Happy Thursday, y'all! We are sliding into the middle of September and Chattanooga has zero interest in slowing down. This week we are honoring the first responders who show up for us every single day, lacing up for a hunger walk that turns every step into real help for a neighbor, and yes, there are zombies involved. Add in kayaking through downtown history, a teen glow rave, live blues on a Monday night, and enough farmers markets and yard sales to fill every free hour you have got, and you have officially got yourself a full week.
Let's get to it!
Local Stories
Nooga Hunger Walk Run 2026
🏃 Nooga Hunger Walk Run Is Back, And You Can Now Walk It Too
Mark your calendar for a Saturday that actually feels good to wake up early for. The Nooga Hunger Walk Run returns at First Horizon Pavilion, raising funds and awareness for food insecurity right here in our community, and this year there is a brand new one mile walk option for anyone who wants in but is not chasing a 5K time. The 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and the mile walk follows at 8:45 a.m., there will be food trucks on site because you have earned it, and if running is not your thing you can still show up as a volunteer once slots open May 12. Bring a non perishable food item to donate too, every can goes right back to help a neighbor.
🎗️ Chattanooga Zoo Thanks Our First Responders This Week
In honor of the victims, survivors, and rescue workers of September 11, the Chattanooga Zoo is offering free admission to all first responders through Sunday, September 13. That means police, fire, and EMS get in on the house, and a spouse or dependent tagging along gets half off their ticket too. Just show a badge or pay stub at the ticket booth in person to redeem it, it is not available online. The zoo extends this same respect year round to veterans and active duty military, and this week it is their turn to say thank you to the people who answer the call.
🧟 Red Bank's Zombie Fun Run Comes Back For Round Two
Red Bank is welcoming the living and the undead back for its second annual Zombie Fun Run Festival and G(rave), happening Saturday, September 12 at the Red Bank Community Center. The festival kicks off from 2 to 6 p.m. with local vendors, food trucks, costumes, and zombie themed fun for every age, then at 6 p.m. the actual Zombie Fun Run hits the Godsey Ridge Trail, where runners try to outrun the undead chasing them down. Once the sun sets, the Zombie G(rave) after party takes over from 7 to 11 p.m. with a DJ, a local film screening, and more food trucks. Whether you are running, dressed up, shopping local vendors, or just there to dance, there is a lane for you.
☀️ Weather Snapshot
Thursday 92° ☀️ low 68°
Friday 90° 🌤️ low 69°
Saturday 83° ⛅ low 70°
Sunday 88° 🌤️ low 69°
We are finally easing off the peak of summer, with temps dipping into the 80s by Saturday before climbing back up Sunday. Mornings will feel a little more forgiving, so it is a good week to get outside early and enjoy it.
Together With C&C Nursery And Landscape
Clean Landscaping
🌫️ The Humidity Is Doing More Damage Than The Heat Ever Did
Still 90s. Still soaking wet air on top of it. A brutal combo, and your yard is losing that fight right now.
Fungus is spreading under the surface while you sleep. Root rot is setting in. Whole beds are dying quietly.
By the time you actually see it, it is already too late to just fix it yourself.
That is money in the ground, wasted. That is curb appeal, gone. That is the yard you used to be proud of, now the one you avoid looking at when you pull in the driveway.
C&C Nursery and Landscape stops it before it gets that far. They know exactly what a Chattanooga yard needs to survive this stretch, and it is not more guessing on your end.
Beds. Pruning. Plant installation. Full redesign. Handled before the damage is permanent, not after.
Book a plant installation now and the late season pruning is on them.
Friday Wrap
Silver Adventures: History By Kayak: Paddle the Tennessee River with Outdoor Chattanooga's resident historian and take in Maclellan Island, the Bluff View Arts District, Ross's Landing, and Chattanooga's historic bridges from the water. Beginner friendly, all equipment provided.
Mahjong At Main: Sharpen your mind and connect with friends over Chinese and American Mahjong at the library. All skill levels welcome, and a few sets are provided if you do not have your own.
Library Late Show: Teen After Hours: The library stays open late just for ages 12 to 18, with a themed activity, crafts, games, and free pizza. This month brings a live action game of Clue.
Glow In The Dark Rave: Neon lights, face painting, and glow sticks for a full night of dancing under the black light.
Conasauga Shakespeare Coalition Presents Macbeth: The Bard heads to Dalton this September as the local coalition brings Macbeth to the stage.
Saturday Insight
The Great Chattanooga Community Yard Sale: A full day of household finds, clothing, bikes, and antiques at Tennessee Riverpark. Bring a non perishable food donation for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nooga Has Heart: Youth Performance And Pathways: A free celebration of Chattanooga's next generation, with a live talent competition for ages 13 to 21, Pathway Partner connections, and an open mic for kids 12 and under.
