When it comes to getting outside, Chattanoogans are a pretty diverse bunch. Some live for the feel of their sneakers pounding the pavement, while others die a little every second they aren't slicing through water. But whether they run, swim, climb or fish, their diversity is not exclusive to their athletic preferences. Each disciple of the outdoors jams to a different type of music, craves a different kind of food and relates to a different culture. Luckily, Chattanooga and its sister cities have enough festivals to satisfy every taste. Get out and celebrate what you love with any of the more than 100 area festivals listed below.
In case you need a place to get started, we've highlighted one in each category that we've had the pleasure to visit locally and one we'd especially like to visit outside our Scenic City area.
MUSIC
APRIL
Rhythm N' Blooms Festival
Date: April 8-10
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $50 - $150
More info: rhythmnbloomsfest.com
Rites of Spring
Date: April 15-16
Location: Nashville
Admission: $40 - $60
More info: vanderbilt.edu/ros
Jazzanooga Festival
Last year's festival drew 6,791 people who saw 126 musicians or artists perform during 15 musical events, 10 education events, a walking tour, arts forum and a traveling exhibit. Headlining this year are Christian McBride Trio, Julie Dexter, Arturo O'Farrill and Julian Lage.
Date: April
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $22 - $100
More info: jazzanooga.org
MAY
Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival
Date: May 5-7
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $15 - $85
More info: boxcarforeverbluegrass.com
Nightfall Concert Series
Date: May 6-Aug. 26
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: nightfallchattanooga.com
Shaky Knees Music Festival
Date: May 13-15
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $97 - $236
More info: shakykneesfestival.com
JFest
Date: May 21
Location: East Ridge
Admission: $15 - $20
More info: jfest.com
SweetWater 420 Fest
Date: April 22-24
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $42 - $338
More info: sweetwater420fest.com
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Date: May 27-29
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: atlantafestivals.com
JUNE
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Date: June 9-12
Location: Manchester, Tenn.
Admission: $324.50 - $1,598.50
More info: bonnaroo.com
CMA Music Festival
Date: June 9-12
Location: Nashville
Admission: Free
More info: cmamusicfest.com
Riverbend Music Festival
Date: June 10-18
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $15 - $55
More info: riverbendfestival.com
Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival
Date: June 17-18
Location: Nashville
Admission: $5 - $25
More info: jumpnashville.com/jazzfest
Tunes from the Tombs
Enjoy a locals-only lineup in the eerily beautiful gardens of the historic Oakland Cemetery. This magnificent above-ground cemetery features architecture in Victorian, Greek Revival, Gothic, Neo-classical, Egyptian and Exotic Revival styles. Several mausoleums even feature stained glass windows from Tiffany Studios, and there are bronze urns cast at the first art foundry in America.
Date: June 18
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $5 - $20
More info: oaklandcemetery.com/?event=tunes-from-the-tombs-2
Meadow Lark Music Festival
Date: June 25
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $20 - $25
More info: ijams.org/meadowlarkfestival
JULY
Moonshine Music & Arts Festival
Date: July 1-3
Location: LaFayette, Ga.
Admission: $30 - $50
More info: moonshinemusicfest.com
AUGUST
Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival
Date: Aug. 13
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $10 - $20
More info: decaturbbqfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
Music Midtown
Date: September
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $125 - $1,200
More info: musicmidtown.com
ONE Musicfest
Date: September
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $50 - $90
More info: onemusicfest.com
TomorrowWorld
Date: September
Location: Chattahoochee Hills, Ga.
Admission: $327 - $407
More info: www.tomorrowworld.com
Americana Music Association Festival & Conference
Date: Sept. 20-25
Location: Nashville
Admission: $20 - $25
More info: americanamusic.org/about-festival
3 Sisters Music Festival
Date: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: 3sistersbluegrass.com
OCTOBER
A3C Hip Hop Festival
Date: October
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $65 - $399
More info: a3cfestival.com
Raccoon Valley Bluegrass Music Festival
Date: October
Location: Powell, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: raccoonvalleyfestival.com
Tennessee Fall Homecoming
Date: Oct. 7-9
Location: Clinton, Tenn.
