Here Are Some Of The Best Things To Do In Chattanooga In May

May in Chattanooga is one of the best times to visit, as the “Scenic City” comes alive with outdoor festivals and spring blooms. The weather is typically mild, making it ideal for exploring the riverfront or hiking nearby ridges.

Featured Events in May

The city hosts several major recurring and special events throughout the month.

Miller Park

4.5

🌳 Park

Open· Closes 11:00 PM

• Nightfall Concert Series: Beginning in May, this free outdoor concert series takes place every Friday night at Miller Park Click to open side panel for more information . It features local and national musical acts, artisans, and food trucks.

First Horizon Pavilion

4.6

📍 Event venue

• Chattanooga Cocktail Festival (May 9): Held at the First Horizon Pavilion Click to open side panel for more information , this 21+ event showcases local mixology with dozens of summer-inspired cocktail samples and live music.

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park

4.5

📍 Tourist attraction

Open· Closes 8:00 PM

• We Make Festival (May 9): A family-friendly celebration of international food and art at the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park Click to open side panel for more information . It features unique “art cars” and student creative works.

Coolidge Park

4.7

🌳 Park

Open· Closes 11:00 PM

• Chattanooga Renaissance Faire (May 30): This new addition to the calendar brings old-world revelry to Coolidge Park Click to open side panel for more information , including hearty fare, performances, and handcrafted artisan wares.

Nature & Outdoor Recreation

With the spring foliage at its peak, May is a prime time for these classic Chattanooga experiences.

Southern Blooms Festival

4.7

🌳 Park

Open· Closes 9:30 PM

• Rock City Gardens: During the Southern Blooms Festival Click to open side panel for more information , visitors can see thousands of azaleas and other spring flowers in bloom across the mountain’s rock formations and gardens.

Sunset Rock

4.8

🌳 Park

• Sunset Rock: For a classic view of the Tennessee River Gorge, hike to Sunset Rock Click to open side panel for more information on Lookout Mountain. It is particularly popular in May for the clear evening views and cooler mountain air.

Chattanooga Audubon Society

4.7

📍 Non-profit organization

Open· Closes 5:00 PM

• Chattanooga Audubon Society: The Chattanooga Audubon Society Click to open side panel for more information often hosts its Fairy and Folk Festival in May, offering a more tranquil way to experience local wildlife and wetlands.

Family-Friendly Attractions

If you are traveling with children, the city’s downtown core is highly walkable and concentrated with activities.

Tennessee Aquarium

4.7

🐠 Aquarium

Open· Closes 5:00 PM

• Tennessee Aquarium: Located right on the riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium Click to open side panel for more information features both “River” and “Ocean” journeys. In May, you can also take the River Gorge Explorer boat tour for a guided look at the surrounding natural history.
• Coolidge Park Carousel: After exploring the North Shore, families often visit the restored 1894 carousel and the interactive water fountains that begin operating as the weather warms up in May.