July 24–26in & around the Chattanooga metro area

The free downtown concert series that Chattanooga plans its Fridays around. The Chattanooga Sheiks open at 7, then Sweet Magnolia headlines at 8 with NOLA-style brass -- the kind of set that turns a plaza into a dance floor. Rain or shine, so bring a chair and don't let the forecast talk you out of it.

The Theatre Centre's full Disney staging, with performances Friday night, twice on Saturday, and a Sunday matinee. Shows have been selling out, so grab seats through the Theatre Centre directly. A reliable all-ages night out with every song the kids already know.

The Saturday marquee, and the one worth wrangling a group for. Gates open at 6, the launch runs 9 to 10, and the whole point is the moment a few thousand hand-decorated lanterns drift out onto the lake at once. There's a free parking shuttle, kids under 8 get in free, and it's rain-or-shine -- they only pause for lightning or high wind. Buy ahead; the gate price is nearly double.

Kickoff at 7 against Philadelphia Union II. Loud crowd, cold drinks, a summer night of pro soccer downtown. If the lanterns aren't your thing, this is the other place the city will be Saturday night.

Half, 10K, 5K, one-mile, and a kids dash out of Pavilion 2 on the Riverpark, all starting early to beat the worst of it. It goes rain or shine with no refunds, so the only real question is which distance you talk your friends into.

The market goes open-mic. Signups happen on site, the pavilion keeps you out of the sun, and the usual deep bench of makers and food vendors is set up around it. Free, easy, and the softest possible landing after two big nights.