Admission: $10 - $75
More info: museumofappalachia.org/events/tennessee-fall-homecoming-2015
CULTURE
APRIL
Rossini Festival International Street Fair
Date: April 23
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: knoxvilleopera.com/rossini
Latin Festival
Date: April 30
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: chattanoogastate.edu/international-outreach/festivals/latin-festival
MAY
Vestival
Date: May 7
Location: Candoro Marble, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: candoromarble.org/carous/what-a-celebration
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
Elaborate cultural costumes, musical performances and one hell of a parade cap this festival dedicated to the appreciation and understanding of Caribbean culture which has become a "mainstay on the calendars of West Indians from all over the world."
Date: May 28
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $20 - $25
More info: atlantacarnival.org
JUNE
Knoxville PrideFest
Date: June 18
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: knoxvillepridefest.org
Kuumba Festival
Date: June 23-26
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: sites.google.com/site/kuumbafestival
Nashville Pride Festival
Date: June 24-25
Location: Nashville
Admission: $5
More info: nashvillepride.org
AUGUST
Festival Peachtree Latino
Date: August
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: festivalpeachtreelatino.com
SEPTEMBER
Japanfest
Date: September
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $8
More info: japanfest.org
Greekfest
Date: September
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $2 - $3
More info: greekfesttn.com
HoLa Festival
Date: September
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: holahoralatina.org
African Street Festival
Date: September
Location: Nashville
Admission: Free
More info: aacanashville.org
Nashville Greek Festival
Date: Sept. 9-11
Location: Nashville
Admission: $3
More info: nashvillegreekfestival.com
Atlanta Greek Festival
Date: Sept. 22-25
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $5
More info: atlantagreekfestival.org
Hamilton County Fair
Date: Sept. 24-25
Location: Hixson, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: hamiltontn.gov/fair
OCTOBER
Rocktoberfest
As if oompa music, lederhosen, polka and lots and lots of beer needed any help, this Oktoberfest celebration grants you access to Rock City and its iconic sights, and you're sure to meet some (costumed) characters.
Date: October (every Saturday and Sunday)
Location: Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Admission: $12.95 - $22.95
More info: seerockcity.com/events/entry/rocktoberfest
National Black Arts Festival
Date: October (every Saturday and Sunday)
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $12.95 - $22.95
More info: nbaf.org
Oktoberfest
Date: October
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: chattanoogaoktoberfest.com
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival
Date: Oct. 1
Location: Nashville
Admission: Free
More info: celebratenashville.org
CultureFest
Date: Oct. 2
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: chattanooga.events/event/culturefest-2016
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
Date: Oct. 6-15
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $25 - $45
More info: atlantabtf.org
Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade
Date: Oct. 8-9
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: atlantapride.org
Stone Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Date: Oct. 14-16
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $5 - $25
More info: smhg.org
NAIA Pow Wow
Date: Oct. 14-16
Location: Nashville
Admission: $3 - $6
More info: naiatn.org/powwow
Mountain Makins'
Date: Oct. 22-23
Location: Morristown, Tenn.
Admission: $25
More info: facebook.com/MountainMakinsFestival
NOVEMBER
Indian Festival and Pow-Wow
Date: Nov. 3-6
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $15
More info: stonemountainpark.com/events/Indian-Festival-and-Pow-Wow
FOOD
APRIL
National Cornbread Festival
Date: April 23-24
Location: South Pittsburg, Tenn.
Admission: $5
More info: nationalcornbread.com
MAY
Strawberry Festival
While strawberries aren't a main focus - unless you count the strawberry shortcake we sampled at numerous vendors - this small-town festival is big on draw. There are carnival rides, music and cultural acts, and enough craft vendors for a year's worth of shopping.
Date: May 6-7
Location: Dayton, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: tnstrawberryfestival.com
Ragin' Cajun Crawfish Boil
Date: May 7
Location: Nashville
Admission: $49.95 - $79.95
More info: nashvillejuniorchamber.org/ragin-cajun-crawfish-festival
International Biscuit Festival
Date: May 14
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $10 - $75
More info: biscuitfest.com
JUNE
Atlanta Street Food Festival
Date: June 11-12
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $20 - $55
More info: atlantastreetfoodfestival.com
Taste of Music City
Date: June 18
Location: Nashville
Admission: $59 - $69
More info: tasteofmusiccity.com
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Date: June 23
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: atlantaicecreamfestival.com
JULY
Grainger County Tomato Festival
Date: July
Location: Rutledge, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: graingercountytomatofestival.com
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
This uniquely Nashville food is becoming a phenomenon - and one we'd like to try out. Be among the first 500 guests and you'll get to sample for free. In true Music City fashion, there will be musical acts sure to blow your socks off (if the chicken hasn't done that already), and to top it all off, the event benefits Shelby Park & Bottoms.
