TJG & the 423's will perform at 7:20 p.m. for the Best Town (For) Ever party.If you go
› What: Best Town (For) Ever celebration.› When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.› Where: 700 block of Cherry Street.› Admission: Free.› Website: RiverRocksChattanooga.com.
Bass player Christian L. Craan fronts local reggae band Milele Roots, which is scheduled to take the stage at 8:40 p.m.When Chattanooga won the 2015 edition of Outside Magazine's Best Places To Live in the U.S., a party was held to celebrate that Best Town designation as well as being the only town to win twice.
This year, Chattanooga Presents is again throwing a party to celebrate civic pride, but this time its theme is Best Town (For) Ever. The free party will be held downtown Friday, Oct. 14, in the 700 block of Cherry Street celebrating everything that makes Chattanooga great as well as marking the conclusion of RiverRocks.
RiverRocks is the outdoor adventure festival held each October that includes world-class sports competitions as well as events for amateurs and families. It highlights hiking, biking, swimming and other adventures to be found in the city's scenic locales.
Once the second full weekend was slotted as the best time for the party, Chattanooga Presents had to be mindful of another fall weekend tradition.
"Friday served as the best option for a free public-entertainment event since Saturday night is the date for the Tennessee-Alabama football game," says Carla Pritchard, executive director of Chattanooga Presents. "It's for everyone to come enjoy a free block party."
The party kicks off at 6 p.m. with music by Ogya, followed by TJG & the 423s at 7:20 p.m. and reggae band Milele Roots from 8:40 until the party concludes at 10 p.m. Pritchard says food trucks will be on-site to purchase dinner and nonalcoholic drinks, along with libations from Chattanooga Brewing Co. and Chattanooga Whiskey.
There will be a small expo of outdoor outfitters and nonprofits, a 23-foot jungle gym dome and street performers. Not all the party is at street level, though. Look up during the 7 p.m. band break to catch Edward Yates slacklining across the street from building to building.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.
Upcoming outdoor events
The RiverRocks entertainment schedule climaxes this weekend, but there are still adventures for runners, hikers, cyclists and climbers the rest of the month. Get registration and payment information (if applicable) at www.riverrockschattanooga.com.Today, Oct. 13› Lookout Mountain Challenge, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Join Velo View Bike Tours for a ride from downtown to the top of the city’s most iconic mountain.Friday, Oct. 14› Wings To Soar raptor program, 7-9 p.m.Join John Stokes and Dale Kernahan to interact with birds of prey at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, 400 Garden Road. Cost for members is $5 adults, $2 children; nonmembers pay $15 and $12. Reservations are needed.Saturday, Oct. 15› The Cannonball, 8 a.m.-noonPerhaps the most grueling of the RiverRocks events, this race on Stringer’s Ridge starts with all comers at 8 a.m. Runners have one hour to complete the 4-mile trail loop. The race re-ups each hour (time limits may change at race director’s discretion) until the last runner remains. There’s also a 10K option.› Lula Lake Five Points 50/25, 9 a.m.-noonPresented by Lula Lake Land Trust and Roost Racing, the city’s ultimate endurance mountain bike race packs single tracks, climbs, downhills, rock gardens and smooth flowing trails into the grueling course. The 25-mile option is new this year.› McLemore Cove Ramble, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.What is arguably the prettiest bike ride of RiverRocks loops through rural farmland in North Georgia.Sunday, Oct. 16› 7 Bridges Marathon, 7 a.m.-noonRunners complete this 26.2-mile race by crossing the Tennessee River multiple times on the city’s seven signature bridges.› 7 Bridges events, 7:30-11:30 a.m.Runners who don’t want to complete the full course can choose a Desmond Doss Memorial 4 Bridges Half Marathon, 2 Bridges 5K or the Kiddie K.Saturday, Oct. 22› Trailblaze Challenge, 8 a.m.-noonThis 26-mile endurance hike at Lula Lake Land Trust follows trails with varying terrain gradients and boasts stunning overlooks. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of East Tennessee.› Triple Crown of Bouldering, 8 a.m.-noonThis climbing competition has become legendary, thanks in part to the lines and bouldering conditions of the Stone Fort, considered one of the best boulder fields in the country.› ChattaJack 31, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.This 31-mile paddle race (kayaks, paddleboards, canoes) is sold out, but spectators are welcome to watch from the riverside as paddlers travel through the Tennessee River Gorge from Ross’s Landing to Nickajack Lake.Sunday, Oct. 30› Nature Calls, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.This 5K social race at Lula Lake Land Trust is about as easy as they come, but hikers can up the ante with the 15K option that includes a high-adventure trail and rope section. A $5 barbecue dinner will follow.
Rather than the Tennessee Aquarium peaks, highliner Edward Yates will walk across a slackline stretched between buildings near the party site at 700 Cherry St. for the Best Town (For) Ever party.