Play on the ‘sprayground’
If all goes as planned, the new water park at Warner Park will open June 7. Similar to the Coolidge Park fountains, this “sprayground” for ages 12 and younger has 25 features that gush, stream, bubble and squirt. Stay tuned for information on a Name the Sprayground contest sponsored by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Dance-off
Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who led partner Erin Andrews to a Top 3 finish on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” this season, will be the special guest for Dancing With the Stars Chattanooga, a fundraiser for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. The local dance competition partners six amateur dancers with Fred Astaire instructors to see who can best strut their stuff on the dance floor. The competition is scheduled June 26 at the Tivoli Theatre. Tickets: 697-3829, www.dancingwiththestarschattanooga.com.
Hot rods
The pages of Hot Rod Magazine will come to life June 9 as performance vehicles from across the country descend on Chattanooga. The 16th annual Hot Rod Power Tour will stop at Chattanooga State Community College as part of a seven-day, seven-city tour bringing more than half a billion dollars worth of automotive eye candy to America’s heartland. www.hotrod.com.
Bella Sera
Food from a dozen restaurants, wines to complement each dish and a gorgeous view of the river combine for Bella Sera on June 5. World band Ogya will provide the music for this evening soiree at Renaissance Park. Proceeds benefit Chattanooga Endeavors. Tickets: 265-0771, www.bellaseraevent.com.
Music, music, music
Three festivals highlight the music calendar this month:
* JFest, June 5-6 at Camp Jordan in East Ridge. This contemporary Christian festival features Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Barlow Girl and Sidewalk Prophets among its acts. Tickets: 892-1200, www.jfest2010.com.
* Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, June 10-13 in Manchester, Tenn. Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and Norah Jones are among the musical heavyweights, but expect Team Coco to storm the stage for Conan O’Brien. Tickets: www.bonnaroo.com.
* Riverbend Festival, June 11-19 at Ross’s Landing. Chattanooga’s nine-day party on the river returns with headliners including Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss, Third Day, Darius Rucker, George Clinton, Billy Currington and the Charlie Daniels Band. Admission pins are on sale at area Kangaroo stores. Info: www.riverbendfestival.com.