Here's what's happening this week in the Chattanooga area.
Did you know?
Five fast facts about the Fourth of July from the Farmers' Almanac, the U.S. Census Bureau and knowledgeworks.org:
› The most recent version of the U.S. flag was designed in 1958 by 17-year-old Robert Heft as a part of a school project while he was living with his grandparents in Lancaster, Ohio. Hawaii and Alaska were being considered for statehood, and more than 1,500 potential redesigns had been submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Heft got a B- for the project because the teacher said it had too many stars. The teacher changed the grade to an A after Heft's design was adopted.
› The first Fourth of July fireworks displays were held in 1777.
› Although the Second Continental Congress declared its separation from England on July 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence wasn't signed until July 4, so it was observed as Independence Day.
› The number of people living in the new free nation in July 1776: 2.5 million. The nation's estimated population as of July 2023: 334.9 million.
› The approximate value of fireworks imported into the United States in 2023: $396 million.
CALENDAR
ARTS
AREA 61 GALLERY — 721 Broad St., Suite 100. "School's. Out. For. Summer.," by featured artist Mike Holsomback, through July 29. First Friday open house, 6-8 p.m. July 5. area61gallery.com
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts presents member exhibit, "Things Around the House," and "Covenant College Art Students in New York," through Aug. 2. avarts.org
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. "Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War," Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts recovered from archaeological field school in 1975, 30+ years after the death of the former slave who lived within the park and worked for the U.S. War Department from 1894 to 1922. nps.gov/chch
CLEARSTORY ARTS — 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. "Elsewhere: Pulling Forth the Invisible," through July 27. clearstoryarts.com
CREATIVE ARTS GUILD — 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. Georgia Clay Council works in Gallery Five20, through July 26. Works by Janet Campbell Bradley in Gallery One11, July 8-26. creativeartsguild.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. Paintings by Diane Lee, through June 30. "All Things You Can Ride On" community show, through July 28. franklincoarts.org
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga summer show, through Aug. 23 (extended). chattanoogaphoto.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. Throwback Thursday, with free admission to permanent collection and temporary exhibit, "Art Deco Glass," 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4 (closing early). huntermuseum.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. "Playing With Knives: An Exploration of Color and Movement," by Kathleen M. Pacenti, through June 30. intowngallery.com
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. "Mishpachah-Family" exhibit by 44 artists from Israel, the U.S. and Canada, including 12 from Chattanooga. 423-493-0270
LOCALS AT SEWANEE — 49 University Ave., Sewanee, Tenn. Spring show featuring Kellen Mayfield and new works by 10 other artists, through July 27. localsatsewanee.com
MUSEUM CENTER AT FIVE POINTS — 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. "Exquisite Miniatures by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist," through Oct. 1. museumcenter.org
NORTHSIDE GALLERY — Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Ave. Show and sale of works by 12 Chattanooga artists, including first-time exhibitors, through July 22. 423-266-1766
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. river-gallery.com
› Through June 30: Works by David Swanagin (landscapes and interiors), Loy Allen (glass) and Mary Ann Pope (landscapes).
› July 1-31: Works by painters Carolyn Ward and June Rollins. Painting demo with June Rollins, noon-2 p.m. July 6.
RUBY FALLS — 1720 S. Scenic Highway. "Celebrating 95 Years of Wonder" history exhibit, with rare photos, vintage postcards and newspaper articles, through Oct. 20. Free with attraction tickets: $17-$40 (must buy online). rubyfalls.com
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM — 1 Broad St. Two dozen images of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore's Photo Ark, including species photographed on-site, through December. Included with regular admission: $30-$40. tnaqua.org
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. thecomedycatch.com
› June 30: Andrew Conn, special engagement, 6 p.m. $25-$35.
› July 3: Open Mic Night, 7 p.m. $7.
› July 5-6: Mandal, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. $19-$24.
