Here’s what’s happening this week in the Chattanooga area.
New digital comics
The Chattanooga Public Library has added a new digital collection of independent comics and graphic novels, Comics Plus, giving cardholders unlimited access by computer, tablet or phone with no holds, wait lists or monthly borrowing limits. Publishers include Boom! Studios, Dark Horse, Image Comics, Oni Press and Tokyopop. Comic books and manga are available in three age-appropriate collections: a children’s library for pre-K to middle-school readers, a teen library for high schoolers and a full collection for adults. Library Executive Director Will O’Hearn said library officials “were drawn to Comics Plus because of how accessible it is.” Comics Plus is also a favorite in many classrooms because of its range of genres. More than superheroes and cartoons, graphic novels, manga and comics range from classic literature adaptations to nonfiction and memoir. Find out more at chattlibrary.org/comicsplus.
(READ MORE: Get caught up: Things to do this weekend)
ARTS
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts’ Juried Member Show in Main and Landis galleries, through Sept. 5. avarts.org
CHA ART SPACE — Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport ticketing area, 1001 Airport Road. “Flora & Fauna,” through Oct. 2. avarts.org
CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY — 1001 Broad St. “Fun on the Spectrum: A Selection of Work From Hart Gallery Artists” show and sale, with many of the works created and printed in the library’s 4th Floor Makerspace, through Aug. 30. Features artists Alex Scoggins, Angel Pellegrino, Cal Mansour, Christopher Kolbas and Winter Watson. hartgallery.org, chattlibrary.org
CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — 4501 Amnicola Highway. “Amalgamation” surrealism-inspired works by drawing students, through Aug. 1 in Denise Heinly Art Center. chattanoogastate.edu
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. “Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War,” Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts of the former slave and U.S. War Department employee. nps.gov/chch
CREATIVE ARTS GUILD — 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. “Then Is Also Now” by Kait Steward in Gallery Five20 and “Rooting for the Ridge” by Tony Carlson and the Rocky Face Ridge Resilient Communities team in Gallery One11, Aug. 1-29. Opening reception, 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1. creativeartsguild.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. franklincoarts.org
— Through July 27: Community show, “Living Is Easy.”
— July 31-Sept. 28: Community show, “Upcycle Art and Wearables.” Reception, 2-5 p.m. CDT Sept. 20 (earlier time), with attendees voting for Best in Show ($100 prize), second and third place ($50 and $25). Works may be submitted through July 27.
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. Art Wise with Valerie Paley, senior vice president of the New York Historical Society, which organized current exhibition “Walk This Way: Footwear From the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes,” 6-7 p.m. July 31. Free with regular admission: $20 nonmember adults. huntermuseum.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. “Flip Flop Flutter,” metal sculpture by Denice Bizot, through July 31. intowngallery.com
LIQUIDAMBAR ART GALLERY — Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn. Showcase of ceramics, sculptures, flame-worked glass, metal ornaments, kaleidoscopes, paintings by local artists, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT every Saturday-Sunday (other times by appointment). Forest Nature Trails also open. 404-698-5444
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. river-gallery.com
— Through July 31: Works by Julie Latayan and Shelley Hopkins.
— Aug. 1-31: Works by Jessica White (prints), Mary Lynn Portera (ceramics) and P.E. Foster (wood-relief wall pieces). Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 1. Printmaking demo with Jessica White, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 2.
STOVE WORKS — 1250 E. 13th St. “An Invisible Current: Engaging With History,” Aug. 1-Nov. 15. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 1. stoveworks.org
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. thecomedycatch.com
— July 31: Next Level Comedy Showcase, 7 p.m. $13.
— Aug. 1-2: Janet Williams, “The Tennessee Tramp,” 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. $22-$27.
