several intersections to increase safety and slow traffic following the parade. Volkswagen employees will assist pedestrians at the crosswalks. Festival-goers are encouraged to obey traffic laws and look for volunteers wearing yellow safety vests and cross Main Street at designated crosswalks.
Here are some events that are back again this year:
MAINx24 EPB Southside Parade, Main Street, 10:30 a.m. is the highlight of MAINx24. View the parade on Main Street starting at the corner of Main and Jefferson Street and traveling west on Main Street through Broad Street.
World Heavyweight Chili Championship and Vendor Market, presented by EPB to support green|spaces, at Office Coordinators, Inc., 11:30 a.m.
Adult Big Wheel Race, hosted by Asa Engineering & Consulting, Inc., supporting SoundCorps, at the Station Street parking lot following the parade.
SoundCorps Live music presented by Caravan Tribe and SoundCorps all day from noon to 10 p.m. in the Station Street lot.
Caravan PopUp Market in the Station Street lot from noon to 6 p.m.
Celebrity Bartenders at the Chattanooga Cigar Club from 1-5 p.m.
The Chattery will return with their $5 Champagne PopUp at 1800 Rossville Ave.
New this year, Wanderlinger Brewing Company will be open a full 24 hours. Make a donation to Scenic City Clay Arts’ Pottery to use the SMASH Booth, and Common House will offer photo opportunities with the Grinch. Gate 11 Distillery will host multiple events, including The Diamond Dogs, a David Bowie Tribute Band and dance party, starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Wild Feathers will offer a free show at the Station Street Lot from 7:30-10:30 p.m., presented by Caravan Tribe.
Forgotten Child Fund boxes will be available throughout the event for collection of coats and toys to help community kids have a great Christmas.
Connect with MainX24 on Facebook to keep up with all the events happening throughout the day, including dozens of kid-friendly activities like face painting and building a holiday ornament, as well as discounts and door prizes at shops up and down Main Street. Visit Mainx24.com for the full schedule.
Please note that due to COVID restrictions, the Pancake Breakfast will not take place this year due to limitations on the Fire Hall. The planning committee follows the city’s COVID-19 guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when they are inside and maintain social distancing when unmasked.
Terminal Brewing will supply the beer that will be sold only to those who have wrist bands. There will be security present to make sure alcohol does not leave the premises. Two Chattanooga Police officers will also be present throughout the day monitoring the activities throughout the event.