Chris Paris
Jun 26, 2026
Happy Friday, 423! |
The weekend is almost here, and today’s edition is packed with ideas for making the most of it. We’re covering a proposed new state park at McDonald Farm, Chattanooga’s evolving food scene, roadwork to watch before heading out, and a full lineup of local events happening across the Scenic City.
We’re also taking a closer look at the TVA legacy behind Chickamauga Lake, highlighting community gatherings, outdoor adventures, and a few updates that showcase how Chattanooga continues to grow while celebrating what makes our region unique.
New to the area? We’re glad you’re here. |
Trivia Question❓What year did the Chattanooga Zoo first open its gates as Warner Park Zoo? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The City of Chattanooga has chosen internationally acclaimed muralist Cecilia Lueza to design a major public artwork at the 11th Street entrance to the MLK District, directly across from City Hall.
This striking mural is envisioned as a colorful gateway, welcoming residents and visitors into one of Chattanooga’s most culturally rich neighborhoods.
Lueza is renowned worldwide for her vibrant, nature-inspired murals that honor community, identity, and the natural world.
The new artwork will weave in themes reflecting the region’s landscapes and wildlife, capturing the unique spirit of the MLK District.
The project is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to public art and placemaking, aiming to create a more inviting atmosphere while celebrating local history and vitality.
Once unveiled, the mural will transform a prominent retaining wall into a landmark, drawing even more attention to the MLK District’s restaurants, businesses, and cultural attractions. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
A Taste of Tradition. A Gift of Hope.
We’re proud to carry forward the Regas legacy through The Original Family Recipe by Regas Bros Seasoning—a revival of Frank G. Regas’ iconic blend.
Rooted in a philosophy of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and genuine hospitality, this seasoning continues to inspire chefs, restaurateurs, and home cooks alike.
More than just great flavor, every purchase has purpose—all proceeds support the Alzheimer’s Foundation, honoring Frank, his sister, and the countless families impacted by the disease.
💜Taste the tradition. 💜Support a cause. 💜Love what you eat
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Chattanooga's America 250 celebration continues with an inspiring event merging local art, community spirit, and civic reflection in the heart of the city.
Democracy Speaks Civic Poetry Pathway debuts on Sunday, June 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Renaissance Park, inviting everyone to a free public gathering as part of America’s 250th anniversary festivities.
Led by Rhyme N Chatt with the City’s Department of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the event features live performances by 16 local poets, plus food and music.
The poetry pathway is a semi-permanent installation, showcasing work that explores freedom, democracy, identity, civic responsibility, and Tennessee’s impact on the national story.
Interactive QR-coded signs let visitors read and hear poems, while the community can also submit work for future showcases.
This event connects Chattanooga’s history to today, offering locals a creative, meaningful outdoor experience that will last through 2026. Read More... |
Chattanooga has completed the Kanasita Equalization Basin and Pump Station Project, a $45 million upgrade designed to better manage excess wastewater near the Hamill Road corridor.
This major infrastructure improvement increases the city's capacity to capture and store runoff during heavy rain, reducing the risk of sewer overflows and backups for residents in Hixson and Hamill Road neighborhoods.
City leaders emphasize that, while the work happens mostly underground, projects like this play a vital role in protecting homes, boosting water quality, and limiting environmental impacts in the event of major storms.
By preventing untreated wastewater from entering local creeks and the Tennessee River, the project supports Chattanooga’s long-term environmental goals and ensures essential infrastructure keeps pace with the city’s growth.
This investment strengthens Chattanooga’s resilience and public health, offering benefits residents will rely on for years to come. Read More... |
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District 3 Town Hall and Ice Cream Social Invites Community Conversation |
Hamilton County residents are invited to a District 3 Town Hall and Ice Cream Social focused on local issues, community updates, and neighborhood questions.
The meeting will include discussion of the proposed county budget, the future of Northgate Mall, and other topics affecting District 3 and nearby communities.
Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about decisions that could shape the area in the months ahead.
The event also includes complimentary ice cream, giving neighbors a more relaxed way to connect with local leaders and one another. |
A new state park north of Chattanooga is on the horizon, inviting local residents to help plan its future.
Tennessee State Parks officials are hosting an open house on Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Harvest Barn at McDonald Farm, located at 16705 Coulterville Road in Sale Creek.
The event seeks input from the public as 1,300 acres of McDonald Farm—spanning Hamilton and Rhea counties—are transformed into a major new recreation area near Graysville.
Including adjacent parcels, the proposed state park is set to cover about 2,500 acres.
