1: Open Day at Lula Lake Land Trust
The gates to Lula Lake and Lula Falls are again open to the public. The property will be open on the first and last Saturday of each month until October, allowing visitors to hike, bike, picnic and more. Open Gate Days are free, but donations are encouraged to help keep the property available. Find out more at bit.ly/1YstKSo.
3: "For the Love"
Get ready to fall in love with "For the Love," a beautifully crafted documentary about extreme whitewater kayaking and the paddling lifestyle. The film will be premiered at Rock/Creek's 1530 Riverside Drive location, then followed by a 30-minute Q&A session with the filmmakers and a raffle for cool prizes. And, there will be beer. To buy tickets, visit bit.ly/1qOWxGx.
7: 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge
Join George and Rich Hincapie of Hincapie Sportswear for this event's 29th year. Hosted by Litespeed Bicycles and the Chattanooga Bicycle Club, this ride offers cyclists a choice of three routes: a 104-mile century route over three mountains through three states, a 64-mile metric route over one mountain through two states and a flat 25-miler through two states. Find out more at bit.ly/1jLPdoG.
7: Blueway Paddle
Grab your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and drift from the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway to a takeout on South Chickamauga Creek. This guided tour will showcase the work that the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy has done to keep the creek clean and navigable. Get your ticket at bit.ly/1T2v4tO.
7: Rabid Raccoon 25k
Rock/Creek's Rabid Raccoon 25k is not for the faint of heart. Beginning at the top of Raccoon Mountain, runners will race five miles to the bottom, then trudge up a lung-busting trail to the top. Those with the fastest time will be rewarded with an actual raccoon skull. Register at bit.ly/1R45pgw.
12: Another Gorgeous Evening
Who says outdoorsmen can't be classy? This event, held on the banks of the Tennessee River, benefits the treasured gorge and features dinner, dancing, cocktails and a silent auction of artwork by local artists. Bonus::The art will capture some of Chattanooga's breathtaking landscapes, giving you a chance to display your love of the outdoors (and sophistication). Get your ticket at trgt.org/tickets.
21: Paddling by Moonlight
The perfect activity for paddling enthusiasts and nature lovers, this after-hours trip along Lookout Creek offers a unique look at what happens on the property after sundown. Guided by Naturalist Corey Hagen, the moonlight explorers will catch glimpses of bats, beavers, roosting turkeys and barred owls. Find out more at reflectionriding.org/visit-4/calendar.
21: Succulent Planter Make and Take Workshop
You've seen them in magazines, you've seen them on Pinterest, now you can see them in your home garden! Learn how to create your own succulent combination planters during The Barn Nursery's Make and Take Workshop. Registering is just as easy as growing the plants themselves - just call 423-698-2276.
22: Ironman 70.3
It's that time of year again, and Chattanooga is ready. The Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga provides the perfect training opportunity and the perfect location for athletes looking to qualify for the prestigious September race. Competitors will swim down the gorgeous Tennessee River, bike past the spectacular Lookout Mountain and run on scenic the Tennessee Riverwalk and Riverfront Parkway. To register, visit bit.ly/1N7jhuV.
30: Freedom Run
Honor those who died protecting our country and support their families during the first-ever Freedom Run. The event, hosted by Run Chattanooga, feature a 1-mile, 5k and 5-mile option, and attendees are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue. The event is free, but donations and proceeds from shirt sales will be given to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. For more information, visit runchattanooga.org/freedomrun.
30: Chattanooga Chase
The Chattanooga Track Club invites runners, joggers and walkers to Chattanooga's oldest competitive road race for its 49th year. The event features two races: an 8k known for its challenging hills and breathtaking scenery, and a 1-mile race on a flat, fast course through gorgeous North Shore neighborhoods. Proceeds will go to the track's elementary cross country league. To register, visit chattanoogachase2016.com.