The Weekend Lineup: May 1-3

**Nightfall kicks off Friday at [Miller Plaza](/directory/miller-plaza/) with FLASHDRIVE and SINKANE -- free, all-ages, and the spring Chattanooga ritual. Saturday brings the Strawberry Festival in front of a 61% rain chance by afternoon; Sunday clears out for [Crabtree Farms](/directory/crabtree-farms/)' Flapjacks & Fine Art at 71°F.**

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## Friday

### [Nightfall Free Music Concert Series -- FLASHDRIVE / SINKANE](/events/nightfall-free-music-concert-series-flashdrive-sinkane-2026-05-01/) -- [Miller Plaza](/directory/miller-plaza/), free, 12:00 AM ET

Nightfall is back for another season of free live music at [Miller Plaza](/directory/miller-plaza/), and the May 1st opener features FLASHDRIVE and national headliner SINKANE. This is one of those downtown staples that draws a real cross-section of Chattanooga -- grab a spot on the lawn and let the night happen around you. Check the event page for set times; admission is free but budget for food and drinks from the vendors.

### [Water Fest](/events/water-fest-2026-05-01/) -- [Red Bank High School](/directory/red-bank-high-school/), 12:00 AM ET

WaterWays and the City of Chattanooga are throwing a family event out in Red Bank to celebrate water quality in Mountain Creek. Think food trucks, inflatables, and face painting -- the kind of afternoon that works well if you've got kids in tow.

### [Chattanooga TN Gem & Mineral Show](/events/chatttanooga-tn-gem-mineral-show-2026-05-01/) -- [Camp Jordan Arena & Sports Complex](/directory/camp-jordan-arena-sports-complexmeeting-information/), 12:00 AM ET

Twenty-six professional dealers from around the country are bringing mineral specimens, gemstones, fossils, and jewelry to Camp Jordan in East Ridge. If you've got a rockhound in the family -- or you just like browsing tables of things that look like they came from another planet -- this runs through the weekend. Admission price wasn't verified; confirm before you go.

### [Dale Jones](/events/dale-jones-2026-05-01/) -- [The Comedy Catch](/directory/the-comedy-catch/), 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM ET

Dale Jones has been doing this for 30 years and it shows -- his style is high-energy, rapid-fire delivery mixed with physical comedy and sharp improvisation. His album "I'm Not Well" debuted top three on iTunes and Amazon, so he's not a local unknown. Both shows are 18+, there's a $5 per person food/drink minimum, and groups need to arrive together to have any shot at sitting together. Ticket price wasn't confirmed at press time.

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## Saturday

### [Seersucker Saturday at The Read House](/events/seersucker-saturday-at-the-read-house-2026-05-02/) -- [The Read House](/directory/the-read-house/), 12:00 AM ET

Kentucky Derby Day lands on Saturday and [The Read House](/directory/the-read-house/) is leaning all the way in -- seersucker encouraged, Southern-style cocktails implied, and general Derby-day energy throughout the afternoon. It's a good indoor option if the rain shows up as forecasted. Details on timing and cover weren't confirmed, so pull up the event page before you commit.

### [Chickamauga Turn Train Ride](/events/chickamauga-turn-train-ride-2026-05-02/) -- [Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum](/directory/tennessee-valley-railroad-museum/), 12:00 AM ET

This is a full-day scenic train ride out of Chattanooga to Chickamauga and back -- one of the better excursions the [Tennessee Valley Railroad](/directory/tennessee-valley-railroad/) Museum runs during its March-through-November season. Worth noting: this runs rain or shine, so the Saturday forecast doesn't kill it. Pricing wasn't verified.

### [ROCK YOUR WORLD 2026](/events/rock-your-world-2026-a-rock-and-mineral-gemstone-and-jewelry-extravaganza-2026-05-02/) -- [Chester Frost Park Pavilion](/directory/chester-frost-park-pavilion/), free, 12:00 AM ET

Out in Hixson, the Chattanooga area rock and mineral community is hosting a free, all-ages show-and-sale at [Chester Frost Park](/directory/chester-frost-park/) Pavilion. Minerals, gemstones, jewelry -- the works. It's a good companion event to the Gem & Mineral Show happening over at Camp Jordan the same weekend. Free admission; budget for anything you fall in love with at the tables.

### [G2G Salsa Mixer](/events/g2g-salsa-mixer-2026-05-02/) -- [G2G Salsa](/directory/g2g-salsa/), 12:00 AM ET

Saturday night at G2G Salsa kicks off with a Beginner II lesson before opening up into a full salsa and bachata social. Good option if you've been wanting to try social dancing without feeling thrown in the deep end -- the beginner lesson at the top gives newcomers a real foothold.

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## Sunday

### [Flapjacks and Fine Art: Pancake Breakfast, Family Festival, Youth Art Auction](/events/flapjacks-and-fine-art-pancake-breakfast-family-festival-youth-art-auction-2026-05-03/) -- [Crabtree Farms](/directory/crabtree-farms/), 12:00 AM ET

Pancake brunch plus a youth art auction at [Crabtree Farms](/directory/crabtree-farms/) -- this one benefits REconnect Nature School, so your Sunday breakfast money goes somewhere real. It's a family-friendly afternoon with the farm as the backdrop, which on a sunny 71-degree day is hard to argue with.

### [Rocky Dale Davis](/events/rocky-dale-davis-2026-05-03/) -- [The Comedy Catch](/directory/the-comedy-catch/), 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM ET

[Rocky Dale Davis](/bands/rocky-dale-davis/) is an Alabama-born comedian who made his name on sharp, specific storytelling about growing up rural -- you've probably seen his clips floating around. He's got TV credits including "Bring the Funny" and a full special called "Shame of My Life" to his name. Both shows are 18+, $5 food/drink minimum applies, and the Comedy Catch seats groups first-come-first-serve -- arrive early and arrive together if you're coming with people.

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## The Full Lineup

Find all 33+ events this weekend at [chattanoogalineup.com/events/](/events/).

*Got a tip or event we should know about? Email [email protected]*