Circus performers, rock-climbing dancers and a one-of-a-kind light show are among the high-profile events closing out the RiverRocks festival this weekend.
The 10-day festival runs through Sunday, with some 30 activities over the next three days spotlighting what makes the great outdoors in Chattanooga so great.
But you don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy the festivities. Several entertainment options Saturday (and a couple tonight) are meant to leave you breathless in other ways.
Starting early Saturday, you’ll find plenty to do at Coolidge Park, where eco-friendly exhibits will grab your attention. A bevy of old-time musicians will be performing at Renaissance Park. And an art show will be set up on the Walnut Street Bridge.
After 5:30 p.m. Saturday, the action moves to Coolidge Park for finale events. Admission is free.
Find out more at www.riverrockschattanooga.com.
DOUG WHITE MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOW
This former Cirque du Soleil performer will show off his “don’t try this at home” tricks in four shows this weekend. White has an amazing capacity for showmanship on his mountain bike, jumping picnic tables, flipping off ramps and seemingly balancing on thin air.
* See him: 6:30 p.m. today; 2, 4 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
CIRCUS JUVENTAS
This show will feature the daredevil antics, breathtaking aerial tricks and astonishing contortion of advanced-level students at this circus performing arts school in St. Paul, Minn. Their original production, “Sawdust,” is an adventure tale set in the golden age of traveling circuses.
* See them: 7 p.m. today.
ASCENDANCE PROJECT
Perhaps you saw them on “America’s Got Talent,” but you can’t truly appreciate the artistry of the AscenDance Project performers until you see them scale a wall in person. Their amazing acts of choreography, complete with dramatic lighting and music, will make you forget they are scaling these heights gracefully with just their fingertips and toes.
* See them: 7 p.m. Saturday.
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS
This six-member group of musicians was named by Esquire magazine as one of the Top 10 bands of the 2010 South by Southwest Festival. Based in Los Angeles, the band is known for its fresh approach to vintage soul and pop, combined with an energetic live performance. You may notice there’s no lead guitar. Instead, sax and organ are the band’s trademark, along with the cool chemistry between frontman Michael Fitzpatrick and alluring co-singer Noelle Scaggs.
* See them: 8-9:15 p.m. Saturday.
CIRCLE OF LIGHT
You’ve never seen anything like this before. This prototype light show, designed and created specifically for the RiverRocks finale, combines stunning lights, graceful balloons and dramatic music to make a lasting impression. Designed by Full Spectrum Media, the LED illumination will rise from the circle at Coolidge Park and encompass the audience on-site with a Circle of Light.
* See it: 9:30 p.m. Saturday.