IMPROV CHATTANOOGA — The Chattery, 231 Broad St. Introduction to Improv, 6-8 p.m. July 31. $18. thechattery.org
FAITH
BIBLE LANDS MUSEUM — White Oak Church of Christ, 2229 Lyndon Ave., Red Bank. Traveling exhibit features artifacts and displays from throughout Bible history, including 1st-century Roman armor, models of the tabernacle and Herod’s temple, crucifixion display and Greek and Persian arrows from 800 B.C., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 1-2, 2-6 p.m. Aug. 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 4. Also includes lectures on the global flood, Israelites in Egyptian bondage, Roman crucifixion, Roman and Christian armor and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Free admission. 423-877-9762
FISH FRY & FLEA MARKET — St. Paul AME Church, 2514 Williams St. Annual event, 11 a.m. (until) Aug. 2, includes fish plates with coleslaw, baked beans and bread for $10 or fish sandwich for $7. Vendor spaces $25 for nonmembers. 423-504-0385
GOSPEL CONCERT — Lupton Drive Baptist Church, 859 Lupton Drive. Greater Vision, 6 p.m. Aug. 3. Email: luptondrivebc@epbfi.com
FILM
BOBBY STONE FILM SERIES — Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave. Summerlong “Set in the South” series continues. $10-$12. tivolichattanooga.com
— Aug. 1: “Down by Law,” 8 p.m.
— Aug. 2: “Holes,” 3 p.m.; “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” 8 p.m.
— Aug. 3: “Steel Magnolias,” 2 p.m.; “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” 5 p.m.
IMAX THEATER — 201 Chestnut St. Feature-film and special-event screenings. Various show times and ticket prices. tnaqua.org/imax
— Through Aug. 7: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
— Through Aug. 28: “T.Rex 3D.”
— Through September: “Call of the Dolphins 3D.”
— Through November: “Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D.”
SUMMER MOVIE SERIES — Patriot Hall, 320 Emberson Drive, Ringgold, Ga. Screenings of family-friendly movies conclude with “Inside Out 2,” 11 a.m. July 29. Concessions start at 10:30 a.m., with nothing over $2. nothinlikeringgold.com
MUSIC
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
— July 27: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, 7:30 p.m. $22.
— July 30: Wednesday Jazz with the Matt Turnure Trio, 7:30 p.m. $10-$12.
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. Free shows on the patio, 1-4 p.m. each Sunday. barrelhouse ballroom.com
— July 27: Augustana, with Caleb Lovely, 8 p.m. $30-$35.
— July 29: Bluegrass Jam with Randy Steele, 6:30 p.m. beginner, 7:30 p.m. intermediate. Free.
— Aug. 1: Tease Tease Tease: A Sabrina Carpenter Night, 9 p.m. $15-$20.
— Aug. 2: Jerry Fest with St. Owsley, Tennessee’s Dead, Chants in the Void, Gold Turns Grey, The Other Brothers and Crooked Wits, 3 p.m. $25-$30.
THE CAVERNS — 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. All times Central. thecaverns.com
— Aug. 2: Macy Gray, with Terra Renae and Kyshona, 8 p.m. $88.
— Aug. 3: Mike Farris & The Fortunate Few, with Jason Lee Wilson & James County, 4 p.m. $78.
CHOO CHOO CHORUS — Ponders Funeral Home, 4203 Brainerd Road. Sing with ensemble specializing in four-part a cappella music in barbershop style, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays. Free voice lessons. 423-265-SING (7464).
