Happy Thursday! This week Chattanooga has a lot to celebrate. American Idol winner Jamal Roberts is heading our way for the Ruby Hurley Image Awards, local golfers raised a huge $180,000 for kids at the Children's Hospital at Erlanger, and Tennessee just promised to keep Dolly Parton's Imagination Library free for every child in the state for good. Add a jazz night, a fall festival in Ringgold, a Dolly inspired Singo, and Kota The Friend closing us out at Barrel House, and there is plenty to get into.
Let's get to it!
Local Stories
American Idol Winner and Recording Artist Jamal Roberts
🎤 Jamal Roberts Is Coming To Chattanooga For The Ruby Hurley Image Awards
Mark your calendars, because Jamal Roberts is coming to Chattanooga this October for the 37th Ruby Hurley Image Awards dinner, and we have a feeling this one sells out fast. Get your ticket before you even think about your outfit. Tickets are $135 and cover dinner, the performance, and support for the NAACP award show behind it all. Jamal is the American singer from Meridian, Mississippi who won the twenty third season of American Idol, becoming only the second African American male winner in the show's history. Call (423) 227-4883 for tickets.
⛳ $180,000 Raised For Kids At Erlanger Through Golf Tournament
The Erlanger Children's Classic Golf Tournament teed off again this past Monday at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, and golfers raised an incredible $180,000 for the Children's Hospital at Erlanger. Every dollar goes toward the hospital's greatest needs. This marks the eighth year for the tournament after a short break since 2023, and Children's Hospital leans on support like this to keep pediatric care moving forward since it runs as a not for profit. Deborah Spielman, CEO of Children's Hospital and Women's Services at Erlanger, said the community showed up in a big way and that the funds raised will make a direct difference for the kids and families who walk through their doors every day.
📚 Tennessee Pledges Full Funding For Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Big news for Tennessee families. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson have pledged that the state will cover the full local cost of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library starting with the 2027 budget. Speaker Sexton called it one of Tennessee's greatest gifts to the next generation, noting that what started right here in Tennessee is now reaching kids in all fifty states. Dolly's program began in Sevier County back in 2004, inspired by her father's own story, and over the past twenty years it has mailed more than 304 million free books to children everywhere. Right now nearly seventy percent of Tennessee kids are enrolled, and thanks to the state's balanced budget, officials say Tennessee now has the funds to cover the entire program moving forward.
☀️ Weather Snapshot
Thursday 97° ☀️ low 73°
Friday 96° 🌤️ low 74°
Saturday 96° 🌤️ low 74°
Sunday 94° ☀️ low 72°
Summer is holding on tight as we roll into the long weekend. Highs sit in the mid to upper 90s with warm nights hovering near 74. Keep water close, find shade when you can, and save your energy for the festivals.
TOGETHER WITH RESTORATION SWEET & SAVORY CLASSROOM
🥘 The Group Hangout Needs An Adventure
A group of ladies make a sweet treat together
Somebody says dinner. Somebody says that one bar. Somebody says "I'm down for whatever" and means it, which is the worst answer of all.
Then it's Sunday and nobody did anything.
Late summer is when the group hangout goes stale. Everyone's already been everywhere, and the standing options stopped being fun back in June.
The Sweet and Savory Classroom is the fix, and it's hands on. You and your people cook real Spanish tapas together or desserts, learn something actually useful, and eat what you made. It fills a whole evening, it works for four people or ten, and nobody's staring at their phone.
Book this month with code Bundle2026 and we'll send you a $25 Gift Certificate toward your next class.
Friday Wrap
Homeschool Days: The zoo rolls out discounted field trip admission just for homeschoolers and their parents on September 4 and September 11. A fun, low cost way to turn the week into a real field trip. $7 to $12.
After Dark V.2: Photographer Anh Bao's new show at In Town Gallery reimagines familiar Chattanooga streets and landmarks after sunset. Reception runs 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, with the show on display through September 30.
Veteran Happy Hour: The Tap House hosts the first of what is planned as a monthly gathering for veterans, with drinks, food, and good conversation. A relaxed way to meet fellow veterans and build community.
Summer Jazz Nights: Cha Jazz Fest brings a new jazz combo to Gate 11 every month, and tonight's show runs 8 to 10 p.m. for just $5, so the artists get paid what they are worth.
Jaguar Shark: Beers and tunes at The Tavern with a trio playing raw, unfiltered blues and rock with a vintage vibe. You are gonna need a bigger boat.
Saturday Insight
The Ultimate Fall Fest 2026: Ringgold says goodbye to summer with food trucks, local vendors, a kid zone full of bounce houses, a cake walk, and live music at The Colonnade. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DnDatBnB: Grab a seat at the table for a night of Dungeons and Dragons. Everything you need is provided, dice, character sheets, and friendly game masters, so new players are always welcome. Games kick off at 5 p.m.
