In the course of a year in Chattanooga, you can find shows that bring together fans of comic books, coins, birds, guns, trains and classic cars. Festivals that celebrate fall, wine, whiskey, books, music, art and the city's multiple cultures. Sporting events where you can be a superfan or an Ironman.
Times Free Press readers can keep tabs on what's coming each Thursday in ChattanoogaNow or check online anytime at www.ChattanoogaNow.com. In the meantime, we've picked 10 key dates you should add to your planner.
* April 11-12: 4 Bridges Arts Festival -- Presented by the Association for Visual Arts, this juried show draws talents from around the country and thousands of buyers to First Tennessee Pavilion to peruse the fine arts and crafts on display. A preview party on April 10 offers a first chance to buy limited-edition works. www.4bridgesartsfestival.org
* April 15: Lookouts home opener -- The Chattanooga Lookouts, newly signed as the Class AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, start their home season with a five-game series against the Birmingham Barons. The regular season continues through Sept. 7 at AT&T Field. www.lookouts.com
* April 16-18: Celebration of Southern Literature -- Billed as the premier literary event of the South, this biennial gathering of Southern literati boasts some of the biggest names in the business: Roy Blount Jr., Rick Bragg, Clyde Edgerton, Charles Frazier, Jill McCorkle and Jamie Quatro, just to name a few. They'll do panel discussions, autograph signings and book readings during the three-day conference. southernlitalliance.org
* April 25-26: Chattanooga Market -- A Sunday fixture on the Southside, this arts and crafts and farmers market at First Tennessee Pavilion will stretch into two days for its opening weekend. Themes change each week to support a different cause or spotlight a favorite fruit in season. chattanoogamarket.com
* May 1: Nightfall -- This free concert series brings a bevy of world-class musicians to Miller Plaza downtown. The weekly shows run Fridays through Aug. 28. nightfallchattanooga.com
* June 5-13: Riverbend Festival-- Acts are still being announced, but country fans can look forward to Coca-Cola Stage headliners Martina McBride on June 6, Merle Haggard on June 7 and Hunter Hayes on June 11. New this year is a 6:30 p.m. show on the Coke Stage at Ross's Landing before the headliners perform at 9:30. www.riverbendfestival.com.
* June 20: Jfest -- Presented by radio station J103, this contemporary Christian music festival features Sanctus Real and For King & Country in the all-day lineup at Camp Jordan. An after-party by Capital Kings will follow a fireworks show. jfest.com
* Sept. 26-27: Hamilton County Fair -- For some, this annual event is a competition for blue ribbons and bragging rights in a multitude of make, bake, sew and grow categories. For others, it's simply a chance to stroll Chester Frost Park to hear the bands, watch a blacksmith or pet a cow. www.hamiltontn.gov/fair
* Sept. 27: Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga -- This long-distance triathlon was such a success in its 2014 Chattanooga debut, a Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 has been added for 2015 (May 17). Crossing the finish line in the full competition requires a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. The Ironman 70.3 halves that distance. www.Ironman.com
* Oct. 3: Wine Over Water -- This soiree on the Walnut Street Bridge is your chance to sample wines from more than 100 wineries from around the world and nibble on tasting plates from area restaurants. www.wineoverwater.org