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM — 399 McCallie Ave. Leanne Morgan, with Karen Mills, 7 p.m. June 30. $49-$82 (very limited seating). tivolichattanooga.com
FESTIVALS
CHATTA TOWN TASTING FESTIVAL — Miller Park, 910 Market St. Second annual event highlights food of various cultures, from Asian to Scandinavian, with live music and children's activities. 5-9 p.m. June 30. Free admission; samples $1-$7. eventbrite.com
FILM
JEWISH FILM SERIES — Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace. Five films in 17th annual event, through July 12. Virtual screenings are noon to noon on listed dates; registration required. Walk-ins welcome for in-person screenings. $12 either option, $3 students (in-person includes free popcorn and a beverage). jewishchattanooga.com
› June 30-July 5: Virtual screening of "Brothers"; in-person screening, 3 p.m. June 30.
› July 7-12: Virtual screening of "Avenue of Giants"; in-person screening, 3 p.m. July 7.
INDEPENDENCE DAY, HAMILTON COUNTY
AT&T FIELD — 201 Power Alley. Fireworks follow Chattanooga Lookouts games starting at 7:15 p.m. July 4-5. $8 and up. (See Sports) milb.com/chattanooga
COLLEGEDALE — Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive, and Veterans Memorial Park on Apison Pike. Freedom Festival, with food vendors, children's activities, live music, 4-9:30 p.m. July 3. Music by Appalachian Stringband at 5:30 p.m., Amber Carrington Band at 6:45 p.m., East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Free admission; fees for parking. collegedaletn.gov
COOLIDGE PARK — 150 River St. July 3 Pops on the River concert opens with Love, Peace & Happiness at 4:30 p.m., ends with patriotic music by Chattanooga Symphony & Opera at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Food and beverage vendors. chattanoogapops.com
(READ MORE: Fireworks, symphony back for Chattanooga's Pops on the River for July Fourth
Staff file photo / Pops on the River, with music by Peace, Love & Happiness and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera playing for the fireworks finale, will return to Coolidge Park on July 3.CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. Red, White and Blue Day, with themed activities, noon-4 p.m. July 4. Dress in favorite Fourth of July attire. $20. cdmfun.org
HIXSON — C4 Church, 1947 Thrasher Pike. Independence Day celebration, with live music, food vendors, children's activities, 7:30 p.m. July 3. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. facebook.com/c4chatt
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. Indoor, air-conditioned picnic, with music by the Triple L Trio (Lon Eldridge, Lou Wamp and Lynn Wamp), 11:30 a.m. July 4. Grilled chicken and sides on menu, plus vegetarian option with RSVP. $7-$15 (discounts for multiple tickets). jewishchattanooga.com
LAKESITE — Dallas Bay Church, 8305 Daisy Dallas Road. Children's activities and food trucks, 6-10 p.m. July 6. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. lakesitetn.gov
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN — Althaus Park, 809 James Blvd. Day starts at 9 a.m. July 4 with parade from Alexian Village. Signal Mountain Lions Club will have barbecue and other foods, plus children's activities, including a bounce house, balloon figure-making and face painting into the afternoon. smtnlions.org
SODDY-DAISY — Soddy Lake Park, 197 Durham St. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 942 hosts celebration, 9 a.m. July 6. Includes car show until 2 p.m., plus food trucks, children's activities, petting zoo, vendors. Fireworks at dark. vva942.com, soddy-daisy.org
INDEPENDENCE DAY, NORTHEAST ALABAMA
FORT PAYNE — Fort Payne Sports Complex, 4501 Gault Ave. N. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. CDT July 3. Also visible from Fort Payne High School, 201 45th St. NE. fortpayne.org
FYFFE — Fyffe Park, 398 Paul Benefield Lane. Freedom Day presented by Fyffe Church of God, with pony rides, inflatables, live music, fireworks, 5 p.m. CDT June 30. facebook.com/fyffechurch
HENAGAR — Henagar City Park, 18294 Lloyd Crye Drive. Sand Mountain Potato Festival, 10 a.m. CDT July 4. Kickoff parade from Limon's Mexican Restaurant, 50 Lloyd Crye Drive, follows Highway 75 to the park for car show, live entertainment, tournaments, games, craft and food vendors. Fireworks at 9 p.m. cityofhenagar.com
