Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors announces the Second Annual Chatt Town Cool Down, coming to downtown Chattanooga this Friday and Saturday.
"This thrilling end-of-summer event promises a weekend of high-energy outdoor activities and excitement showcasing a dynamic lineup of outdoor adventure, action sports, music, food and family-friendly fun," organizers said.
“Outdoor Chattanooga is excited to collaborate with our dedicated teams and exceptional local outdoor partners to create two days filled with fun and free adventures,” said Gail Loveland Barille, director of Outdoor Chattanooga.
“Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with new activities, relax in a hammock, play in the foam or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, our Parks and Outdoors team is here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience outdoors.”
The event kicks off this Friday at Ross’s Landing with the "Splash Down into the Tennessee River" at 6 p.m., hosted with ChattSkates. Witness skateboarders and bikers launching off ramps into the river.
At the same time, families can enjoy a foam dance party and a Roller Disco Party. Participants can bring their own skates or rent them on-site for an evening of dancing and skating.
The rest of the evening will feature music, yoga, circus aerials and films at sunset with Lookout Wild.
Additionally, Friday evening features the return of "Black Women Paddle" across the Tennessee River in celebration of the H2O Life’s “Women on Water” program. Everyone is welcome to celebrate and join in the paddle starting at 6 p.m. at Ross’s Landing. Limited equipment is available, with more information at outdoorchattanooga.com.
Saturday marks the annual "Paddle Parade" event. Formerly known as Paddle Fest, this leisurely 5.4-mile paddle down the scenic Tennessee River from Rivermont Park to Coolidge Park promises a relaxed and enjoyable experience for kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboard enthusiasts. The event aligns with Chattanooga's role as a key river town of The Tennessee RiverLine, North America's premier regional trail system.The Paddle Parade will start at 10 a.m. from Rivermont Park. The event is free and open to all paddlers, including free shuttles. Prizes will be given for costume contests, and rentals are available through local partners, with more information at outdoorchattanooga.com.
Throughout Saturday, the festivities continue with the River Market at the Tennessee Aquarium, featuring live music, food options and an array of local and regional artists.
At noon, Coolidge Park transforms into an adventure playground, offering free climbing walls (must wear closed-toed shoes), a foam slip n' slide, disc golf, plein air painting, Art for For Climate Change installation, slacklines, bike rodeo, free yoga, sprinkler run, Chattanooga Fire Boat spray, live animal demonstrations, a nature scavenger hunt, art, food, music and more.
The day concludes with the Riverfront Nights concert, featuring The Afternooners at Ross’s Landing at 6:30 p.m.
Officials said, "The entire community is invited to participate, named TN RiverLine’s Top Event of 2023. All activities are family-friendly and free of charge, ensuring that everyone can join in the excitement. The Department of Parks and Outdoors is committed to promoting a strong sense of community, a connection to nature and a celebration of Chattanooga's remarkable outdoor landscape through its Outdoor Chattanooga team."
For more information on rentals, registration and the schedule of events, visit outdoorchattanooga.com.