Happy Thursday!
This might be the most stacked weekend Chattanooga has thrown at lately.
Juneteenth celebrations. A free soccer watch party downtown. Music festivals, market days, lake nights, and a Father's Day send-off that doesn't involve a single tie.
And to top it off, a whole lot of you just joined us this week, so let's make some introductions.
To our OG's who've been here from the start, welcome back, we're glad you're still here. To our newbies, welcome to The Blade, you picked a great week to show up.
Let's get to it!
Local Snapshots
Eric Atkins (Right) Co-Chair of the Unity Group of Chattanooga, holds the Juneteenth Flag at the National Cemetery in honor of the 44th U.S. Colored Infantry of Chattanooga.
🎉 Juneteenth Weekend Kicks Off Friday With Citywide Celebration
Chattanooga's Juneteenth weekend runs Friday through Sunday, with community groups joining forces under the banner "United We Stand: Chattanooga's Juneteenth Celebration." It opens with the annual Juneteenth Parade lining up at 11:30 a.m. on Georgia Avenue, followed by an Emancipation Proclamation ceremony and program at 12:45 p.m. at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church (809 E. M.L. King Boulevard), capped with a screening of the documentary How to Sue the Klan.
💻 A New Academy Is Bringing Quantum Tech Careers to Hamilton County Students
Hamilton County Schools, the County Mayor's Office, and EPB are launching the Energy and Quantum Industries Academy at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, set to open in 2028. The program will serve roughly 400 students a year across grades 9-12, giving them hands-on training in engineering, cybersecurity, broadband, and quantum science. Officials are calling it one of the most significant corporate-education partnerships in county history.
🗳️ Ballots and Early Voting Sites Are Set for the Aug. 6 Primary
The Hamilton County Election Commission has approved ballots and early voting locations for the Aug. 6 State and Federal Primary and County General Election. Voters can choose a Republican, Democrat, or General ballot, and early voting sites match those used in the May election, running Friday, July 17, through Saturday, Aug. 1. The registration deadline is July 7. Voting is an important civic duty to maintain our democracy and to let the first level of our voice to be heard and understand how candidates in key races will champion issues we all are concerned about.
The Early Voting sites will remain the same for Aug. 6 as they were for the May 5 election.
The locations include:
• Election Commission Office, 700 River Terminal Road, Chattanooga. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Hixson Community Center, 5401 School Drive, Hixson. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Chris L. Ramsey Sr. Community Center, 1010 North Moore Road, Chattanooga. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Chestnut Hall at the Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Harrison Center (Old Harrison Elementary), 5637 Highway 58, Harrison. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Soddy Daisy Community Center, 190 Depot Street, Soddy Daisy. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The deadline to register to vote is set for July 7. The Early Voting period runs from Friday, July 17, to Saturday, Aug. 1. Polling places on Thursday, Aug. 6, will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Absentee Voting Guide: Step-by-step instructions for requesting and returning an absentee ballot if you can't make it to the polls.
Voter Lookup Tool: Look up your sample ballot, polling location, elected officials, and other voter information.
Elections Calendar: The full statewide calendar of key dates and deadlines leading up to Aug. 6.
☀️ Weather Snapshot
Thursday 84° ⛈️ 💧75%
Friday 85° ☁️ 💧15%
Saturday 85° 🌤️ 💧10%
Sunday 85° ⛈️ 💧30%
Thursday's bringing heavy thunderstorms with high humidity, so keep the rain jacket handy and have a backup plan for anything outdoors.
Friday eases up into cloudy skies, perfect for a light jacket and no real weather worries.
Saturday is the pick of the weekend, partly sunny and calm, so sunscreen and comfortable shoes are all you need.
Sunday rounds things out with another round of thunderstorms, so plan indoor backups and keep an umbrella in the car.
TOGETHER WITH C&C NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE
🌿Your Yard Deserves A Summer Makeover
Tennessee heat doesn't wait for your landscaping to catch up. Overgrown shrubs, stressed plants, and dried-out beds happen fast once the temperature climbs, and a tired yard is usually the first thing people notice about a home.
Right now, when you schedule a plant installation with C&C Nursery and Landscape, you'll get complimentary summer pruning to help everything survive the season looking its best.
If your yard could use a refresh before the heat really sets in, now is the time.
Friday Wrap
SOCCER LIVE! Chattanooga: A free three-day watch party at the Chattanooga Green with matches on a giant outdoor screen, a World Cup atmosphere, and a soccer field where you can get in on the action yourself. Gates open at 2 p.m. ahead of USA vs. Australia at 3.
Hot Rod Nationals: Big Foot Adventure Park turns into a sea of classic cars for the weekend, with a swap meet, vendors, giveaways, and cash prizes up for grabs. Spectators get in for $15, and kids 12 and under are free.
Yoga Storytime (Ages 2-7): A sweet little Friday morning ritual at Eastgate Library with stories, yoga, songs, and breathing exercises for the littlest readers. A nice excuse to wear yourself and your toddler out before lunch.
Whiskies of the World Tasting: A relaxed pre-Father's Day tasting at Riverside Spirits featuring award-winning pours from Scotland, Japan, and India. 21+, obviously.
Nightfall: Marlow Drive + Holy Roller: Chattanooga's free Friday night concert series rolls on downtown, with Marlow Drive opening at 7 p.m. and rising Southern rockers Holy Roller closing out the night at 8.