SCOTTSBORO — Goose Pond Colony Resort, 417 Ed Hembree Drive. Fourth of July Celebration, with live bands, food and drink vendors, 6 p.m. CDT July 4. Fireworks, set to music playing on 98.3 FM, at 9 p.m. facebook.com/Goose.Pond.Colony
INDEPENDENCE DAY, NORTHWEST GEORGIA
DALTON — Olivia Baptist Church, 1817 Guy St. Food and activities, 7 p.m. July 3. Fireworks at dark. facebook.com/OBCDalton
DALTON — Heritage Point Park, 1275 Cross Plains Trail. Dalton Parks and Recreation activities include old-timers game for players 40 and older, adult softball tournament and vendors, 9 a.m. July 4. Fireworks at dark. facebook.com/DaltonGaEvents
LAFAYETTE — Blessing Creek Farms, 1052 Huffman Road. Caffeine & Cows: Red, White & Moo Edition, with petting zoo, vendors, coffee truck, doughnuts, snow cones, 9 a.m.-noon July 6. $8 admission ages 3 and up; $5 (required) parking pass. facebook.com/blessingcreekfarms
ROSSVILLE — Lake Winnepesaukah, 1730 Lakeview Drive. Fireworks at 10 p.m. July 4. Amusement park open 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; SoakYa water attractions open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $33-$43. lakewinnie.com
RINGGOLD — Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle. Catoosa County Fireworks Fest, 11 a.m. July 6. Includes makers market and children's activities, with inflatables, petting zoo and face painting, until sunset. Live music in the Northwest Georgia Amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. facebook.com/CatoosaCountyGA
SUMMERVILLE — Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 40 Middle School Road. Independence Festival, with children's activities, water slides, games, food vendors, free slices of watermelon, cornhole tournament, children's patriotic dress contest and parade, 4 p.m. July 3. Live music before and after fireworks. facebook.com/cityofsummerville
TRENTON — Jenkins Park, 184 Price St. The 1945 Dade County Fair, with live entertainment headlined by T.G. Sheppard and T. Graham Brown, plus contests and tournaments, car show, talent show, duck race, vendors, noon-10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks at dark. 1945fair.com
Contributed Photo / Country singer T. Graham Brown will be joined by T.G. Sheppard as co-headliners of the 1945 Fair in Trenton, Ga., on July 4.INDEPENDENCE DAY, SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE
ATHENS — Athens Regional Park, 2405 Decatur Pike. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Park and splashpad open until 8:30 p.m. Concession stand opens at 7 p.m. facebook.com/cityofathenstn
CHARLESTON — Hoyt Berry Park, Market and Worth streets. Charleston Sizzling Summers Independence Day event, with music, food and craft vendors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4. facebook.com/cityofcharlestontn
CLEVELAND — Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway. Fireworks, set to synchronized music on Mix 104.1 FM, 9:15 p.m. July 4. Launch site is the adjacent Perry Stone Ministries building. Best parking for viewing on the east side of the mall. Mall closes at 6 p.m. shopbradleysquare.com
DECATUR — Meigs County Courthouse, 17214 Highway 58. Fourth of July edition of Downtown Summer Nights, with food and craft vendors, cruise-in and live music headlined by Legends of Rock, 5 p.m. July 4. Fireworks at dark. facebook.com/ downtownsummernightstn
DELANO —Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tenn. Fourth of July activities include crafts, sunset hike, fishing, floating, wildlife and wildland firefighter programs, July 1-4. tnstateparks.com/events
DUNLAP — Harris Park, 245 Cedar St. Vendors and live music following 9 a.m. parade July 4 along Heard Street, Rankin Avenue and Cherry Street, ending at Sequatchie County Courthouse, 22 Cherry St. Fireworks at 9 p.m. (all times Central). City of Dunlap's Facebook page
ETOWAH — L&N Depot, 272 Tennessee Ave. Includes live music, children's beauty pageants, vendors, fireworks at dark, July 4. Start with Independence Dash, a 5K race and 1-mile fun run/walk, at 7:30 a.m. at CapStar Bank, 523 Tennessee Ave. Etowah Fourth of July Facebook page
GRAYSVILLE — Kristopher's Kingdom, 475 Black Track Road. Freedomfest, with vendors, food, inflatables, water activities, music, auction, 4 p.m. July 6. Fireworks at dark. More: Graysville Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook page