DOWNTOWN SUMMER NIGHTS — 116 N. Main St., Decatur, Tenn. Free biweekly concert series on downtown stage concludes with Back to School Bash Aug. 2, with karaoke at 6 p.m., followed by Madelyn Tallent and Tyson Leamon. Food and craft vendors on-site. Bring your own seating. meigscountychamber.org
THE LINEUP OFF BATTLEFIELD — Northwest Georgia Amphitheater, 220 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga. Free family entertainment series continues Aug. 1 (and other first and third Fridays through August) with music by Backwater Southern at 6:30 p.m. and screening of “The Wild Robot” at 8:30 p.m. Includes food and craft vendors, cornhole tournament. catoosarec.com
OFF THE RAILS — Burr Performing Arts Park, 101 S. Hamilton St., Dalton, Ga. Summer concert series continues with music by Chasing Streetlights, Ben Honeycutt and headliner Three Star Revival, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 (and other Fridays into September). Free admission. visitdaltonga.com
PIKEVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS — 3100 Main St., Pikeville, Tenn. Monthly series by Main Street Committee concludes Aug. 2 with cruise-in, 4-8 p.m., and music by Legacy, 5-7 p.m. (all times Central), rain or shine. facebook.com
PLAY THE PARK — Angel Park, University Avenue, Sewanee, Tenn. New initiative inviting local and regional bands to perform live on assigned weekends in August and September. Email for bookings: jimmy@thebluechair.com
RIVERFRONT NIGHTS — Ross’s Landing, 100 Riverfront Parkway. Free music series continues Aug. 2 with Purple Madness: A Tribute to Prince headlining and Le Gato opening at 7 p.m. Concessions open at 6 p.m. Includes family games and pet-friendly activities. Free. riverfrontnights.com
SENIORS GOT TALENT — Silverdale Baptist Academy, 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive. Morning Pointe Foundation’s sixth annual talent competition featuring 12 local acts, including singers, guitarists, a pianist and a bluegrass band, with all participants over age 60, 7-9 p.m. July 31. Top three finishers win cash prizes ($1,000, $500 and $250); audience votes for People’s Choice Award. Proceeds go toward nursing and other scholarships and caregiver support programs. $10. morningpointefoundation.com
SONGBIRDS — 206 W. Main St. songbirdsfoundation.org
— July 31: Open Mic Night, 6:30-9 p.m. Sign-ups for 10 slots start at 6 p.m. Free but donations encouraged.
— Aug. 3: Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale, with Richard Daigle, 7 p.m. $25-$36.
OUT & ABOUT
BLUE RIDGE COIN SHOW — Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, Ga. Blue Ridge Numismatic Association’s 66th annual convention open to public 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 2. Show features U.S., world and ancient coins and U.S. and world currency gold, silver and platinum bullion. Saturday classes: Ancient Coins of the Holy Land, 10:30 a.m.; Counterfeiting, 11:30 a.m.; Youth Numismatics, 1 p.m. brna.org
BLUE STAR MUSEUMS — Summer initiative between National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families for free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, through Sept. 1. Includes Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, Hunter Museum of American Art, the International Towing & Recovery Museum and Sculpture Fields in Chattanooga. Full list: arts.gov
BUMBLEBEE CONSERVATION — Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road. — Xerces Society co-hosts Southeast Bumblebee Atlas Training Workshop to participate in community science project for bumblebee conservation, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Free, but registration required. reflectionriding.org
CHATTANOOGA MARKET — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Weekly gathering of local artists, crafters and food vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
— July 27: Chattanooga Bluegrass Day, with music by New Grass Express and Cross & Co.
— Aug. 3: National Farmers Market Week, with music by Off the Top and Tres Winn.
CHATTANOOGA MILITARIA & AMERICANA SHOW & SALE — Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. American Digger Magazine event features buy, sale and trade opportunities with vendors of Civil War relics, Indian artifacts, antique bottles, historic arts and prints, militaria of World Wars I and II, old coins and currency, muskets and swords, metal detectors, old newspapers, historical books and antique jewelry, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 27 (last day). Free appraisals.$10. americandigger.com
CHATTANOOGA RIVER MARKET — Tennessee Aquarium plaza, 1 Broad St. Weekly gathering of local artists, crafters and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 2 (and other Saturdays through October). Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
