Chattanooga Gears Up for the Fourth Annual Between The Bridges Arts Festival!
Excitement is building in Chattanooga as the city prepares for its much-loved festival, the Between The Bridges local arts festival! This year, the festival is set to take place on the weekend of October 19-20, from 10 AM to 5 PM each day, and it’s shaping up to be one spectacular event!
A Celebration of Local Talent
The Association for Visual Arts (AVA) is thrilled to host this annual celebration, showcasing the incredible array of talent from over 40 artists from Chattanooga and surrounding areas. It’s heartwarming to see how this festival has grown since its inception in 2021. This year, the festival will once again fill the scenic Coolidge Park, nestled between the stunning Market Street and Walnut Street Bridges.
What to Expect
With activities galore, you’re sure to have a blast no matter how you choose to spend your weekend. On Saturday, there’s an exciting addition with the Potters Alley featuring talented ceramics artists from the Scenic City Clay Arts cooperative. With a whopping 45 booths from AVA artists and another 15 booths dedicated to SCCA artists, there’s plenty of art to admire, purchase, and take home as a lovely reminder of the festival.
Special Events and Celebrations
Saturday isn’t just about the art – it’s also the 25th Anniversary celebration of Coolidge Park! Hosted by the City of Chattanooga, this celebration features a wide array of fun activities. The highlight? Free carousel rides on the beautifully restored carousel starting at 11 AM! There will also be a ceremony featuring both past and present city mayors and leaders. And don’t forget to check out the exciting activities put on by Outdoor Chattanooga under the Walnut Street Bridge!
If you start feeling peckish while exploring, don’t worry! Saturday is also the 25th anniversary jubilee for Clumpies Ice Cream. Stop by their Frazier Avenue location for a sweet treat, and head to their back parking lot where a host of local North Shore businesses will be offering special deals. Yum!
Get Ready for a Busy Sunday
As the weekend continues, Sunday brings another exciting event – the 7 Bridges Marathon, including a half marathon and 5k event, will converge at Coolidge Park! With over 3,000 runners expected to participate, it’s clear the North Shore will be buzzing with activity. Remember to plan ahead for parking; it’s suggested that folks park downtown and enjoy a leisurely stroll across the beautiful bridges.
Support Our Local Artists!
As you enjoy the festival, be sure to bring some spending money! Whether it’s for delicious eats from local vendors or new art pieces to decorate your home, there’s something for everyone. Exciting times await as we celebrate the creativity, talent, and hardworking artists of our community!
For more details, don’t hesitate to check out the AVA website or give their main office a call. Get ready for a memorable weekend at the Between The Bridges festival – it’s sure to be a highlight of the fall season in Chattanooga!