JASPER — 700 Phillips Ave. Big Boom, with live music, food, vendors, games and family activities, 4 p.m. CDT July 6. Fireworks at 9 p.m. (all times Central). jasper-tn.com
PIKEVILLE — Bledsoe County Fairgrounds, 234 Allen P. Deakins Road. Star Spangled Celebration with watermelon eating and seed spitting contests, dance-off, limbo, vendors, food trucks, 6 p.m. CDT July 4. Fireworks at 9 p.m. pikevilletn.com
SEWANEE — University Avenue. Festivities include children's games, water slide, food, live music and a street dance July 3, sunrise yoga, pub run, arts and crafts fair, carillon concert, parade and fireworks July 4. sewanee4thofjuly.org
SOUTH PITTSBURG — The Stage, 401 S. Cedar Ave. South Pittsburg Parks and Recreation's Fourth of July celebration includes karaoke, vendors, inflatables, games and fireworks, 6-9 p.m. CDT July 4. facebook.com/ParksandRecSouthPitt
SPENCER — Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Road. Watermelon, games and parade through campground starting at 10 a.m. CDT July 4. tnstateparks.com/events
SWEETWATER — 100 Main St. Live music, food, family activities, fireworks at dark, 4-10 p.m. July 4. sweetwatermainstreet.com
WINCHESTER — Winchester City Park, 1569-1677 Phillip Fulmer Parkway. Fireworks over Tims Ford Lake, 9:45 p.m. CDT July 4. View by boat from Twin Creeks Marina. timsford411.com
MUSIC
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. The Chattanooga Monday Night Big Band, 7:30 p.m. July 1. $15. barkinglegs.org
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
› July 5: Smokey Jones and the 3 Dollar Pistols, 9 p.m. $15-$20.
› July 6: The Velcro Pygmies, 9 p.m. $20-$25.
THE CAVERNS — 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. All times Central. Cave and camping upgrades available. thecaverns.com
› June 30: Peter Rowan & The Sam Grisman Project, 6 p.m. $49-$59.
› July 5-6: The Allegory of the Rave II, with G Jones B2b Eprom, Ternion Sound, Telefon Tel Aviv and Sayer (Friday), and G Jones, Saka B2B Fly, Anna Morgan and Bianca Oblivion (Saturday), 8 p.m. $69 one day, $119 both.
› July 7: Taylor Nation, Taylor Swift tribute with live band and sing-along, 6 p.m.
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. Music residency with local blues artist Rick Rushing, 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Included with admission: $20. cdmfun.org
MUSEUM CENTER AT FIVE POINTS — 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. Korean bluegrass band Country Gongbang, 7:30 p.m. July 6. $25. Optional Korean dinner, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; $22. museumcenter.org
NIGHTFALL — Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. Summer concert series continues July 5, rain or shine, with opener Lisa Anita Baker at 7 p.m. and headliner Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos at 8 p.m. Art market starts at 6 p.m.; food trucks begin selling at 6:30 p.m. nightfallchattanooga.com
RIVERFRONT NIGHTS — Ross's Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway. Free summer concert series continues with headliner Rubiks Groove, with opener Scott Mulvahill, 6-10 p.m. July 6. riverfrontnights.com
SEWANEE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL — University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. Thirty events through July 14. Performances in Guerry Auditorium, 68 Georgia Ave. All times Central. $25 each; $150 season pass for 15 ticketed concerts; $15 livestream for some events. ssmf.sewanee.edu
› June 30: Sewanee Symphony, 3:30 p.m.
› July 5: Cumberland Orchesetra, 7:30 p.m.
› July 6: Faculty Artist Series, 7:30 p.m.
› July 7: Sewanee Symphony, 3:30 p.m.
SOUNDS OF SUMMER — Market Park Pavilion, Athens, Tenn. Weekly concert series continues with Sweet Georgia Sound, 7 p.m. July 5. friendlycityfestivals.com
OUT & ABOUT
BIKE RIDE ACROSS TENNESSEE — Multiday cycling tour on Tennessee backroads launching different days from Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer and Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Sept. 14-19 (ride one or multiple days). Discounted rate to participate through June 30, $135-$800; July 1-Sept. 1, $150-$900. thebrat.org
CHATTANOOGA MARKET — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
› June 30: Red, White & Blueberries, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Blueberry eating contests at noon and 2 p.m. (vendors compete at 3:30 p.m.). Music by Fresh Mind, 12:30-3 p.m.
