Chattanooga Braces for Post-Hurricane Helene Aftermath While Embracing Fall Festivals and Art Events

What’s Happening This Week in Chattanooga

Hey there, Chattanooga! It’s Lisa Denton here, bringing you the scoop on everything going on in our lovely city this week. Grab your coffee and settle in; there’s lots to chat about!

Post-Hurricane Helene: What You Need to Know

This week, we’re still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which created quite the ruckus even far from the coast. It crashed into Florida as a Category 4 hurricane back on September 26. While you might think that the storm’s fury stayed near the coastal areas, it actually stretched all the way to Southern Appalachia, affecting us here in Chattanooga!

In response to the chaos, East Tennessee State University, home to the Tennessee Climate Office, has jumped into action with a new video series designed to help everyone understand how Helene caused such considerable damage so far inland. It’s a great resource for learning how we can better prepare for future weather events. If you’re curious, the first video is available online at ETSU’s official site.

The storm brought with it a rush of rain that overwhelmed three major watersheds: the Nolichucky, French Broad, and Pigeon rivers. Some places took in a staggering **40 trillion gallons of water**! For reference, that’s enough to fill the Empire State Building 145,000 times! Just goes to show how important it is for us to understand the weather and climate impacts we face.

Art and Culture Events

• 61 Area Gallery: “The Many Faces & Phases of Rick Sanders” is on display through November 30. Make sure to check it out!
• Hunter Museum of American Art: Swing by to see “City as Canvas: Graffiti Art from the Martin Wong Collection,” along with art workshops and family activities.
• AVA Gallery: They are hosting a solo exhibition by Maria Willison—running until November 8.
• Chattanooga Public Library: Discover “The Impressions,” showcasing the contributions of Chattanooga natives to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, through June 28.

Get Ready for Festivals!

As the leaves change and fall settles in, Chattanooga is packed with **festivals** to satisfy your autumn cravings. Here are a few that you definitely should plan to attend:

• Between the Bridges Festival: This event kicks off the festivities at Coolidge Park with local artists, music, and food, happening on October 19-20.
• Chattanooga Apple Festival: Held at Camp Jordan on October 19-20, there will be plenty of vendors and fun activities for the whole family!
• Chickamauga Pumpkinfest: Celebrate the season in Chickamauga, Ga., with over 100 vendors, pumpkin carving contests, and kids’ activities on October 19.
• Georgia Apple Festival: Taking place in Ellijay with music, crafts, and food, this festival runs from October 13 – 20!

Musical Performances and Comedy Shows

For those looking for entertainment, there’s no shortage of music and laughter. Here are some highlights:

• The Comedy Catch: Enjoy performances from top comedians, including A.J. Wilkerson on October 16 and Jessica Michelle Singleton on October 19.
• Barking Legs Theater: Catch a unique improv show, “Your Funeral,” on October 17!
• Chattanooga Symphony and Opera: Family concert featuring “The Little Engine That Could” happening on October 13, followed by an instrument petting zoo!

With exciting festivals, cultural exhibitions, and comedy acts around every corner, there’s something happening for everyone in Chattanooga this week! Whether you’re looking to learn more about severe weather impacts, appreciate art, enjoy a music fest, or just have a good laugh, make sure to get out there and soak in what our charming city has to offer!

Until next time, stay safe and enjoy the beautiful fall weather!