Noogaroo: Creative Discovery Museum's first kid-sized, Bonnaroo-inspired music festival takes over Chestnut Street with live performances, hands-on instruments, and festival crafts all weekend. Free with museum admission.
Saturday Insight
Bessie Smith's Big 9 Music Fest: A free, family-friendly festival on the historic former Ninth Street with live music, local vendors, and good food celebrating the rhythm and history of the Big 9.
Scenic City Run Crew 2 Year Anniversary: Good vibes, good people, and yes, some actual running. Come celebrate two years of this crew whether you're a seasoned pro or just here for the post-run snacks.
The Great Chattanooga Community Yard Sale: Hundreds of sellers, food trucks, and hidden treasures take over Tennessee Riverpark from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring cash and an empty trunk.
Summer Solstice Festival: A free family event at Choo Choo Gardens with workouts, free massage and acupuncture, splash pads, ice baths, and yard games. Basically a wellness day that doubles as a block party.
CommUNITY Block Party: A daytime celebration of unity and inclusivity with vendors and food from 10 to 5, followed by a high-energy evening party with a DJ and bigger bar until 10 p.m. All are welcome.
Nooga Summer Crawl: Throw on your loudest Hawaiian shirt and hit up 18-plus bars from Southside to downtown with drink specials and no cover. Tropical chaos, basically guaranteed.
Riverfront Nights: Monsters of Yacht + Chattanooga Horn Authority: Free live music under the stars at Ross's Landing, with chairs, blankets, and leashed pets welcome. Music runs 7 to 10 p.m., so bring a blanket and settle in.
SPONSORED
Chattanooga Summers Are Hard On More Than Just You
Heat and humidity don't just wear you out, they wear down your home too. Trapped moisture behind walls, in crawl spaces, and under flooring gets worse every week it sits there.
Restoration 1 of Chattanooga specializes in water damage cleanup, mold remediation, and fast inspections before small problems turn expensive.
Sunday Reset
Father's Day Blues & Brews: Skip the ties and tools. Treat Dad to live blues, food truck lunch, and a cold craft beer at the Chattanooga Market, then shop handmade gifts and stock up on fresh cuts and produce for a home-cooked dinner.
World's Best Dad Button Making: Decorate a blank design and turn it into a wearable button for Dad. A favorite memory, a camp-inspired doodle, or a heartfelt message all work. Sweet, simple, and very Father's Day.
Make Music Day Chattanooga: Now in its 10th year, sidewalks, parks, and local businesses across the city turn into stages for free performances. Wander around and see what you stumble into.
🔮 Look Ahead
💃 Active Older Adults Line Dancing Class
Monday, June 22 | Red Bank Community Center | Free | More Info
No partner, no experience, and no pressure needed. Just upbeat music, simple steps, and a room full of people who'll have you smiling by the second song.
💼 How to Win Government Contracts
Tuesday, June 23 | 332 E M L King Blvd | Free | More Info
A beginner's guide to selling to local, state, and federal agencies. If you've ever wondered how small businesses land government work, this is the session that breaks it down.
🥾 Moccasin Bend Noontime Hike
Wednesday, June 24 | 701 Moccasin Bend Road | Free | More Info
A 1.2-mile lunchtime walk through 12,000 years of history, from a Trail of Tears segment to a Civil War supply route. Bring water, bug spray, and your curiosity.
🎶 Krista Reinhardt and the Third Wheels
Thursday, June 25 | Cherry St Tavern | Free | More Info
A mix of originals and covers spanning pop, rock, and alternative. All ages, no cover, just good music from 6 to 8 p.m.
Together with The Blade Partners
Closets By Design: If you’re constantly rearranging your closet and it still never feels right, it’s not you, it’s the space. Get a free design and see what it looks like when everything actually fits your life. Upgrade your closet.
C&C Nursery and Landscape: If your yard is one of those “we’ll get to it eventually” projects, you’re already behind for the season. Get a free quote and score free pruning with installation while you’re at it. Get a free quote.
Restoration 1 of Chattanooga: Spring humidity and rain can bring out mold in places you’re not checking. If your home smells off or feels damp, get it inspected before it spreads. Get a hassle-free estimate.
The Sweet and Savory Classroom: If your date nights are starting to feel repetitive, this is a solid way to change it up. Learn to make real Spanish tapas together and actually leave with something better than just another dinner, use code Explorer for $20 off.
Where To Eat
Shredders Lair: This spot is chic but really chill, the kind of place that's easy to settle into for a while. The food and drinks are excellent across the board, but the peach matcha deserves a special shoutout, it's so good we almost ordered a second cup on the spot.
📍3230 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Scoop Around Ice Cream Bar: This family-owned spot overdelivers on both quality and customer service. The kids who help run the place behind the counter greet you the second you walk in, and the menu covers everything from scoop flights and classic cones to banana splits and shakes that are dangerously good. Next visit we're going straight for the Strawberry Cheesecake Shake. They're open until 9 p.m., which makes this an easy after-dinner stop with the family or a sweet little date night idea. We're giving them a solid 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦 five cones.
For more local owned favorites, check out our ice cream guide and get your sweet tooth on.
📍831 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Chattanooga keeps getting better company, and that's thanks to readers like you passing this along.
If you liked this edition, tap that little heart to let us know, then share it with a friend or family member who'd love being in on it too.
Have a great weekend everybody 💛
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