Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a born-and-raised local, get ready—Chattanooga is about to come alive with the sounds of bluegrass! For the first time ever, the IBMA World of Bluegrass is pickin’ its way to the Scenic City this September 16–20, and you won’t want to miss a beat of their Tennessee homecoming. IBMA World of Bluegrass brings a full week of excitement to Chattanooga—including industry events, intimate live shows, and a weekend packed with Bluegrass Live! performances that’ll have the whole city humming.

With two days of toe-tappin' tunes, soul-stirring harmonies, and some of the best talent around, downtown will be buzzin’ with music (stay tuned for where you can hear more tunes earlier in the week). But the fun doesn’t stop at the stage—from outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities to cold local brews and late-night bites, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of your time here in Chattanooga. So lace up your boots, grab your crew, and let’s make it a weekend to remember. 

Kick Up Some Dust on the Trail 

With more than 50 trails within 30 minutes of downtown, Chattanooga is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. From the ridgelines of Signal Mountain to the forested paths of Lookout Mountain, the Scenic City offers a trail for every type of explorer. 

With so many options, choosing where to start can be the hardest part. We’ve made it easier by highlighting five of our favorite hikes to get you out there. Want more? Explore even further with our Chattanooga Hiking and Overlooks Map and see where your next adventure leads. 

Where the Beer’s Cold and the Banjo’s Hot 

Livability.com named Chattanooga one of the top 10 beer cities, and we sure know why! See our guide for a breakdown of brewpubs, pub crawls, and popular joints to get your beer fix. Some highly rated spots near the action include Chattanooga Brewing Co., OddStory, and WanderLinger Brewing. 

Cocktails more your jam? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of options there too. Here’s a list of new spots and happy hour favs. But if you're asking, check out Unknown Caller, No Hard Feelings, Home Bar, or Broads for all the vibes and tasty sips. 

Toe-Tappin' Good Eats 

Over the past few years, the number of Chattanooga restaurants has exploded. Check out our list of local restaurants that you can only find right here in Chattanooga. Many of these eateries feature locally sourced ingredients. 

Take a peek around NorthShore’s food scene or dive into our food guide to Chattanooga’s Southside. We also have plenty of restaurants with live entertainment! 

Want a few recs off-hand? Sure thing! Check out Community Pie, Bluegrass Grill (duhhh), The Bitter Alibi, and State of Confusion for some good local eats. 

Midnight Munchies & Moonlit Jams 

The festival may be over for the night, but maybe you’re not ready to wind down just yet. Check out our nightlife scene and catch even more live music at Hi-Fi Clyde’s or Songbirds. 

Got the midnight munchies? Fret not—we’ve got you covered with this list of late-night restaurants serving cold drinks and hot meals. Some Chattanooga staples: Pickle Barrel, Jack Brown’s, and Shady’s Corner. 

Snap, Stroll, and Soak in the Scenic Art Scene 

Scattered throughout the streets of Chattanooga is an eclectic mix of murals, sculptures, and interactive art pieces. The city is home to more than 125 pieces of public art that bring sidewalks to life with sculpture gardens, movable bridges, and interactive waterscapes that honor and remember Chattanooga's Native American past. 

Here’s a guide on where to find Chattanooga’s most popular murals. As you explore our vibrant city, keep an eye out for unexpected bursts of local creativity around every corner. 

From Fiddles to Family Fun 

Chattanooga is full of top-rated attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. You must visit the Tennessee Aquarium while you’re here—and maybe even catch a film in the IMAX Theater. 

Spend the day up on Lookout Mountain to see seven states at Rock City, experience a 90+ foot underground waterfall at Ruby Falls, and reach new heights on the Incline Railway. 

Take the kids for a stroll along Chattanooga’s Riverwalk or discover something unique in our guide to a week’s worth of family fun in the Scenic City.