Friday Five: Chattanooga's Best Events 8/19-8/26

Check out our list of upcoming Chattanooga area events happening locally from Friday, August 19 to Friday, August 26.

Saturday, August 20

Historic MLK Boulevard Walking Tour

When: 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market Street
Cost: Free

The MLK community reflects over 100 years of African American history and commerce in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since 1994, the community has been listed on the National Register as an area of great historical significance. Once known as the "Big Nine," MLK Boulevard (formerly Ninth Street) is the only remaining cohesive area historically associated with Chattanooga African Americans. Join the Jazzanooga Team for a walking tour of the MLK Neighborhood featuring the cultural and music history, historic buildings and public art that makes the neighborhood pop! The tour will last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours and will include breaks to talk about points of interest. For more information, visit jazzanooga.org.

August 25-28

Fee Free Days at Point Park

When: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Where: Point Park, 112 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350 
Cost: Free

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday with free entrance fees. Participate in a ranger-guided tour, take in the scenery or hike one or more of the many park trails on Lookout Mountain, in Chickamauga Battlefield, or at Moccasin Bend. For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706- 866-9241, Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786 or visit the park's website at nps.gov/chch.

Thursday, August 25

Ales & Tales

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 North Holtzclaw Avenue
Cost: $10

Come to Chattanooga’s wildest happy hour at the Chattanooga Zoo featuring a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres, animal encounters and more all while supporting the Chattanooga Zoo. Each event night will highlight a specific area of animals in the Zoo and give guests the opportunity to adopt an animal.This is a 21 and older event only. Valid ID is required. For more information, email info@chattzoo.org or call 423-697-1322.

Thursday, August 25

Cocktails in Color: Storied Edition

When: 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View
Cost: Advanced tickets $15, Day of tickets $20

Raise an artful glass as Hunter Museum curators and Flying Squirrel bartenders take guests on a mini-tour within the special exhibition of illustration by Harvey Dunn and his students. Following this, guests will return to the lobby for a tasting of the resulting artful drink. Event ticket includes one specialty drink (additional drinks available at cash bar). After party at the Flying Squirrel. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cocktailsincolor.com.

Thursday, August 25

Pedal to Paddle - Bike to Canoe

When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St.
Cost: $20 per person; $10 for children 6-12

Explore the South Chickamauga Creek Trails via bike and canoe. Outdoor Chattanooga will lead a leisurely paced, guided bike tour on the S. Chick Creek Greenway Trail from Tennessee River Park at Lost Mound Dr. to Sterchi Farms. Once the group arrives at Sterchi Farms, they’ll get geared up and hop into canoes for a beginner friendly paddle on the S. Chick Creek Blueway trail. This event is appropriate for ages 6 and up when accompanied by an adult. Ages 6-12 recommended to ride with 2 adults in a canoe. Price includes guides and all equipment including bike, helmet, canoe, paddle and life jacket. Registration and payment in advance is required. For more information or to register, call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888.