Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend Near Chattanooga

Memorial Day Weekend marks the perfect chance to slow down, soak up the sun, and kick off the summer season the right way. In Chattanooga, adventure and relaxation come together effortlessly. If you’ve been searching for things to do Memorial Day weekend, you’ll find no shortage of riverfront fun, outdoor festivals, and ways to make every minute count.

Explore The Chattanooga Area

Chattanooga and the surrounding areas are buzzing with energy, and Memorial Day weekend brings even more to love. While you’re here, why not check out some fun spots and activities like:

• Explore the Riverfront: Take a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge, then treat yourself to a scoop from The Ice Cream Show — a local favorite.
• Unplug and unwind: Spend a slow afternoon in a hammock, a park, or your cabin’s hot tub. Because sometimes, the best plans are no plans at all.
• Hit the trails: Lace up your boots and explore nearby hiking paths like Stringer’s Ridge or Lookout Mountain. Both offer incredible views without straying far from town.

Make a Splash With Fun Water Activities Near Chattanooga

Chattanooga’s waterways steal the spotlight this time of year, and it’s easy to see why.

• Paddle along the Tennessee River: Kayak and paddleboard rentals put you right in the middle of Chattanooga’s stunning downtown views.
• Set sail at Chickamauga Lake: A pontoon rental is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon soaking up sunshine with friends and family.
• Riverboat adventures: Climb aboard a classic sightseeing cruise with the Chattanooga Ducks or the Southern Belle Riverboat for a fresh look at the city’s natural beauty.

There’s no better way to cool off, catch a breeze, and see a different side of Chattanooga.

Fun Memorial Day Weekend Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Chattanooga doesn’t mess around when it comes to Memorial Day weekend. Festivals, races, markets, and plenty of chances to eat, drink, and dance your way through the city.

Here’s what’s going down:

Chattanooga Beer Fest® (May 24)

Grab your souvenir glass and sip your way through craft brews from across the region at Chattanooga Beer Fest. Live music, food trucks, unlimited samples… it’s basically the perfect Saturday afternoon.

Chattanooga Chase (May 26)

Lace-up and hit the streets for the city’s oldest road race, the Chattanooga Chase. Crush the 8K or jog the 1-miler, then celebrate with live tunes and local eats at the after-party.

Fairy & Folk Festival (May 24–25)

Mermaids, fairy trails, and live D&D games? Yep, it’s as magical as it sounds. Come hang at the Chattanooga Audubon Society and unleash your inner woodland creature at their annual Fairy & Folk Festival. Live music, crafts, vendors, and mystical creatures make this one seriously magical weekend event.

Chattanooga Street Food Festival (May 25)

Bring your appetite! The city’s best food trucks take over Reggie White Boulevard with flavors from around the world at the Chattanooga Street Food Festival. And admission is free! Just show up hungry, and you’ll leave happy.

Chattanooga River Market (May 24)

Looking for something a little more low-key? Shop handmade goods, grab a local snack, and listen to live music at the Chattanooga River Market, right outside the Tennessee Aquarium.

Dive Into Chattanooga’s Rich History And Honor the Holiday

Memorial Day isn’t just about sunshine and barbecues; it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and remember.

In Chattanooga, you can do all that and explore some lovely, historic places simultaneously.

• Point Park: Sitting high atop Lookout Mountain, this Civil War site is packed with history and breathtaking views. Wander the grounds, take in the sweeping scenery, and reflect on the sacrifices that shaped this land.
• Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park: As one of the country’s oldest and largest military parks, it’s a peaceful place to honor the spirit of Memorial Day. Walk the trails, read the monuments, and soak up the quiet beauty of the landscape.
• Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Hop aboard a vintage train ride and travel back through time. It’s a fun (and surprisingly moving) way to experience a piece of American history.

Taking a little time to connect with Chattanooga’s past? That’s what we call a weekend well spent.

Make This Memorial Day Weekend One to Remember

Long weekends like this are made for fresh air, good company, and a little bit of adventure.

Paddle down a river, wander local markets, cheer on (or join) a race, or just kick back and soak up the start of summer in Chattanooga.

And when the day’s adventures wind down?

There’s nothing better than kicking off your shoes, sinking into a pool or hot tub, and swapping stories under the stars.

Holiday weekends fill up fast, so lock in your Father’s Day Weekend now and get ready for a Memorial Day weekend packed with fresh air, fun, and unforgettable memories.

Don’t wait — book your stay today and get ready for a Memorial Day weekend you’ll be talking about long after the campfire’s out.