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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Organizers discussing possible changes to Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival

Harry Koonce II rocks out as Sonic Brew cover's Van Halen's "Panama" on the Chevy Stage during Riverbend 2018 at Ross's Landing on Sunday, June 10, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Harry Koonce II rocks out as Sonic Brew cover's Van Halen's "Panama" on the Chevy Stage during Riverbend 2018 at Ross's Landing on Sunday, June 10, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Harry Koonce II rocks out as Sonic Brew cover's Van Halen's "Panama" on the Chevy Stage during Riverbend 2018 at Ross's Landing on Sunday, June 10, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Organizers of Chattanooga’s long-running Riverbend Festival are discussing possible changes including shortening the event’s annual run from 9 days to one weekend, but an event official says nothing has been decided.

Changes could be announced in the next couple of weeks, Friends of the Festival Executive Director Chip Baker said in a statement to the Times Free Press.

Hugh Moore, Friends past president, longtime board member and a current member of the event’s Music Selection Committee, said Friday he thinks moving to a weekend-only format “is a good idea.”

He said the market has changed with the influx of shows in town, especially those brought in by AC Entertainment at the Tivoli and Memorial Auditorium. That makes it more difficult for Riverbend to book nine days worth of quality entertainment, Moore said.

“I do think there is a place for what Riverbend does, just on a smaller scale,” he said.