Date: July 4
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: hot-chicken.com
SEPTEMBER
Music City Food + Wine Festival
Date: Sept. 17-18
Location: Nashville
Admission: $150 - $500
More info: musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com
OCTOBER
Taste of Atlanta
Date: October
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $25 - $35
More info: tasteofatlanta.com
Cleveland Apple Festival
Date: Oct. 15-16
Location: Cleveland, Tenn.
Admission: $4 - $20
More info: clevelandapplefestival.org
NOVEMBER
Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp
Date: November
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: chompandstomp.com
DRINK
APRIL
East Nashville Beer Festival
Date: April 9
Location: Nashville
Admission: $20 - $60
More info: www.eastnashvillebeerfest.com
MAY
Main Street Brew Fest
Date: May 7
Location: Franklin, Tenn.
Admission: $55 - $85
More info: downtownfranklintn.com/brew-fest
Tennessee Whiskey Festival
Ummm, need we say more? How about: This third annual event will feature even more whiskeys for sipping and the Black Lilies and a yet-to-be-announced local band for toe tapping.
Date: May 21
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $20 - $110
More info: tnwhiskeyfestival.com
JUNE
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest
Date: June
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $40 - $55
More info: atlantasummerbeerfest.com
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
Already the biggest showcase of Atlanta's wide, wide array of culinary options, this year's event will feature even more educational options (like a class on rare bourbons and country hams), Destination Delicious, "a virtual road trip through some of the South's top food and drink destinations," and a brunch offering food and drinks by more than 15 chefs and mixologists.
Date: June 2-5
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $45 - $725
More info: atlfoodandwinefestival.com
Knoxville Brewfest
Date: June 18
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $20 - $50
More info: knoxvillebrewfest.com
AUGUST
Music City Brewer's Festival
Date: Aug. 6
Location: Nashville
Admission: $39 - $143
More info: musiccitybrewersfest.com
Southern Brewers Festival
Date: Aug. 20
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $18 - $125
More info: southernbrewersfestival.com
OCTOBER
Brewers' Jam
Date: October
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $15 - $100
More info: knoxvillebrewersjam.com
Nashville Beer Festival
Date: October
Location: Nashville
Admission: $45 - $75
More info: nashvillebeerfestival.com
Nashville Whiskey Festival
Date: Oct. 1
Location: Nashville
Admission: $100 - $125
More info: nashvillewhiskeyfestival.com
ART
APRIL
4 Bridges Arts Festival
Named one of the "PRIME 50" fine art fairs in the U.S. for 2016, this juried art show draws some of the best, newest and most creative artists nationwide in a variety of mediums each year. This is your chance to take home something sure to inspire.
Date: April 16-17
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $7 - $10
More info: 4bridgesartsfestival.org
Dogwood Arts Festival
Date: April 29-May 1
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: dogwoodarts.com/dogwood-arts-festival-2
MAY
Chastain Park Arts Festival
Date: May 7-8
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: chastainparkartsfestival.com
Decatur Arts Festival
Date: May 28-29
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: decaturartsfestival.com
JUNE
Virginia Highland Summerfest
Date: June 4-5
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: vahi.org/summerfest
JULY
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
A top event in the Southeast, here you'll meet artisans and craftsmen from all over the country as you peruse the 200 booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products. A jury process insures the uniqueness and quality of the products.
Date: July 14-17
Location: Gatlinburg
Admission: Free
More info: craftsmenfair.com
AUGUST
Tomato Art Festival
Date: Aug. 12-13
Location: Nashville
Admission: Free
More info: tomatoartfest.com
Piedmont Park Arts Festival
Date: Aug. 13-14
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: piedmontparkartsfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
Atlanta Arts Festival
Date: September
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: atlantaartsfestival.com
Yellow Daisy Festival
Date: Sept. 8-11
Location: Stone Mountain, Ga.
Admission: Free
More info: stonemountainpark.com/events/yellow-daisy-festival
OCTOBER
Artoberfest
Date: October
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: chattanoogaoktoberfest.com/artoberfest
Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair
Date: Oct. 15-16
Where: Whitwell, Tenn.