CHRISTMAS IN JULY — Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain. Santa Claus pays daytime visits as part of summer promotion offering discounted tickets in advance for Enchanted Garden of Lights during holiday season, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 27 (last day; park open 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.). Free cookies with Santa while supplies last; Poinsettia Slushies for sale at Cliff Terrace. Portion of tickets sold for Enchanted Garden of Lights is donated to Ronald McDonald House of Greater Chattanooga. Free visits with Santa with regular admission: $33-$43 at gate (cheaper online). seerockcity.com
CIVIC EDUCATION SERIES — The Chattery, 231 Broad St. League of Women Voters of Chattanooga presents fall series designed to foster civic engagement and promote informed dialogue, 4-5:30 p.m. first Sundays, August through November. Aug. 3 features Chattanooga immigration attorney Blake Gilbert discussing current immigration laws, evolving policies and effects on individuals and communities at local, state and national levels. Free but register: thechattery.org
COCKTAILS & PHOTOGRAPHY — Common House, 1517 Mitchell Ave. Chattanooga Times Free Press photojournalist Lyric Lewin leads workshop on composition and lighting with a drink you’ll imbibe, 6-8 p.m. July 29. Bring your own camera or smartphone. Participants receive free one-month subscription to Lewin’s weekly newsletter, “What To Eat Next.” $18. thechattery.org
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. “The Pigeon Comes to Chattanooga: A Mo Willems Exhibit,” hands-on exhibit based on “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and other books by the children’s author, through Sept. 7. Regular admission: $20 (ages 2 and up). cdmfun.org
CRUZIN’ THE DEPOT — Nashville Street, Ringgold, Ga. Monthly event by Ringgold Cruisers and Pharaohs Choo Choo car clubs, 6 p.m. Aug. 2 (and other first Saturdays through November). nothinlikeringgold.com
DINNER DETECTIVE SHOW — DoubleTree Chattanooga Hamilton Place, 2232 Center St. Themed interactive comedy murder mystery, with plated dinner, 6 p.m. Aug. 2 and other dates through October. $57. thedinnerdetective.com
EAST RIDGE SPLASH PAD — 1509 Tombras Ave. Water feature behind Pioneer Frontier Playground open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through September (weather and maintenance issues may affect hours). eastridgetn.gov
FARLEYCON — Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Pop-culture and comic-book expo in 10th year features panels, vendors, cosplay and special guests including comic creators, voice actors, actors and other creatives from franchises including “The Walking Dead” and “G.I. Joe,” 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 3. Special appearance by Neva Howell, the Dade County, Georgia, actress who plays Martha Kent in “Superman.” $20 Saturday, $15 Sunday, $30 both days; separate charge for photos and autographs. Free admission. farleycon.com
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY — Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, 5704 Marlin Road. End of Summer Bash features specialties from multiple food trucks and celebrations of National Watermelon Day (Aug. 3), National Burger Day (Aug. 27) and National Eat Outside Day (Aug. 31), 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 1 (and other first and third Fridays). kitchenincchatt.org
(READ MORE: Chef Maxene Thomas brings Caribbean island vibe to Chattanooga)
FEE-FREE DAY AT NATIONAL PARKS — Anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act on Aug. 4 is marked by free admission to any national park that typically charges an entrance fee, including Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn. nps.gov/chch
NEW ECHOTA STATE HISTORIC SITE — 1211 Chatsworth Highway NE, Calhoun, Ga. Summer activities at the former Cherokee capital include Ask a Ranger, 10-10:30 a.m. July 31; and First Saturday Hike, 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 2. $6-$8 admission. gastateparks.org/newechota
PINK BRIDE WEDDING & WOMEN’S SHOW — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Expo of wedding industry and related vendors includes shopping opportunities, food samples, design ideas, deals and prizes, noon-3 p.m. Aug. 3. Free general admission; $40 bride bundle includes exclusive promos and giveaways. thepinkbride.com
RC AIR SHOW — Summit Airfield, 4246 Old Woodland Drive, Ooltewah. Chattanooga Remote Control Club’s third annual event includes stunts by scale-model planes, drones, helicopters, gliders, rockets and cars, plus appearance by Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, food vendors, children’s activities and giveaways, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 2. $5 donation per car. eventbrite.com
RED BANK ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS — Joseph Glasscock Community Center, 3653 Tom Weathers Drive. Guest speakers, fitness classes, games, art and social activities for adults 55 and older (nonresidents welcome), 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. RSVP: redbanktn.gov
SALUTE TO SERVICE — Tennessee State Parks series offers free one-night camping stay and waived fees for golf to all veterans in 2025 on the birthday of each branch of service, leading up to nation’s 250th anniversary, continuing Aug. 4 for the Coast Guard. Reservations: 888-867-2757
