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👻 Haunted Lantern Tours

👻 Haunted Lantern Tours

Haunted Lantern Tours are back at Ruby Falls, Chattanooga is getting a Jazz Festival, and your weekend planner!

David Hanson
September 04, 2025

Happy Thursday!

September has finally arrived, and hopefully the fall weather isn’t too far behind!

Let’s get to it!

Local Snapshots

👻 Haunted Lantern Tours Return to Ruby Falls

Ghost stories and chilling cave history come to life as the Haunted Lantern Tours return to Ruby Falls starting September 7.

On select nights during September and October, guests can explore the cave after hours on a guided tour lit only by lanterns. Hear tales of Ruby Falls' haunted past, including the Lady in White, unexplained footsteps, and eerie encounters shared by guests and staff over the years.

From Native American campsites to Civil War hospitals and Prohibition hideouts, the cavern has a long and mysterious history. Tickets and a list of tour dates can be found here.

🎷 Chattanooga Jazz Fest Debuts in October

A brand-new music festival is coming to the Southside. The first-ever Chattanooga Jazz Fest will take place Sunday, October 26, at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

This free, family-friendly event will feature live performances from more than seven local jazz, blues, and funk artists including Dexter Bell, Lon Eldridge, and the UTC Jazz Band.

There will also be a vendor market with food and crafts, along with an open jam afterparty at Wanderlinger Brewing to close out the day.

Hamilton County set a new tourism record in 2024 with $1.8 billion in visitor spending, a 4.23% increase from the previous year.

The surge is thanks to major events like IRONMAN and World of Bluegrass, along with expanded flight options and Chattanooga’s growing reputation as a destination. Tourism supported over 13,000 local jobs and generated more than $186 million in state and local tax revenue.

Without these visitor dollars, each household would owe an extra $1,232 in taxes. Chattanooga is now ranked fifth in Tennessee for overall visitor spending.

🏡 Seller Tip of the Week

First impressions matter, especially in real estate. One of the fastest (and most affordable) ways to increase your home’s value and attract buyers is with simple curb appeal upgrades.

Here’s what you can do this weekend:

🌿 Refresh landscaping with seasonal flowers or mulch
✂️ Trim hedges and edge the lawn for a polished look
🧼 Power-wash the driveway and walkway
🎨 Add a pop of color with a freshly painted front door

These small touches can make your home feel inviting and well-cared for before buyers even step inside.

💬 Thinking about listing soon? Let’s chat about which updates make the most impact in your neighborhood.

Weekend Game Plan

Friday, September 5

Lookouts vs. Barons at AT&T Field: Catch the Lookouts take on the Barons and score a Joey Votto replica jersey!
Food Truck Friday: Fall into Flavor at Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga: Enjoy the fall flavors with local food trucks!
Sol Parade and Cherry Street Tavern: A fantastic event filled with music, dancing, and good vibes
UTC Volleyball vs. Alabama at Maclellan Gymnasium: Cheer on the UTC Mocs volleyball team as they face Alabama!
The Crucible at Barking Legs Theatre: Experience Arthur Miller’s intense drama, The Crucible, in a powerful live performance exploring fear and justice!
Goldpine at The Woodshop: Enjoy the heartfelt folk-pop sounds of Goldpine, blending rich harmonies and storytelling!
Brandon Davis at Songbirds: Sing along to Brandon Davis’ soulful country tunes and heartfelt lyrics!
Corey Smith at The Signal: Groove to Corey Smith’s authentic country and Americana sound!
Kolby Cooper at Barrel House Ballroom: Rock out to Kolby Cooper’s bold blend of country and Southern rock!

Saturday, September 6

Septemberfest at Station Street: Enjoy a festive day of live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and more!
Exotic Pet Expo at Camp Jordan Arena: A two-day expo with kangaroos, ball pythons, geckos, boas, hedgehogs, birds, and more!
Odd Market X at Stove Works: Explore a curated selection of oddities, handcrafted goods, vintage curios, and witchy wares!
Fall Market at Cambridge Square: Enjoy great shopping with local vendors, family activities, and great fall weather!
March for Monarchs at Morning Pointe of Hixson: A 1-mile community walk with fun checkpoints and a monarch butterfly release!
A Super Magical Breakfast at Puckett’s: Celebrate 10 years with a magical morning of princesses, superheroes, and a delicious breakfast!
Lookouts vs. Barons at AT&T Field: Cheer on the Lookouts against the Barons with the Zooperstars’ wacky entertainment and bluegrass music vibes!
Full Harvest Moon Light Kayak Adventure at Outdoor Chattanooga: Paddle under the glow of the Harvest Moon on this guided nighttime kayak adventure!
Red Wolves SC vs. Charlotte Independence at CHI Memorial Stadium: Support the Red Wolves as they take on Charlotte Independence!
Max Gomez and Shannon McNally at The Woodshop: Sway to the soulful folk and Americana sounds of Max Gomez and Shannon McNally!
Drew Morgan at The Comedy Catch: Laugh out loud with a mix of down home fun and whip smart commentary!
Honky Tonk Night at Barrel House Ballroom: Kick up your boots for a night of honky-tonk music, line dancing lessons, and high-energy performances!

Sunday, September 7

Adventure Days at Chattanooga Zoo: Kick off the day with early-morning zoo adventures, featuring animal encounters and family-friendly activities!
Ghost Walk Lantern Tour at Ruby Falls: Get in the Halloween spirit with ghost stories from the 97-year history of Ruby Falls and Chattanooga legends!
Nosh-a-Nooga at Waterhouse Pavilion: Enjoy locally made Jewish food treats!
Lookouts vs. Barons at AT&T Field: Cheer on the Lookouts against the Barons and take home a unique dirt-themed souvenir!
Bad and Bodacious: A Plus Size Market at White Duck Taco: Shop for plus-sized clothes at Chattanooga’s first plus-sized market!
Team Spirit Day at the Chattanooga Market: Rep your favorite team and shop local!
UTC Soccer vs. North Alabama at Finley Stadium: Support the UTC Mocs women’s soccer team as they face North Alabama!
Still Standing: 40 Years of The at The Comedy Catch: Celebrate 40 years of iconic music with a high-energy tribute!
Tanner Ursey at Barrel House Ballroom: Enjoy Tanner Ursey’s soulful country and Americana tunes!

Don’t Miss This

😂 Cast Iron Storytelling: True Tales of Theft

September 9 | 6:30 PM | Plant Bar | Free | More Info

An evening with some of Chattanooga’s best storytellers. September’s theme is theft, so get ready for stories about protecting all things valuable!

🎷 Chattanooga Jazz Fest Fundraiser

September 10 | 7:30 PM | Barking Legs Theatre | $15 | More Info

Enjoy an evening of smooth grooves and swinging tunes in support of the Chattanooga Jazz Fest!

🌿 Make and Take: Herbal Remedies for Digestive Health

September 11 | 6 PM | Crabtree Farms | $42 | More Info

Discover the bounty of herbal allies that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Each participant will help handcraft a herbal remedy to take home with them.

☠️ Grunge Night

September 12 | 9 PM | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $19 | More Info

Harkening back to a time when flannel, chain wallets, and combat boots reigned supreme. Enjoy an evening of live music honoring Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden!

📽️ Swamp Movie in the Park: Shrek

September 12 | 7 PM | Heritage Park | Free | More Info

Bring the whole family for a swamptastic showing of Shrek in the park! Bring a chair, blanket, and plenty of snacks!

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See you next week!