This development could mean expanded trail access, conservation efforts, family recreation options, and tourism benefits for Southeast Tennessee.
Residents are encouraged to share their ideas, shaping what could become one of the region’s most significant outdoor spaces. Read More... |
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Collegedale Airport to Host “Wings and Wheels” Event for Local Homeless Outreach |
Collegedale Municipal Airport is hosting a community event this Friday with a mix of planes, classic cars, food, and a local cause.
The “Wings and Wheels” event is scheduled for Friday, June 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Collegedale Municipal Airport, located at 5100 Bess Moore Road in Apison.
The event is being held in partnership with Stroll The Hamptons, Ooltewah, and will benefit Doing What We Can, a local homeless outreach organization.
For families and aviation fans, the evening offers a chance to spend time around aircraft and vehicles in a relaxed community setting. For East Hamilton County readers, it is also a good local option close to Ooltewah, Collegedale, and Apison.
The bigger purpose is community support. By tying the event to homeless outreach, organizers are using a family-friendly gathering to raise awareness and support for neighbors in need.
Bottom line: “Wings and Wheels” is a positive East Hamilton event with broad appeal — part community night, part aviation and car gathering, and part fundraiser for a local cause. |
Chattanooga Events This Week: Baseball, Music, Markets, and Outdoor Fun |
Looking for something to do around Chattanooga this week? Here’s a chronological look at local events to keep on your radar.
Wednesday, June 24The Chattanooga Lookouts continue their home series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Erlanger Park, with first pitch listed for 7 p.m. The game also includes a blanket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans.
Friday, June 26Nightfall returns to Miller Plaza with live music from The 42 and Zach Person. The free concert runs Friday evening, with music beginning around 6 p.m., openers at 7 p.m., and the headliner at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27
The River Market is scheduled at Tennessee Aquarium Plaza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect local vendors, arts, crafts, food, and live music from Richard Daigle.
Outdoor Chattanooga also has several Saturday activities, including a Greenwing Youth Event, Hike With Pride, and a Dam Kayak adventure.
Later Saturday, Riverfront Nights continues at Ross’s Landing with free live music and food vendors along the riverfront. Sunday, June 28
The FiveStar Food Fight takes over Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Five local chefs will compete live using market ingredients and a secret ingredient.
Sunday also brings the Democracy Speaks Civic Poetry Pathway event at Renaissance Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m., featuring local poets, music, food, and community programming tied to Chattanooga’s America 250 celebration.
Weather noteKeep outdoor plans flexible. Midweek looks like the better outdoor window, while Friday and Saturday may be warmer and more storm-prone. |
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Soccer Watch Parties Keep Chattanooga’s Spain Fever Going |
Chattanooga’s World Cup energy is still building, and Spain remains the team giving the city its closest connection to the tournament.
While Chattanooga is not hosting World Cup matches, Spain is using the city as its base camp, giving local fans a reason to follow the tournament with extra interest. Chattanooga Soccer Fans notes that the city is hosting watch parties rather than matches, with Spain’s national team based locally during the tournament.
The next big Spain-focused event is Uruguay vs. Spain on Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m. at TailGate Brewery, located at 1464 Market St. Visit Chattanooga lists it as an official watch party, and TailGate’s event page notes the match will be shown on the patio with no cover.
Earlier Spain watch parties have already drawn local attention. WTVC reported that Chattanooga venues including The Barlery, White Duck Taco, TailGate Brewery, and Home Bar have been hosting gatherings for fans throughout the tournament, with fans packing White Duck Taco for Spain’s match against Cape Verde.
Other local watch options continue across the city. Chattanooga Soccer Fans lists Barrelhouse Ballroom / Five Wits at 1501 Long St. as an official watch-party venue, with events running through the tournament and sound up for marquee games.
For readers looking for a low-key way to join the excitement, the simple plan is this: pick a venue, check the match time, and show up early. With Spain in town and Chattanooga leaning into the World Cup moment, local watch parties are giving fans a way to feel connected to the global stage without leaving the Scenic City. |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
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Chattanooga’s dining scene is rapidly evolving as changes become evident across the city.
While classic restaurants remain central to the city’s culinary identity, rising costs and shifting diner habits have inspired many chefs and entrepreneurs to seek fresh ways to connect with locals before investing in permanent locations.
Food trucks, pop-up kitchens, and market-based dining options are booming. Events like Chattanooga Market, River Market, Nightfall, and Riverfront Nights feature vendors alongside live music and community activities, letting residents experience new flavors and supporting local startups with reduced risk.
Meanwhile, the city still attracts new brick-and-mortar spots—such as Torikaya near Warehouse Row—showing a healthy balance between traditional and innovative ventures.
