What's Playing in Chattanooga This Weekend: Live Performance and Art Events

This guide covers festivals and ticketed arts events happening in Chattanooga over the next two to three days, with specifics on admission, venue locations, and what distinguishes each offering. You'll know which events suit your schedule and budget, and which neighborhoods host them.

Theater and Performance

The Hunter Museum of American Art, located on a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River in the North Shore district, occasionally hosts performance events alongside visual exhibitions. Check their current programming before planning an evening there, as performance dates are less frequent than gallery hours (which run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended Thursday hours until 8 p.m.). General admission to the galleries is $18 for adults.

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre, a community theater operation in the Northgate area, maintains a full season of productions including musicals, comedies, and dramas. Weekend performances typically run Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to $22 depending on the production and seat location. Their current season information is available through their website, where you can check specific show dates and plot summaries before committing.

Music Festivals and Live Music Venues

The Songbirds Guitar Museum, also in the North Shore, occasionally hosts live performances in their performance space alongside their collection of vintage and contemporary instruments. Admission to the museum runs $15, and special performance events carry their own ticketing, typically in the $20 to $35 range. These events are announced on their calendar, so Sunday afternoon programming is not guaranteed without verification.

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center, named for the blues singer born in Chattanooga and located in the downtown historic district, presents performances highlighting African American arts and cultural heritage. Weekend programming varies seasonally, with some months offering multiple events and others hosting fewer performances. Contact them directly or check their event listing for this specific weekend's schedule and ticket prices.

Visual Arts and Gallery Events

The Warehouse Row complex in downtown Chattanooga contains multiple artist studios and galleries that occasionally host open studio hours or gallery receptions on weekend afternoons. These events are usually free or very low-cost ($5 or less), though they vary week to week. The First Friday event (held on the first Friday of each month) is a more reliable option for gallery visits, when venues coordinate evening hours and extended access.

The Tivoli Theatre, a 1927 movie palace in the downtown core, screens both classic films and contemporary releases. Weekend matinee tickets are typically $10 to $12, while evening shows range from $11 to $14. Their programming schedule is updated regularly, so checking their marquee online before heading downtown is practical if you're making a special trip.

Specialized Art Experiences

The Creative Discovery Museum in the North Shore district offers hands-on visual and performing arts experiences for families, with occasional weekend workshops or demonstration events. General admission is $15 per person, and special workshops may carry additional fees. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday (extended Thursday hours available during the school year).

Planning Considerations

Chattanooga's arts events concentrate in three zones: downtown (including the Tivoli and Warehouse Row), the North Shore (Hunter Museum, Songbirds, Creative Discovery Museum), and the Northgate area (Theatre Centre, Bessie Smith Center). If you're planning to visit multiple venues in one evening or afternoon, clustering by neighborhood saves travel time. North Shore attractions are walkable from one another and accessible via the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge from downtown.

Parking varies by area. Downtown Chattanooga offers both metered street parking and paid parking garages, typically $1 to $2 per hour. North Shore venues have dedicated lots. Northgate has free street parking and a lot near the Theatre Centre.

Advance ticket purchase is essential for theater productions and popular concerts; walk-up availability is not guaranteed. Most venues accept online orders through their websites with mobile ticket delivery, eliminating print-at-home hassles. Museum admissions, by contrast, can usually be purchased at the door, though weekend crowds in good weather may create lines.

This Weekend's Action

Before finalizing plans, verify the specific weekend's events by checking the individual websites or calling venues directly. Arts programming in Chattanooga follows seasonal patterns, so a quiet weekend in January differs substantially from spring festival season. Once you've identified what's actually running, buy tickets early for theater productions and arrive 15 minutes ahead for timed museum entry to avoid frustration.