May 2022 Events + News
Outdoor Chattanooga's newsletter highlights the awesome outdoor activities happening in and around Chattanooga that will connect you to the outdoors and inspire you to come out and play with us!
Outdoor Chattanooga Programs and Events
Introduction to Mountain Biking
Level 1: May 6 | 6-8 PM
Level 2: May 7 | 10 AM-1 PM

Join Outdoor Chattanooga for our Introduction to Mountain Biking clinics this May! We are now offering Level 1 and Level 2 clinics to allow individuals more options to choose from.
The Level 1 clinics are designed for beginner riders looking to learn the fundamental skills for riding trails but in a more controlled environment. The 2-hour clinics take place in an open field setting at Greenway Farms in Hixson. The goal for this class is to teach you the basics of riding a bike without the stress of being on a single-track trail.

The Level 2 clinics aim to take your mountain biking to the next level by taking the foundational skills you have and introducing you to single-track riding on various Chattanooga area trails. We will work with you using a format that can be structured to your pace and individual learning style. This course is beginner friendly and no experience is required, but we do recommend taking the Level 1 course prior to participation.
Whether taking our level 1 course or our level 2 course, our PIMBA certified instructors will get you ready for the trail by teaching everything from basic safety checks and bike fitting to maneuvering and pedaling techniques. Whether you are a true beginner looking to get into the sport or have some experience and want to practice specific skills, these classes are perfect for you!
Outdoor Chattanooga has equipment (including bikes!) that you can borrow or you can bring your own equipment. It is appropriate for anyone age 10-110 as long as you already know how to comfortably ride a bike. All you will need to bring is athletic clothes, closed-toe shoes, and some stoke to learn about mountain biking! Click here to register and reserve your spot today.

Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions! Email info@outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6888

Covid-19 Note: These clinics will be held outside so masks will not be required. However, individuals are still encouraged to maintain 6 feet of social distancing when possible.

Learn to Ride a Bike
May 9 | 4 PM & 6 PM
Let our League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors teach you how to ride a bike using the gliding technique! With this simple and effective technique, most students are pedaling within an hour and off riding in no time.

Students will learn the ABC quick check, proper bicycle and helmet fit, safety checks, how gears and brakes work, balancing, starting and stopping, pedaling, the different types of bicycles, rules for sidewalks, greenway and neighborhood riding, roadway signage, hand signaling and more!

These free classes are offered every 2nd Monday of the month thanks to a partnership with Outdoor Chattanooga, the City of Chattanooga and the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga as a way to give back to the community and create new, confident riders!

Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions! Email info@outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6888

Classes are an hour and a half with a maximum of 5 people for quality instruction. If the class is full, we recommend joining the waitlist as space often becomes available. Bikes and helmets are available to borrow, or you may bring your own. Reservations required in advance. Recommended for ages 5+
Learn to Skateboard
May 14 | 9:30 AM - 11 AM
Just like in previous years, Outdoor Chattanooga is partnering with Chatt Town Skate Park to offer FREE learn to skateboard clinics! Hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga as well as local skateboarding enthusiasts and volunteers, these classes will introduce you to all things skateboarding! Whether you are just figuring out how to stand on a board or dialing in your kickflip, these classes are for you.

Each class is 90 minutes long. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide all the gear you need (skateboard, helmet, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads). You are also welcome to bring and use your own equipment. The class will be taught by our wonderful local volunteers. Click here to register and reserve your spot today! If the class is full, we recommend joining the waitlist as space often becomes available.

2022 Remaining Classes:
9:30-11am
  • May 14
  • June 11

Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions!
Email Info@outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6888

Paddle Smart Chattanooga

This summer, Outdoor Chattanooga is bringing back its Paddle Smart Chattanooga series! The Paddle Smart Chattanooga classes are a series of courses intended to give you the confidence needed to safely and intelligently navigate Chattanooga's scenic waterways. If you have recently purchased your own kayak/canoe/sup, but find the open waterways shared by motorized watercraft to be overwhelming, then this class is for you!

Paddling safely starts before you even get on the water. Our expert staff will start by teaching you the very basics: transporting your watercraft, carrying your watercraft, and outfitting your watercraft to maximize comfort and function. After covering these fundamentals, we will jump into the core topics of the class: paddling techniques, navigation essentials, entry and exit practices, self rescue techniques, TN boater laws, and more! Participants will also receive information on additional resources for paddling in the Chattanooga area.
Instructional classes are typically held at Chester Frost State Park, but can be subject to change. The cost is $10 per person if you have your own equipment or $35 per person if you use Outdoor Chattanooga equipment (kayak, paddle, and lifejacket). The class is appropriate for ages 10+ and youth must be accompanied by a participating adult. Pre-registration is required as class sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction in a small group setting. Click here to register online or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888. See you on the water!



Summer 2022 Dates:

  • Friday, June 17 6pm-8pm
  • Friday July 1 6pm-8pm
  • Saturday July 16 9am-11am
  • Friday July 29 6pm-8pm

Outdoor Community Events
Iron Man
It's May and that means it's time for the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon hosted by McKee, A Family Bakery! This event expects to draw in thousands of visitors from all over to participate in or spectate the race. The scenic course offers racers a unique, PR setting 1.4 mile swim going downriver as well as a beautiful bike ride through historic Chickamauga. The course ends with a 13.1 mile run through downtown Chattanooga, making it a fun, spectator friendly event. Click here for more information about the race. Make sure to check out the course to plan where you want to spectate from!

Volunteers are also still needed for the event. Click here if you are interested in signing up to help!

Cost:
Free to spectate

Location:
Downtown Chattanooga

Date:
Sunday, May 22nd

May 7 | 11 AM - 3 PM
Join us in Coolidge Park for one of Chattanooga's happiest days of the year! Mingle among artists, enjoy international food and see some amazing art from our students at Hamilton County. Artists, students and anyone with something fun on wheels will line their creations under the Market Street Bridge to celebrate our creative community. Register to bring your own creation, or come down to enjoy the art and vote for your favorite student art car. There are two awards for student art car lineup entries: The Gold Gnome for the People's Choice Award with $500 and the EPB Energy Pro, Green Art Car Award with $650 going to the class or student with the most creative Green Prix Art Car electrical or foot powered entry.


Cost:
Free!

Location:
Coolidge Park

Date and Time:
Saturday, May 7 11:00am-3:00pm

Click Here for more information!
NightFall is back in Miller Plaza for its 35th season this year! This free concert series, produced by Chattanooga Presents, is held each Friday night from May 27th to September 2nd rain or shine! Join us in enjoying this multi-week event full of diverse, quality music performed by artists from all over the world, many of whom are performing in our city for the first time on the Miller Plaza stage. Attendees can also expect lawn games and family-friendly activities for everyone! Individuals are encouraged to arrive early to browse and shop handmade artisan goods at the NightFall Art Market in Miller Park beginning at 6:00pm. In addition to providing curated entertainment, NightFall has always played a key role in promoting the overall health and animation of downtown Chattanooga. There's something very special about the community NightFall creates that makes it a one-of-a-kind event for our city. Click here for more information.

Cost:
Free!

Location:
Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga

Date and Time:
First concert is May 27. 7:00pm openers and 8:00pm headliners
Upcoming Events
Outdoor Chattanooga | 423.643.6888 | info@outdoorchattanooga.com