Admission: $7
More info: ketnersmill.org
NOVEMBER
Foothills Craft Guild Fall Show
Date: November
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $7 - $8
More info: foothillscraftguild.org
SPECIAL INTEREST
APRIL
Outdoor KnoxFest
Date: April
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: outdoorknoxville.com/calendar/event/5090-outdoor-knoxfest
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Date: April 16-June 5
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $7 - $22
More info: garenfest.com
Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures
Did you know there's a whole festival dedicated to fly fishing held in the "Trout Capital of Georgia," 60 minutes from Chattanooga? You can try all the latest and greatest gear, meet experts and vendors and learn about tying, casting, conservation and more. Plus, there will be food, live music and more fun.
Date: April 29-30
Location: Blue Ridge, Ga.
Admission: $5
More info: blueridgetroutfest.com
MAY
Tennessee Renaissance Festival
Date: May 7-30
Location: Nashville
Admission: $8 - $60
More info: tnrenfest.com
Wild West Comedy Festival
Date: May 16-22
Location: Nashville
Admission: $25 - $75
More info: wildwestcomedyfestival.com
JUNE
Flying Colors Butterfly Festival
Date: June 4-5
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $8 - $12
More info: chattnaturecenter.org/special-events/festivals/butterfly-festival
AUGUST
Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival
Date: August
Location: Knoxville
Admission: $5
More info: ijams.org/hummingbird-festival
East Tennessee History Fair
Date: Aug. 20
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: easttnhistory.org/eastTNhistoryfair
SEPTEMBER
Mini Maker Faire
Join the inventors, tech enthusiasts, engineers and crafters who flock to this giant show-and-tell each year, where Chattanooga's creativity is on full display.
Date: September
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: makerfairechattanooga.com
Railfest
Date: September
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: $15 - $20
More info: tvrail.com/events-exhibits/rides/railfest
OCTOBER
RiverRocks Chattanooga
Date: Oct. 1-15
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Varies
More info: riverrockschattanooga.com
Southern Festival of Books
Date: Oct. 14-16
Location: Nashville
Admission: Free
More info: humanitiestennessee.org/programs/southern-festival-books-celebration-written-word
Buskers Festival
Date: Oct. 23
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: chattanooga.events/event/buskers-festival-2016
SEASONAL
APRIL
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Date: April 8-10
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $30 - $50
More info: dogwood.org
Earth Fest
Date: April 16
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: knox-earthfest.org
Valley Fest
Grab a lawn chair and go to the beautiful Sequatchie Valley for some local food, fine crafts and musical performances by headliners Restless Heart and Jason Crabb.
Date: April 30-May 1
Location: Dunlap, Tenn.
Admission: $2 - $25
More info: valleyfestonline.com
Inman Park Festival
Date: April 30-May 1
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: inmanparkfestival.org
MAY
Sweet Auburn Springfest
Date: May 6-8
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: sweetauburn.com
1890's Day Jamboree
Date: May 27-28
Location: Ringgold, Ga.
Admission: Free
More info: 1890sdays.com
JUNE
Secret City Festival
Date: June 10-11
Location: Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: secretcityfestival.com
JULY
Festival on the Fourth
Date: July 4
Location: Knoxville
Admission: Free
More info: knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/special_events/festival_on_the_4th
Scopes Trial Play & Festival
Date: July 15-17 & 23-24
Location: Dayton, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: scopesfestival.com
AUGUST
Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
Date: Aug. 27-28
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: summershadefestival.org
SEPTEMBER
Fall Folklife Festival
Date: September
Location: Atlanta
Admission: $11 - $16.50
More info: atlantahistorycenter.com/atlanta-history-center-prepares-fall-harvest-fall-folklife-festival
OCTOBER
Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Date: October
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: l5phalloween.com
Autumn Children's Festival
Date: October
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: rmhchattanooga.com/www/docs/139
Candler Park Fall Fest
Date: Oct. 1-2
Location: Atlanta
Admission: Free
More info: fallfest.candlerpark.org
Pumpkinfest
The charming, historic downtown is filled with costume contests, circus entertainment, extreme pumpkin carving and more in this quintessential fall celebration.
Date: Oct. 29
Location: Franklin, Tenn.
Admission: Free
More info: historicfranklin.com/events/event/pumpkin-fest
NOVEMBER
Normal-palooza
Date: November
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: normalpark.com
DECEMBER
Mainx24
Date: December
Location: Chattanooga
Admission: Free
More info: mainx24.com