3 Things To Do This Weekend in Chattanooga – 10/01/2026
Need something to do this weekend? Here are three Chattanooga events to put on your calendar — from a free bluegrass festival to the long-awaited return of the Walnut Street Bridge and a community walk supporting mental health.
Event 1. 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
Friday, October 2nd & Saturday, October 3rd
Location: Ross’s Landing
If you love live music, make your way to Ross’s Landing for the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival!
The two-day festival celebrates the musical legacy of Chattanooga bluegrass legend Fletcher Bright and brings nationally recognized bluegrass, Americana and roots artists to the Chattanooga waterfront. And yes — admission is completely FREE.
Who’s playing?
The 2026 lineup includes:
- The New Dismembered Tennesseans
- East Nash Grass
- Dan Tyminski Band
- The Travelin’ McCourys
- Randy Steele & High Cold Wind
- Bronwyn
- Mason Via
- Big Richard
- Appalachian Road Show
- The Last Revel
- Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
- And more
Friday’s music gets underway in the evening, while Saturday’s performances begin around 12pm and continue into the evening.
Good to know: Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The festival is rain or shine, but tents, canopies, beach umbrellas, coolers and outside food and drinks aren’t permitted.
Full lineup & schedule: 3SistersBluegrass.
Event 2. Walnut Street Bridge Grand Reopening
Saturday, October 3 from 12pm–3 PM
Location: Walnut Street Bridge
It’s finally happening… the Walnut Street Bridge is reopening!
After approximately 18 months of renovation work, Chattanooga’s iconic pedestrian bridge will once again connect downtown with the NorthShore.
The City of Chattanooga and Parks & Outdoors are celebrating with a big, family-friendly reopening event beginning at noon.
What’s happening?
- Official ribbon cutting
- A ceremonial walk across the bridge
- Guest speakers and presentations
- Balloon artists
- Aubrey the Bubble Lady
- Giant puppets
- Chattanooga Public Library mobile van
- UTC and Chattanooga Lookouts mascots
- Family activities and entertainment
The public program begins at the South Entrance at 12pm, followed by the ceremonial walk toward the NorthShore. Activities and entertainment continue until 3 p.m. The city is also encouraging people to explore the businesses around both ends of the bridge after the reopening celebration.
Reopening details: City of Chattanooga
Event 3. NAMIWalks Chattanooga
Sunday, October 4th – Fun begins at 12pm – Walk begins at 2pm
Location: Coolidge Park
Sunday afternoon, head to Coolidge Park for NAMIWalks Chattanooga, a community event supporting mental health awareness and NAMI Chattanooga’s work in the area.
The event brings together hundreds of people to raise awareness, reduce stigma and help fund FREE mental health programs, education, advocacy and support groups through NAMI Chattanooga.
The fun starts at 12pm, with the one-mile walk beginning at 2pm.
Whether you participate as a walker, join a team, donate or simply come out to support the cause, it’s an opportunity to come together with the Chattanooga community.
Register and learn more: NAMIWalks Chattanooga
Have fun out there, Chattanooga!