SKATE STATION — Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St. Pop-up roller rink inside the dome, with themed parties, workshops and special events, through Aug. 2. Hours: 2-9 p.m. Thursday, 2-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2-7 p.m. Sunday. Promotions include Free Family Day with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, July 27; Latin Night, 6-9 p.m. July 31; EDM Night, 6-10 p.m. Aug. 1; Final Skate Blowout with Shoey, 7-19 p.m Aug. 2. $10 admission, $4 skate rental. dazeyskate.com
STABLE 41 FARMERS MARKET — 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Locally sourced foods and artisan goods with weekly themes and activities, 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Themes: Back to School, July 27; National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 3. stable41market.com
TAKE A BREAK IN MILLER PARK — 928 Market St. Midday break for office workers and others to eat from food trucks, play games and watch Scenic City Sideshows performers, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. July 31 (and other Thursdays through September). rivercitycompany.com
TENNESSEE’S SALES TAX HOLIDAY — Tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping until midnight July 27. No state sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies under $100 and computers under $1,500 (all per item); some exclusions apply. List of eligible and noneligible items: tn.gov/revenue
(READ MORE: How to save money during Tennessee’s sales-tax holiday)
VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE — Vegan Outreach event in second year has 16 participating Chattanooga-area restaurants offering plant-based menu items to win customer votes, through July 31. Winning dishes will be announced in August. veganchallenge.org/chattanooga
(READ MORE: Restaurant Scene: Chattanooga’s Vegan Chef Challenge features plenty of choices)
SPORTS
CHATTANOOGA FOOTBALL CLUB — Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. Men’s MLS Next Pro professional soccer team vs. Toronto FC II, 7 p.m. Aug. 2. Block party in adjacent First Horizon Pavilion, 4-6 p.m. $12 and up. chattanoogafc.com
CHATTANOOGA LOOKOUTS — AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. Minor-league baseball team vs. Knoxville Smokies, 7:15 p.m. July 29-Aug. 2, 2:15 p.m. Aug. 3. Promotions: Back to School Night with backpack drive, plus BOGO tickets with Food City ValuCard on Tuesday; CrimeStoppers Safety Night and Chick-fil-A giveaway via app on Wednesday; Thirsty Thursday drink specials; College Football Night with SEC championship ticket giveaway, UTC Night and fireworks Friday; 34th annual Used Car Night and spin to win prizes on Saturday, plus team plays as Chattanooga Wreckers; Lego baseball giveaway to first 1,000 fans and free ticket with canned-food donation Sunday; kids run the bases after every game. $10-$13. milb.com/chattanooga
THEATER
ARTISTIC CIVIC THEATRE — 907 Gaston St., Dalton, Ga. “Big Fish,” 2 p.m. July 27, 7:30 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2. $14-$19. artisticcivictheatre.com
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
— July 31: Seed Theatre’s “So You Think You Can Drag,” open-mic drag and burlesque night, 8 p.m. $10 cover supports theater’s work to create inclusive spaces for artists. Sign up online to perform.
— Aug. 1-3: Seed Theatre’s “Shades of Red,” Wendy Pursley’s one-woman show of six storytelling characters, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $25-$35; $100 VIP table for two. All proceeds fund gender-affirming medical care for a member of the local trans community.
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. “The SpongeBob Musical,” final show in company’s 101st season, 2:30 p.m. July 27, 7:30 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 3. $23-$35. theatrecentre.com
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplayhouse.com
— Through July 27: “The Miss Firecracker Contest,” a Southern gothic comedy by Beth Henley. $20-$36.
— Through Aug. 10: “Hairspray,” the Broadway musical. $20-$36.
DALTON LITTLE THEATRE — 210 N. Pentz St. “Dungeons & … A Night of Improv Revivified,” 2 p.m. July 27 (final show). $10-$15. daltonlittletheatre.com
GHOSTLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT — Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold. Ga. Chattanooga-based community theater company presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” 2:30 p.m. July 27 (final show). $25-$30. ghostlight.site
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM — 399 McCallie Ave. Touring production of Broadway’s “Les Miserables,” set against the social and political tensions of 19th-century France, concludes, 1:30 and 7 p.m. July 27. Tickets start at $57. tivolichattanooga.com
THE RINGGOLD PLAYHOUSE — Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., Ringgold, Ga. “Into the Woods,” 2 p.m. July 27 (final show). $10-$12 ($2 more for walk-up). nothinlikeringgold.com
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress. com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281