Happy Thursday!
Sisters, how y’all doing? Brothers, y’all alright?
Yesterday was International Dance Day, so we’re taking it as a sign, this weekend isn’t for sitting around. There’s music somewhere, there’s energy somewhere, you just have to go find it.
Let’s get into it!
Local Snapshots
🤘🏽Nightfall Free Summer Concert Series Returns
Nightfall is back with 14 weeks of free live music in the heart of downtown, bringing a mix of national headliners and local openers to Miller Park and Miller Plaza every Friday.
The season kicks off May 1 with local band Flashdrive at 7PM, followed by Sinkane at 8PM, whose sound blends Afrobeat, funk, rock, and electronic influences into something that feels both global and easy to settle into.
If you’re looking for a simple way to be out in the city, this is one of those traditions that makes it feel like home.
🏫 A Long-Awaited Investment in Brainerd
A major investment is finally taking shape in Brainerd.
After decades of limited county funding in the area, a $36 million renovation and expansion of Brainerd Middle High School is moving forward, backed by Commissioner Greg Beck, who has been working on the effort since taking office in 2022.
What stands out is how this came together. Alongside securing funding, Beck helped launch a student leadership program and connected those students directly with the architects designing the new school, giving them a voice in what their future environment will look like.
For Brainerd, this is a long time coming.
🏘️ New Affordable Housing Units Opening in Chattanooga
A new affordable housing opportunity is opening soon, with a process that will move quickly.
The AIM Center, in partnership with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, is releasing units at Espero Chattanooga, a new development on East Main Street. Some units will be reserved through the city’s coordinated system supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, while others will be filled through a public waitlist.
That waitlist opens May 15 from 10AM to 2PM, in person at the AIM Center, and this will be the only window to apply for the initial round of housing.
For those navigating housing challenges, timing here matters, and this is one of those moments worth planning around.
TOGETHER WITH CLOSETS BY DESIGN
🚪This Is What Organized Looks Like
Everything in its place without having to think about it
If you’re constantly rotating clothes, digging through piles, or running out of space no matter how many times you clean, it’s probably not you.
Most closets were never designed for how you actually live.
Closets By Design creates custom storage that fits your space, your routine, and everything you’re trying to keep up with. No more cramming, no more starting over every few months.
Once it’s set up right, it just works.
Book a free consultation and get a design built around your life.
Weekend Game Plan
Friday, May 1
Summer Skate Nights: Roll into a cowgirl-themed skate night with 90s country mixes, high energy laps, and a crowd that will absolutely dress the part
Mother’s Day Block Party: Grab a gift, snap a photo, and celebrate mom with local vendors, pop-ups, and an easy, feel-good atmosphere
Hollywood Hillbillies (School Play): A fun, hometown theater night full of laughs, chaos, and students putting on a show worth showing up for
Dale Jones at The Comedy Catch: Fast-paced stand-up with big energy, quick jokes, and the kind of delivery that keeps you locked in
Saturday, May 2
Dolly Day: Lean all the way into Dolly Parton energy with music, food, dancing, and a crowd that’s here for a good time
St. Elmo Porchfest: Wander the neighborhood, follow the music, and catch a vibe with live sets playing straight from front porches
The Wiz: A bold, high-energy musical packed with soul, funk, and a fresh take on a classic story
Free Comic Book Day: Score free comics, grab coffee and bagels, and tap into a crowd that shows up early for a reason
Monumental Baptist Health & Wellness Weekend: Get plugged into health resources, screenings, and community support in one place
Make & Play Saturdays: Easy win for kids with crafts, hands-on activities, and a low-stress afternoon plan
Spring Farmers Market (Lookout Valley): Shop local vendors, pick up last-minute Mother’s Day finds, and enjoy a slower, community feel
Sunday, May 3
Strawberry Festival: Go all in on strawberry season with sweet treats, local goods, and spring energy everywhere
Gem & Mineral Show: Browse fossils, gemstones, and rare finds — even if you didn’t expect to be into it, you might be
Farmers Market at Gordon Street: Take the short drive for fresh goods, handmade finds, and a laid-back small-town vibe
🚀 TOGETHER WITH OUR RIVER CITY EXPLORER PARTNERS
Closets By Design: Tired of clutter and disorganized spaces? Closets by Design of Chattanooga creates custom closets, pantries, garages, wall beds, entertainment centers, and more. Get a hassle-estimate.
C&C Nursery and Landscape: The warm weather is here and planting season is just around the corner. No project is too big or small. Get a free quote.
Restoration 1 of Chattanooga: Mold can sneak up on your fast and often hides behind walls, under flooring, or in crawl spaces. Don’t ignore the warning signs, call us today for an inspection!
Playful Evolving Monsters: Want to bring the fun to life at your next event? Our giant puppets and custom creations are guaranteed to make people smile. Click here to learn more.
The Sweet and Savory Classroom: Looking for a fun night out with your spouse? Our Ramen Date Night class will teach your how to make real ramen! Use code ‘Explorer’ for $20 off!
Where to Eat
Chicken-w-Bones: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned in a way that actually sticks with you, this is the kind of fried chicken you think about later. The potato logs are a must, but the real standout is the fried yeast roll, slightly sweet, a little indulgent, and the kind of thing you didn’t know you needed until you try it.
They close early around 4PM most days, so if you miss the storefront, check the food truck schedule linked below and catch them somewhere around the city. It is the kind of meal that feels like a reward at the end of the day.
📍6227 Lee Hwy #119, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Delhi Cafe: Rich, deeply spiced, and rooted in real flavor, this is the kind of place that leans into authentic Indian cooking rather than watering it down. The butter chicken and tikka masala come out with sauces that feel slow-built and balanced, and if you branch out into dosas or other traditional dishes, you start to get a better sense of the range and depth behind the menu. The flavors are layered, you can tell everything is made with pride and care, and it is the kind of meal where you take a bite and have to pause for a second to take it in.
📍6940 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Looking Ahead
💨 May the Herf Be With You
Monday, May 4 | Cigars International | Free (21+) | More Info
A Star Wars themed cigar lounge day with themed cocktails, people actually dressing up, and a laid-back crowd just hanging out. It’s niche in the best way, and a fun excuse to do something different on a Monday
🍹 Cinco De Mayo Party
Tuesday, May 5 | State of Confusion | Free | More Info
Live music, food specials, and $10 margaritas during that early evening window. It’ll be busy, a little chaotic, and exactly what you want if you’re leaning into the holiday
🎼 Active Older Adults Music Jam
Wednesday, May 6 | Red Bank Community Center | Free | More Info
A relaxed, come-as-you-are music session where people bring instruments or just sit and listen. It’s simple, welcoming, and one of those quiet community moments that’s easy to overlook
🚀 Idea Leap Pitch Night
Thursday, May 7 | TVFCU | Free | More Info
Local entrepreneurs pitching their ideas for a shot at real funding, which makes the whole night feel a little more high stakes than you’d expect. Come for the energy, stay to see who actually pulls it off
How'd I do this week?
Don’t stay stuck at home the whole weekend. Get out, try something, and see where it takes you. See you fine folks next week!
P.S. Ready to get your business in front of thousands of Chattanoogans and grow your business? Fill out this form (30 seconds) and I will be in touch!
