Chattanooga’s festival scene is growing rapidly thanks to the city’s growth, its proximity to other major cities, and the current availability of parking, promoters say.
Jfest, a one-day Christian music festival sponsored by the nonprofit Christian radio station J103, held its event at Camp Jordan for 20 years but, anticipating growth, this year decided to move the May event to the Tennessee Riverpark off Amnicola Highway.
Attendance has grown over the years to 10,000, and moving the event to the scenic – and spacious – bank of the Tennessee River will hopefully drive those numbers even higher, says Ted Gocke, festival director and morning show host at J103.
“Once you hit 10,000 people, 15,000 and 20,000 come in just a few years,” Gocke says. “We will get momentum the more people come. The more the festival makes, then you can invest more in your artist lineup, you can invest more in marketing.
Gawvii performs at a previous Jfest at Camp Jordan Park. The Christian music festival, which draws more than 10,000 people, will move to the Tennessee Riverpark for its May event. Organizers hope the new location will bring 15,000 to 20,000 fans within a few years.“We draw people from five to six different states, but once we can market in other states, then you will see it grow even more.”