Chattanooga's late October: World of Bluegrass Oct. 20-24, the Tivoli reopening, Boo in the Zoo, UTC homecoming on Halloween and the Head of the Hooch Nov. 7-8.

Last checked Oct. 20, 2026. Rebuilt on the first of each month. The weekend list is at things to do this weekend, and shows and exhibitions are at arts and exhibitions this month. Times and prices are as published by each organizer.

The rest of October in Chattanooga runs on bluegrass and Halloween: IBMA World of Bluegrass fills downtown Oct. 20-24, the restored Tivoli Theatre reopens with Billy Strings Oct. 20-21, Boo in the Zoo has three nights left, and UTC plays its homecoming game at Finley Stadium on Halloween afternoon. For trick-or-treat times and trunk-or-treats, see our trick-or-treat hours page.

Plan ahead

World of Bluegrass week, Oct. 20-24

  • IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 20-21, showcases at Barrelhouse Ballroom, Hi-Fi Clyde’s, Songbirds, Feed Table & Tavern and the Stratus Rooftop at Caption. $33.37 a night.
  • IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Memorial Auditorium.
  • IBMA Bluegrass Live!, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at the Chattanooga Convention Center and The Signal: Leftover Salmon closes Friday and Sierra Ferrell closes Saturday. Day passes are $126.52 with fees.
  • Pickin’ in the Park, Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Miller Park and Miller Plaza. Free, no ticket.

Full schedule, prices and parking notes: IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga.

The Tivoli reopens

  • Billy Strings, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 20-21, Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. The first shows in the restored theater, according to the Tivoli Theatre Foundation. Tickets were sold by request lottery.

Halloween at the zoo

  • Boo in the Zoo, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, and Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 to 8 p.m. Candy stations, costume shows under Mimi’s Pavilion, character meet-and-greets, a scavenger hunt and a bounce house. Timed-entry tickets: $20.95 adults, $17.95 ages 3 to 12, $11.95 members. Boo in the Zoo.
  • Frights & Pints, Friday, Oct. 30, 6 to 9 p.m. The zoo’s 21-and-over Halloween party with a DJ, costume contest, fire performers and five beer and wine tickets with admission. ID required. Frights & Pints.

More haunted houses, ghost tours and trunk-or-treats are on our Halloween events page.

Markets every week

  • Chattanooga Market at Erlanger, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Erlanger Medical Mall, 979 E. Third St., year-round.
  • Chattanooga Market at the Foundries District, Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Creature Comforts beer garden in The Shed beside the new Lookouts ballpark. Free.
  • River Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St. Arts and crafts, a food truck and live music. Free. No pets, by city ordinance.
  • Chattanooga Bluegrass, Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., First Horizon Pavilion. Two free sets on the Sunday Funday Stage.

More on all of them in our farmers markets guide.

Sports

  • UTC football vs. VMI, Saturday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m., Finley Stadium. Homecoming and fan appreciation day. The Mocs play at Western Carolina on Oct. 24 and host Mercer at 1 p.m. Nov. 7. Schedule and tickets.
  • High school football wraps up its regular season this month; scores and playoff dates are in our Friday night football guide.

At the library

  • Halloween Escape Room for teens 12 to 18, Friday, Oct. 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Northgate Library. RSVP and a permission slip are required. Event page.
  • Chattanooga Public Library branches run free storytimes, STEAM clubs and craft sessions most weekdays; see the city calendar.

Coming in November

  • Haunted Market, Sunday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m., First Horizon Pavilion, with the Chattanooga Market’s annual costume parade. Event page.
  • Head of the Hooch, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8, Ross’s Landing. The rowing regatta is free to watch. Our Head of the Hooch page has race times and parking.
  • Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert, Nov. 7-8, Memorial Auditorium, with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Details on our arts page.
  • Big Band Day, Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m., Chattanooga Market, First Horizon Pavilion. Event page.
  • Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights opens Friday, Nov. 13, and Ice on the Landing opens Saturday, Nov. 21. See holiday lights and Christmas events.
  • Thanksgiving Market, Nov. 21-22, First Horizon Pavilion, and turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26: see our Thanksgiving page.
  • Reindeer on the Riverfront and the Lighted Boat Parade, Friday, Nov. 27, Coolidge Park: see Christmas parade and tree lighting.
  • The Nutcracker, Dec. 11-13, and the season’s other stage shows are on our Nutcracker and holiday shows page.

What this means for you

  • World of Bluegrass week has two free ways in: Pickin’ in the Park and the exhibit hall, both on Saturday, Oct. 24.
  • Most of this month’s other big events are free; the zoo events and UTC football are ticketed.
  • Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1; set clocks back an hour.

Related guides: fall festivals and pumpkin patches, trick-or-treat hours and parks and trails.