Exciting Weekend Ahead in Chattanooga: The Fourth Annual Between The Bridges Festival!
Hey, Chattanooga! Are you ready for a weekend full of creativity, community, and celebration? The fourth annual Between The Bridges local arts festival is just around the corner, set to take place this Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20. The festival will be full of vibrant energy, showcasing local talent from 10 AM to 5 PM each day at the beautiful Coolidge Park.
What You Need to Know
It’s hard to believe that this festival, organized by the Association for Visual Arts (AVA), is now running for its fourth year! What started as a single-day event has blossomed into a two-day festival, with over 40 talented artists from Chattanooga and nearby areas ready to show off their amazing work. And the best part? Admission is FREE for everyone!
This festival is not just about established artists; it’s also a wonderful opportunity to discover some exciting new talents. You’ll find everything from painters to sculptors, all showcasing the diverse creativity blossoming in the Tennessee Valley area. Chattanooga’s artistic community has been thriving in recent years, and this event helps highlight that growth.
Special Features Just for You
Among the many attractions this weekend is the return of the Potters Alley on Saturday only. If you love ceramics, you won’t want to miss this special section featuring the work of talented ceramics artists from the Scenic City Clay Arts cooperative. With 45 booths dedicated to artists under the AVA umbrella and an additional 15 booths from the SCCA artists, there will be a treasure trove of art just waiting to be discovered.
But that’s not all! Saturday not only marks the festival but also coincides with a 25th Anniversary celebration of Coolidge Park. The City of Chattanooga has planned an exciting day that includes free carousel rides starting at 11 AM on the Coolidge Park carousel, a ceremony honoring past and present city leaders, and fun-filled activities provided by Outdoor Chattanooga under the Walnut Street Bridge. If you’re out and about, be sure to stop by!
A Sweet Treat and Great Deals
If you find yourself getting hungry while exploring all the art, don’t forget that it’s Clumpies Ice Cream’s 25th Anniversary jubilee! Head over to their Frazier Avenue location for some delicious ice cream and check out special deals from local North Shore businesses right in their back parking lot. It’s the perfect way to sweeten the day while enjoying some local treats!
Get Ready for a Busy Sunday!
On Sunday, the festivities continue with the popular 7 Bridges Marathon taking place, which includes a half marathon and a 5k that starts and finishes at Coolidge Park. Expect a crowd, as over 3,000 runners will be hitting the pavement, adding even more excitement to the North Shore atmosphere. It’s truly going to be a bustling weekend!
Tips for Attendees
With all this activity, planning ahead is essential. To make parking easier, consider parking downtown and taking a leisurely stroll across the lovely bridges to Coolidge Park. Make sure to bring cash or a card for food and drinks from local merchants and, of course, to purchase some stunning art to take home with you!
For More Information
Want to learn more about the festival? Check out the AVA website or reach out to their main office. This weekend is all about celebrating creativity, community, and making lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you at Between The Bridges!