Southside Nights: Friends of the Festival and Finley Stadium host a watch party for Tennessee versus Georgia Tech on the big screen, plus a live concert from The Essentials, cornhole, a field goal challenge, and Food Truck Row. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Bluegrass And Blooms Featuring Hannah Danley: Live bluegrass, mountain views, and fresh farm blooms at Flat Top Mountain Farm, with Sequatchie Valley native Hannah Danley on the mic.
Glass Street Farmers Market: Local farmers, craft vendors, and food vendors bring the good vibes to Glass Street for a morning of fresh fruits, veggies, and handmade goods.
Rodney Carrington: One of the country's top touring comedians brings his singing, acting, and stand up act to town. For mature audiences.
SPONSORED
Young people learning cooking skills
🔪 Free Knife Skills Class. Only In September.
Every home cook has the same drawer. Good knives. Never used right.
You have been chopping wrong for years and did not know it. Slower prep. Wasted vegetables. A cutting board that stresses you out instead of relaxing you.
One class fixes that for good.
Book any class at The Sweet and Savory Classroom this month with code KnifeSkills, and their Knife Skills online class is yours, free.
Real technique. Real confidence. A skill you use every single time you cook, for the rest of your life.
And it does not stop there. Every class through the end of the year just went live on the site, holiday menus, date night classes, full on culinary bucket list stuff. Book now before the good dates disappear.
Sunday Reset
W Road Fall Cleanup: Join the litter cleanup along the historic W Road on a crisp fall morning. Meet at McCoy Farms and Gardens at 8 a.m. for instructions and supplies.
Chattanooga Top Chef: Local chefs shop the Chattanooga Market for ingredients, get hit with a surprise secret ingredient, and cook live to impress the judges. Food, entertainment, and community all in one Sunday.
🔮 Look Ahead
🎷 Gate 11 Distillery Monday Night Blues Jam
Monday, September 14 | Gate 11 Distillery | Free
Robin Baker and special guest Yattie Westfield lead a blues jam every Monday in September, with award winning spirits made right on site. Come to listen or bring an instrument and sit in.
✂️ Cut And Paste Studio: Monthly Junk Journaling
Tuesday, September 15 | Avondale Library | Free | More Info
Adults only workshop turning paper scraps and found objects into keepsake pages. Bring your own memories and let the collage take it from there.
🧘 Active Older Adults (55+): Chair Yoga
Wednesday, September 16 | Red Bank Community Center | Free | More Info
A gentle seated practice built for flexibility, strength, and balance. Walk ins welcome and you do not have to live in Red Bank to join.
👕 Clothing Swap Hosted By Swap Don't Shop Chatt
Thursday, September 17 | The Signal | Free | More Info
The biggest swap yet, with a dedicated kids swap from 5 to 6 p.m. followed by the general swap from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring laundered clothes to donate, and stick around for the last hour when local makers grab leftovers for upcycling.
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. Upgrade your closet.
C&C Nursery and Landscape: Overgrown yard? Schedule a plant installation and get free late season pruning. Get a free quote.
Restoration 1 of Chattanooga: Late summer humidity can bring out mold in places you're not checking. Get a hassle-free estimate.
M.B.D Janitorial Services: Local, reliable office and commercial cleaning that keeps your space client ready. Get a quote.
The Sweet and Savory Classroom: Book a class this month and use code KnifeSkills for a free Knife Skills online class.
Where To Eat
Greg's Sandwich Works: Y'all, we need to talk about Greg's, because it might genuinely be running the best sandwich game in the city. The Italian is a classic for a reason, the steak wrap is the kind of thing you think about the next day, and do not even get us started on the loaded baked potato, it is basically a whole meal wearing a disguise. Cold outside? Order the chili with cornbread and thank us later. Everything tastes like it was made by someone who actually cares whether you enjoy your lunch, because it was.
📍 6337 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Hibachi And Wings: This one is for our friends who want their takeout to actually taste like something. The Japanese curry is warm and comforting in the best way, the General Tso hits that sweet spot of crispy outside and saucy all the way through, and the Gochujang Don Bowl is the kind of dish you will find yourself craving on a random Tuesday. What really seals the deal though is the service, it is the kind of place where they treat you like a regular even on your first visit. Bring your appetite and your friends, this one is worth the trip.
📍 6933 Lee Hwy Ste. 901, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Know someone who is always asking what is going on around town? Forward this their way and let them thank you later.
Catch you next Tuesday 💛
More From The Blade
Previous Issue: Things To Do In Chattanooga This Weekend September 3 to 10
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