For locals, this means more choices—from dining at food trucks to discovering the latest eateries downtown. Chattanooga’s restaurant landscape isn’t fading; it’s thriving in new and imaginative ways. Read More... |
Interesting Facts |
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Roadwork Watch: Riverfront Parkway, S. Moore Road Closures Continue Through Late June |
Chattanooga drivers should keep budgeting extra time around several active construction zones as roadwork continues through late June.
The City of Chattanooga lists ongoing impacts on Riverfront Parkway and S. Moore Road, along with other construction-related closures across the city. These work zones may affect commuters, downtown visitors, and anyone heading toward riverfront events, markets, Lookouts games, or nearby businesses.
On Riverfront Parkway, lane closures remain in place between W. Main Street and W. 14th Street for utility work. On S. Moore Road, drivers should watch for lane restrictions tied to gas main repair. Other city construction zones may also create delays depending on time of day and traffic volume.
For residents, the practical takeaway is simple: check your route before leaving, follow posted detours, and allow a few extra minutes if you are traveling through downtown, Southside, or other active work areas. As summer events bring more people into Chattanooga’s core, small lane closures can turn into bigger slowdowns during peak travel times. |
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Chickamauga Lake, a beloved part of life in the 423, is the product of bold engineering by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Created by Chickamauga Dam north of Chattanooga, the reservoir’s construction began in January 1936 and wrapped up with the dam’s closure in January 1940.
Some 3,000 workers helped bring it to life, fueling local jobs during the Great Depression.
This New Deal-era project aimed to reshape the Tennessee Valley, providing flood control, hydropower, improved navigation, and lasting economic growth for Chattanooga.
Today, Chickamauga Lake anchors community gatherings, fishing tournaments, watersports, and weekends at parks like Harrison Bay and Booker T. Washington.
Long a premier bass fishing destination, its legacy also honors the region’s Native American roots.
Chickamauga Lake is more than water — it’s a living symbol of how the Tennessee River continues to shape Chattanooga’s identity. Read More... |
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One Outdoor Escape: Cool Off at Harrison Bay State Park This Weekend |
For readers looking to escape the heat without driving hours into the mountains, Harrison Bay State Park remains one of Chattanooga's best summer getaways.
Located about 30 minutes from downtown, the park offers more than 1,200 acres of shoreline along Chickamauga Lake with swimming areas, shaded picnic spots, boat ramps, fishing piers, hiking trails, campgrounds, and one of Tennessee's top public golf courses.
The lake is especially popular during the summer, giving families plenty of room to kayak, paddleboard, fish, or simply spend an afternoon on the water. Early mornings and evenings also provide excellent wildlife viewing, with herons, osprey, deer, and other native species commonly spotted throughout the park.
For those looking to stay active, Harrison Bay features nearly seven miles of hiking trails, miles of shoreline, and easy access to Chickamauga Lake for anglers chasing bass, crappie, and catfish. With temperatures expected to climb and humidity returning later this week, Harrison Bay offers a simple reminder that some of the region's best summer destinations are just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga.
Bottom line: If you're looking for an easy day trip this weekend, Harrison Bay State Park combines lake views, shaded trails, fishing, boating, and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. |
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Free Senior Camp and Active Aging Options Around Hamilton County |
Older adults looking for ways to stay active, social, and indoors during the summer have several local options around Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
The City of Chattanooga’s community centers are running Sensational Senior Camp as part of the city’s summer programming. The city says the senior camp is free and runs weekdays during the summer camp season, with community centers offering activities and gathering spaces for residents. The city’s community center calendar also lists daily programs at locations including Chris L. Ramsey Sr. Community Center, Hixson Community Center, and other neighborhood centers.
Hamilton County Parks continues to offer senior-friendly programming at The Harrison Center, including Senior Acrylic Painting Classes, Boots and Buckles Line Dance Classes, and Seams Hard, Sew Easy, a sewing class open to adults including seniors.
For those who like music and dancing, the Seniors Dance at The Harrison Center is held on the first and third Saturdays of the month, featuring classic country, waltz, cha-cha, line dancing, and classic 50s/60s rock ’n’ roll.
Bottom line: This week’s Senior Connections reminder is simple: local senior programming is not just about services — it is also about staying active, learning something new, and finding community close to home. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 1937 |
Thanks for reading 423 Daily.
We’ll keep bringing you useful local updates from Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee — from weekend events and outdoor ideas to road reminders, new openings, community news, and the small details that make life here easier to navigate.
Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you in the next edition. |