The trees may not be changing color just yet, but fall is definitely creeping in around the corner. This big list of things to do in Chattanooga in September is filled with great activities and festivals to help you get excited for the fantastic autumn days ahead.
So gather the family and get ready to make your Chattanooga September a month to remember.
Things to Do in Chattanooga in September
Apple Orchards
Apple orchard season is officially in full swing. If you can’t make it this month, don’t worry. Apples have a long season that lasts throughout the fall.
Pick a farm now to visit when the weather gets cooler. Or, go early in the morning to beat the lingering summer heat.
Outdoor Concerts
Most of the outdoor concert series are wrapping up this month. So, if you haven’t already caught a show, there’s no better time than now.
Free Fun
There’s never a bad time for free fun! Round out your monthly calendar affordably with these fantastically frugal activities.
Plan a Date Night
Parents deserve to have a little fun too. Plan your next night on the town with these awesome Chattanooga adventures for couples.
September Events
Makebreak Art Activities
Sundays in September 2023
Michaels Crafts Stores (All Locations)
FREE
This September kids can paint fall-themed rocks, make yarn trees, and create a watercolor leaf painting. These activities are completely free and all the supplies are included.
The store is also hosting a pumpkin fest where you purchase a craft foam pumpkin and they provide all the decorating supplies.
Family Cooking Classes
Weekends in September 2023
The Sweet and Savory Classroom, Chattanooga
Prices Vary by Class
This month’s family baking and cooking class options include delicious cupcakes, a Mexican dinner, sushi, homemade pasta, and beef Wellington.
For these classes, parents and kids get to work together to make these scrumptious creations.
Outdoor Adventure at Harrison Bay
Various Dates in September
Harrison Bay State Park, Chattanooga
FREE & Cheap
Harrison Bay is offering tons of great activities this month including Wildlife Yoga, Animal Call Bingo, Wind Whirlers Crafting, a Family Game Night, a Root Beer “Float”, and so much more!
Build Your Own Microscope
September 2, 2023
Home Depot (All Locations)
FREE
Kids will use real tools to build their own working microscopes that they get to take home. All the supplies are included and this activity is completely free.
Butterfly Festival
September 2, 2023
heritage Highschool, Ringgold, GA
$10 Per Person or $50 Max Per Family
At this fun butterfly-themed festival, guests will enjoy a butterfly release, inflatables, face painting, kids’ activities, a petting zoo, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and more!
This is a fundraiser for the Katie Beth Carter Scholarship Fund.
Parent and Teen Herbal Medicine Class
September 2, 2023
Crabtree Farms, Chattanooga
$30 Per Person
In this fully immersive class, participants will learn the ins and outs of collecting, drying, and transforming herbs into useful medicinal remedies. You will even get to make a tincture in class.
This activity is for ages 12 and up.
Magical Musical of Musicals
September 2-3, 2023
The Colonnade, Ringgold, GA
$15 General Play Admission or $25 With Character Meet and Greet
This totally kid-friendly musical will feature some of your favorite princesses and popular songs from Aladin, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and more!
Fall Food Truck Rally
September 3, 2023
First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga
FREE Admission + Cost of Food
In addition to regular vendors and live music, the Chattanooga Market will host a variety of local food trucks. There’s no better way to celebrate Labor Day than with a DIY tasting tour.
Chattanooga Autism Conference
September 8, 2023
Chattanooga Convention Center
$60/Individual Admission, $100/Family
This event is for anyone connected with the autistic community. It will feature over 70 relevant vendors, presentations, and workshops to help inspire you along the journey.
There will also be opportunities for networking and community building.
Advanced registration is required. Scholarships are available if you cannot afford the entrance fee.
Sunflower Festival
September 9, 2023
The Chattanooga Green, Riverfront Pkwy
This sunflower-themed vendor event will feature tons of adorable sunflower and fall-themed crafts. There will also be carnival games and a special vendor section for kid-crafters.
Chattanooga Mud Run
September 9, 2023
Greenway Farm Conference Center, Hixon
$79-$89/Adults, $29/Kids
Bring the kids out for a little dirty fun at the Chattanooga Mud Run. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.
The Gathering: East Chattanooga Block Party
September 9, 2023
Taylor Street, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
This festive block party will have kids’ activities, live music, food trucks, raffle prizes, and more!
Little Moc Walk
September 9, 2023
First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga
Regular Ticket Rates Apply
Littles attending the first Moc game will get to fly with Scrappy through the pavilion to help support the team! Check in at the Scrappy Kids’ Zone.
Homeschool Days
September 10-16, 2023
Ruby Falls, Chattanooga
$20/Adults, $12/Students
Homeschoolers will enjoy special discounted admission rates this week.
FREE Family Night
September 14, 2023
Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
Enjoy free after-hours admission at Chattanooga’s beloved children’s museum.
Fig Frolic
September 16, 2023
Ooltewah Nursery and Landscape Co.
FREE Admission
At this quirky fig festival, guests will learn all about growing and using figs. You can even shop for fig trees onsite.
This event is free, but pre-registration is required to help ensure adequate supplies.
National Public Lands Day
September 16, 2023
Multiple Locations
Volunteer Hours
If your kid is looking for community service hours, National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity. On this day, volunteers help local parks maintain their trails with weeding and other tasks.
You can participate at tons of different locations, including Stringer’s Ridge, Greenway Farm, our local state parks, and almost anywhere there is public land. Contact the individual location for details.
Build Your Own Football Cardholder
September 16, 2023
Lowes (All Locations)
Kids will use real tools to build an adorable football card holder. All supplies are included and this activity is completely free. Advanced registration is encouraged.
Beauty and the Beast
September 16, 2023
Downtown Chattanooga
$40-$80 Per Team
Hit the streets of Downtown Chattanooga for a fun Beauty and the Beast scavenger hunt. Participants will hunt for clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges as a team to help Belle break the curse.
Apple Festival
September 17, 2023
First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga
FREE Admission
Enjoy live music and shop for all for favorite apple goodies including, apple butter, cider, strudle, candies, lotions, pies, and so much more!
Peter Pan the Musical
September 22 – October 8, 2023
Chattanooga Theatre Centre
$22 – $32 Per Person
This family-friendly production tells the classic story with a musical flair. Come on out to the theatre to see Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, and all your favorite characters.
Fall Junk Market
September 22-23, 2023
Multiple Locations in Ringgold, GA
FREE Admission
Downtown Ringgold together with multiple area businesses will be participating in a huge fall antique market. Come on out to get all the weathered home decor and fall-themed items you’ve been dreaming of.
Fall Festival on the Square
September 23, 2023
Cambridge Square, Ooltewah
FREE Admission
Kick autumn off on a high note at this adorable fall festival featuring live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and more.
Chattanooga Food Truck Festival and Expo
September 23, 2023
5704 Marlin Road, Chattanooga
FREE Admission + Cost of Food
This fantastic feasting event will feature the area’s best food trucks, a fun kids’ zone, craft vendors, live music, and more.
Fall Festival
September 30, 2023
Soddy Lake Park, Soddy Daisy
FREE Admission
Enjoy fall-themed vendors, food, kids’ activities, music, games, and more!
Family Paint Day
September 30, 2023
Painting with a Twist, Chattanooga
$35 Per Person
Bring the kiddos out to make a fun fall tree canvas painting.
If you’d like to add an event to this list of the best things to do in Chattanooga in September, please leave the details in the comments below.
Erica has lived in East TN for over 10 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!