› July 7: Peach Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Music by Nicholas Edward Williams at 12:30 p.m., Brad Feeney at 2 p.m.
Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ Pie eating contests are part of the fun when Chattanooga Market celebrates Red, White & Blueberries Day on June 30.CHATTANOOGA RIVER MARKET — Tennessee Aquarium plaza, 1 Broad St. Local artists, crafters and food artisans, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays through October. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
CIVIL WAR HISTORY — Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park artillery demonstrations, "Raining Iron Down from Lookout Mountain: The Role of Artillery During the Siege of Chattanooga," 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. July 6. Included with $10 park entry (16 and older). nps.gov/chch
GORDON-LEE MANSION TOURS — 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga, Ga. Friends organization opens mansion for self-guided tours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Labor Day weekend. $1-$5. Email: friendsglm@comcast.net
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY — 1835 Old Wauhatchie Pike. Summer volunteer opportunities including removing invasives, managing garden and preparing for fundraiser, 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays. lookoutmountainconservancy.org
MOBILE HUNTERS EXPO — Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, Ga. Vendors, gear demos and speakers on topics of interest to the everyday outdoorsman, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 30 (last day). $20 per day, $40 weekend pass. themobilehuntersexpo.com
MOUNTAINTOP SUMMERS — Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Roam With the Gnomes activities, animal education shows, through Sept. 2. $19-$32 ($5 more at gate). seerockcity.com
THE PEACH TRUCK — Nashville-based company delivers peaches fresh from Georgia farms to advance-order customers at multiple sites in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia, July 5-7 (more dates and sites throughout summer). $38 for 12-pound box. Full schedule: thepeachtruck.com
RK GUN SHOW — Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Vendors with guns, hunting supplies, military surplus and outdoor gear, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 30 (last day). $4-$16. rkgunshows.com
SKATE STATION — Chattanooga Choo Choo Dome Building, 1400 Market St. Dazey Skate Co.'s pop-up roller rink, with daytime workshops, themed parties at night and private rentals, July 3-Aug. 4. Hours: noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. $12 includes skates. dazeyskate.com
SPORTS
CHATTANOOGA FOOTBALL CLUB — Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. CFC Men vs. Crown Legacy, 7 p.m. July 6. $18 and up. chattanoogafc.com
CHATTANOOGA LOOKOUTS — AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. Chattanooga's Double-A affiliate of Cincinnati Reds. Kids Run the Bases after every game. $8 and up (discounts for children and seniors). milb.com/chattanooga
› June 30: vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas, 2:15 p.m. Promotions: Meet Bluey Day, with first-come photos starting at 1 p.m., and Catch on the Field.
› July 4-6: vs. Tennessee Smokies, 7:15 p.m. Promotions: Post-game fireworks Thursday and Friday; Elly De La Cruz bobblehead giveaway Saturday to first 1,000 fans.
CHATTANOOGA LADY RED WOLVES — CHI Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Way. Women's team vs. Southern Soccer Academy, 7:30 p.m. June 30. chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com
THEATER
CHATTANOOGA STATE REPERTORY THEATRE — Humanities Auditorium, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Professional theater housed at Chattanooga State Community College presents "Tiny Beautiful Things," based on book by Cheryl Strayed, 2:30 p.m. June 30 (final show). Play deals with substance abuse, death, pregnancy loss, sexual abuse, child abuse and suicide; not suitable for children. Free admission; first-come seating. 423-697-2431
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplayhouse.com
› Through Aug. 1: "Steel Magnolias." $19-$35.
› Through Aug. 11: "Anastasia: The Musical." $19-$35.
TENNESSEE VALLEY THEATRE — 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tenn. "Toy Camp," where toys learn how to behave as expected, 2 p.m. June 30 (final show). $5-$16. tennesseevalleytheater.com
— Compiled by Lisa Denton and Sam Still
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.