Top Labor Day Weekend Events in Chattanooga: Family Fun, Food, Art & Outdoor Adventures
Labor Day heralds the transition from summer to fall, offering one final chance to savor the warm weather. Make unforgettable memories in Chattanooga with these curated events and activities for the holiday weekend.
For the Family
Creative Discovery Museum
Sept. 4-6
Engage in hands-on fun at the Creative Discovery Museum, from sculpting clay in the Artists' Studio and sending messages via pneumatic tubes in Inventors' Clubhouse, to unearthing dinosaur bones at Excavation Station or staging shows in Back Alley Theatre. The museum adheres to CDC guidelines for visitor safety.
Dinner on the Diner
Sept. 4 & 5
Savor a meal in a restored dining car at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum this Labor Day. Departures from Grand Junction Station at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday explore urban Chattanooga, returning around 9 p.m. Secure tickets for a unique evening outing.
Chattanooga Market
Sept. 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Experience local flavor like a true Chattanoogan at the Chattanooga Market. Browse vendors offering farm-fresh goods, artisanal foods, self-care products, and rotating artists. Open Sundays through November 22, it's ideal for family bonding and supporting local makers.
Ruby Falls Lantern Tour
Sept. 4, 9:30 p.m.
Embark on an intimate underground adventure at Ruby Falls. Limited-capacity tours descend 260 feet via elevator, then explore the cave by lantern light for a mesmerizing view inside Lookout Mountain.
For Foodies
Outdoor Dining 
Chattanooga boasts diverse outdoor patios for every palate. Discover 14 top restaurants with al fresco seating, from tacos to fine dining.
Hidden Gems
Venture off the beaten path with unique eats. Explore local favorites like Greek delights at Opa, evoking Santorini, or top brisket and pulled pork at Chatter Box.
For Art Lovers
The F Word: We Mean Female!
Aug. 21, 2020-Jan. 2021
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, the Hunter Museum of American Art showcases rare works by female artists in various media and styles. Pair it with the limited-time exhibit Depicting the Invisible.
Depicting the Invisible
Aug. 20, 2020-May 9, 2021
This Hunter Museum exhibition explores wartime trauma through Susan J. Barron's PTSD veteran portraits and historic pieces by Leonard Baskin, Miriam Beerman, Leon Golub, and Jeffrey Wolin, capturing war's brutality and human resilience.
Chattanooga River Market
Sept. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Overlooking the Tennessee River, the Chattanooga River Market features local and regional handmade arts and crafts, plus weekly perks like free yoga at 10 a.m. (bring your mat) and live music—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
For Nature Enthusiasts
Riverboat Cruises
Chattanooga's river shines with options from historic steamers and WWII landing crafts to kayak or SUP rentals from L2 Outside or River Drifters. Innovate with the Kymera E-Jet Bodyboard or Lift E-Foil Surfboard from Adventure Sports Innovation.
Adventure to a Swimming Hole
Cool off at Chattanooga's premier swimming spots, quintessential for Southeastern summers. Check our favorite local dips.
Hiwassee River Trip (Class 2 Rapids)
Sept. 4-Sept. 7
Float the scenic Hiwassee River, a Tennessee State Scenic River, with Hiwassee Outfitters. Enjoy Class I-II rapids on a 2-hour raft or funyak trip (4 hours total). Ideal for families. Learn more.
