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⭐️ FiveStar Food Fight
The popular cooking competition is back, plus plans for a Finley Stadium facelift and a look ahead at the weekend.
Happy Thursday!
Thanks for letting me drop into your inbox this morning. In today’s newsletter, we are looking at:
Finley Stadium 2.0
FiveStar Food Fight returns this Sunday
A look ahead at the weekend
Alrighty, let’s get to it!
Local Snapshots
⭐️ FiveStar Food Fight
The FiveStar Food Fight is returning to the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, June 29. This live cooking competition features five top vendors—four food trucks and a baker—battling it out for bragging rights.
Defending champion Cornelius Lathan of The Bistro is back to try and keep his crown. The chefs will shop the market for fresh ingredients, receive a surprise protein, and then cook live from 11 AM to 2:30 PM.
A panel of judges will sample each dish and announce the winner. With live commentary and big screen coverage, it’s a fun and flavorful way to experience the local food scene in action.
🏟️ Finley Stadium 2.0
Chattanooga’s Finley Stadium is set for a major transformation as planning for “Finley Stadium 2.0” kicks off this July. The renovation master plan, led by nationally recognized firm HKS in partnership with local architects Tinker Ma, will focus on revitalizing the west side of the stadium.
Planned upgrades include modernized locker rooms, premium event spaces, expanded concert infrastructure, and improved connectivity to the First Horizon Pavilion. The broader vision extends beyond the stadium itself, introducing mixed-use development, greenways, indoor and outdoor dining, and enhanced parking and pedestrian access to better integrate the venue with the surrounding neighborhood.
The project is backed by several local foundations and is being positioned as a community-driven effort to create a vibrant entertainment district. The design phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, laying the groundwork for future construction.
🐼 Pilatus The Red Panda
Chattanooga Zoo will host a public farewell for Pilatus the red panda this Friday, June 27, from 2–4 PM at the outdoor red panda enclosure.
Pilatus, born at the zoo just over a year ago, is preparing to move to Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut to be paired with Ponya and contribute to the Red Panda Species Survival Plan.
Attendees can enter a raffle, and one lucky winner will get to feed him grapes up close and enjoy Pilatus-inspired art, commemorative stickers, enrichment demonstrations, and limited‑edition t-shirts. The free event (with paid zoo admission) also honors Willa, a treasured red panda who recently passed away at nearly 11 years old.
🏡 Home of the Week
Picture your future in this stunning craftsman home, where classic charm meets modern ease. Think cozy evenings by the gas-log fireplace and weekend cookouts on your open deck.
This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath beauty comes with a bonus room, a fully finished basement, a granite kitchen, and much more. Plus, the seller will contribute $9,300 toward closing costs or a 2‑1 rate buydown.
Ready to move in and make it yours?
Weekend Game Plan
Friday, June 27
Scenic City Fest at First Horizon Pavilion: Savor Chattanooga’s culinary scene with craft cocktails, local eats, and live music at this vibrant festival!
Free Ice Cream Night at Southern Heritage Bank: Swing by for free ice cream, no strings attached!
Silent Book Club at Northgate Library: Settle in with your favorite book for a quiet, cozy reading session with fellow book lovers!
Sunset Kayak Tour at Tennessee River: Paddle through serene waters and catch a stunning Chattanooga sunset on this guided kayak adventure!
Chattanooga Lookouts Home Game at AT&T Field: Cheer on the Lookouts as they swing for the fences against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos!
Improv Chattanooga Comedy Show at the Downtown Library: Laugh out loud at spontaneous, hilarious skits from Chattanooga’s talented improv comedy troupe!
CJ Starr at The Comedy Catch: Laugh along as CJ makes fun of his upbringing, his bi-racial marriage, family, kids, stereotypes, jail time, and 10 years of Community College!
The Pool at HiFi Clyde’s: A night of high-energy rock with The Pool’s electrifying performance!
A Justin Bieber Night at The Barrel House Ballroom: Dance the night away to Justin Bieber’s hits!
Travis Tritt at Tivoli Theatre: An unforgettable evening with country music legend Travis Tritt!
Jennifer Daniels at Arts Avenue: Immerse yourself in Jennifer Daniels’ haunting folk-rock melodies and storytelling from her upcoming ninth album!
Nightfall Summer Concert Series at Miller Park: Enjoy a lively evening of free live music under the stars with Sinkane and Flashdrive!
Saturday, June 28
Summerween 2025 at Patten Square: Get spooky in summer with costumes, games, and Halloween-themed fun for all ages!
Wellness Way at Renaissance Park: Find your zen with a morning of art, music, and mindfulness activities for all ages!
Chattanooga River Market at Tennessee Aquarium Plaza: Browse local artisans’ crafts and savor fresh foods at this scenic riverside market!
5-Year Anniversary Party at Tanasi Brewing: Celebrate 5 years with special anniversary tap releases, food trucks, and more!
Dive-In Movie at Warner Park Pool: Enjoy a free showing of Inside Out 2 at the pool!
Wear It Again at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Dig out those wedding gowns, mother-of-the-bride dresses, or the bridesmaid dress for afternoon tea!
Free Live Food Demonstration & Tasting at Crab Tree Farms: Watch chefs whip up tasty dishes and sample their creations for free!
Military Appreciation Day at AT&T Field: Honor our military while cheering on the Lookouts against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos!
Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour at The Walker Theatre: Laugh out loud with Henry Cho’s hilarious take on life and parenting in his stand-up comedy show!
Deep Fried Five at HiFi Clyde’s: End the night with Deep Fried Five’s funky blend of jazz, rock, and soul!
Taylor Swift Experience + An ABBA Tribute at Ross’s Landing: Sing along to Taylor Swift and ABBA hits in a dazzling tribute concert double-feature!
Concert for a Cause at The Woodshop: Rock out to live music while supporting a local charity at this uplifting community event!
Sunday, June 29
All American 4 & 8 Mile at the Tennessee River Park Pavilion: Kick off your Sunday with a patriotic run through scenic trails in this 4 or 8-mile race!
FiveStar Food Fight at First Horizon Pavilion: Watch local chefs battle it out with creative dishes while you sample the delicious results!
Canned Food Drive at AT&T Field: Support a great cause by donating canned goods while cheering on the Lookouts against the Blue Wahoos!
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly at The Walker Theatre: Saddle up for a classic Western showdown with a screening of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in a unique setting!
Don’t Miss This
🕯️ Candle Making 101
June 30 | 6 PM | The Chattery | $50 | More Info
Learn how to mix a fragrance, add your wicks, and pour your own candle! If you’ve been looking for a fun date night, this might be it!
🎙️ Dinner and Show with Steve Earle
July 2 | 7 PM | Songbirds | Prices Vary | More Info
Immerse yourself in an evening of soul-stirring music, mouthwatering local cuisine, and unforgettable memories. Steve’s songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and countless others!
🎆 Pops on the River
July 3 | 4 PM | Coolidge Park | Free | More Info
Celebrate Independence Day with live music, delicious food trucks, local vendors, and more!
📽️ Free Movie Night
July 3 | 8 PM | Tennessee Riverpark | Free | More Info
Bring the whole family for a free showing of Top Gun: Maverick! There will also be free popcorn, games, food, and beverage vendors, and tons of family fun!
🦅 Freedom Festival
July 3 | 4 PM | The Commons at Collegdale | Free | More Info
Celebrate America with live music, food vendors, a pie-eating contest, obstacle courses, slip and slides, and more. The evening will wrap up with a fireworks show!
That’s all for this week! Could you take a second and let me know what you thought of today’s newsletter?
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See you next week!