Riverfront Nights: Free live music returns to Ross's Landing for the weekly summer concert series. Bring a chair, a blanket, and your leashed pup. Music runs 7 to 10 p.m.
Eastgate Library at Brainerd Farmers Market: Stop by the library table for info on upcoming programs, free seed packets, and a special half hour outdoor storytime for the little ones.
Lake Hills Neighborhood Community Yard Sale: A whole neighborhood off Highway 58 sets up shop for the day, with a neighbor selling hot fish on Brentwood Drive to keep everyone fed while they browse. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Let's Get Crafty: Painted Notecards With Washi Tape: An adults only craft session at the Downtown 1st Floor library, twice a month and always full of fun. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot.
SPONSORED
🌡️ The Heat Is Killing Your Yard
96° by Sunday. Grass does not negotiate with that.
By the time you notice the brown patches, the roots have already been struggling for weeks. Curb appeal does not come back overnight, and neither does a lawn that has been baking since June.
C&C Nursery and Landscape knows what actually survives a Chattanooga summer and what just looks good in a catalog. Beds, pruning, plant installation, full redesign, all handled on a schedule so the heat never gets the last word.
Book a plant installation now and the summer pruning is on them.
Sunday Reset
Fall Food Truck Rally: Kick off the long weekend with a lineup of local food trucks, live music, and your favorite Chattanooga Market vendors. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dolly Inspired Singo: Rhinestones, cold beer, and a whole lot of country girl energy for a Dolly themed round of singo. Throw on your sequins and butterflies and come sparkle a little. 2 p.m.
Bridging Communities: Labor Day at Whiteside Park: A free, family friendly gathering bringing neighborhoods across Chattanooga and Hamilton County together for food trucks, music, games, and fellowship. 2 to 4 p.m.
Sunny War, Bellringer: Nashville's Sunny War brings her introspective folk punk sound, blending rock, gospel, and country, for a night at Bellringer.
Community Walk and Unwind: An evening of mindfulness and movement at Coolidge Park, with an optional guided meditation at 5 p.m. followed by a free, no pressure community walk at 5:35 p.m.
🔮 Look Ahead
🎤 Spoken Word & Poetry: All Voices Heard
Monday, September 7 | Wanderlinger Brewing Company | Free
Grab dinner and stick around, because the kitchen stays open all night while poets, storytellers, and singers take the mic. No sign up sheet, no pressure, just real voices sharing real work.
📚 Family Origami: Fall Into Bookmarks
Tuesday, September 8 | Katie Lamb Public Library | Free | More Info
Local math teacher and origami artist Ms. Shirley walks families through folding adorable animal shaped bookmarks. No experience needed, just bring the whole crew and a love of books.
🎵 Active Older Adults (55+): Music Jam
Wednesday, September 9 | Red Bank Community Center | Free | More Info
A weekly gathering for musicians and music lovers 55 and up. Bring your own instrument or just come soak up the tunes every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m.
🎤 Kota The Friend
Thursday, September 10 | Barrel House Ballroom | More Info
The Brooklyn rapper and singer known for his laid back sound and his No Rap On Sunday philosophy brings his latest album to the Barrel House stage.
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 summer pruning. Get a free quote.
Restoration 1 of Chattanooga: 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.
Where To Eat
Greg's Sandwich Works: This is the sandwich shop people drive clear across town for, and once you try the egg salad you will understand why. Everything here is made from scratch, the bread, the wraps, the soups, all run by a family that treats every order like it matters. It still feels like what a real lunch counter should, quick, warm, and genuinely happy to see you walk in. Grab a loaded baked potato if you want something heartier, or keep it classic with Greg's Special piled high with turkey and pimento cheese.
📍 6337 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Sandwich ASSORTMENT
Davis Wayne's: If you want soul food that tastes like it came straight from somebody's grandmother, this is where you go. Davis Wayne's out in Ooltewah has become the spot for scratch made comfort food with a little polish, think perfectly seasoned plates, a full bar, and live music most weekends that turns dinner into a whole evening. It is Black owned and family run, and you can feel that warmth the second you sit down. Portions are generous, so come hungry and plan to stay a while.
📍 9454 Bradmore Ln, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Pot Roast and the fixings
And that is everything worth knowing about Chattanooga this week, from Jamal Roberts headed our way for the Ruby Hurley Awards, to golfers raising six figures for kids at Erlanger, to the state stepping up so Dolly's books keep landing in mailboxes across Tennessee for good.
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 Thursday 💛
More From The Blade
Previous Issue: Things To Do In Chattanooga This Weekend August 27-September 3
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