Chattanooga Pride 2025
- OOctober 5, 2025, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Chattanooga , TN
Chattanooga Pride 2025: A Celebration of Community on the Tennessee River
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, October has become synonymous with pride. Instead of celebrating in June, the city embraces the cooler days of fall to host a week of lgbtq+Q+ events that culminate in the annual Chattanooga Pride festival. Chattanooga Pride 2025 continues this tradition and promises a day of music, art, and activism along the banks of the Tennessee River. After a successful 2024 Pride Week that included queer history talks, open mic nights, trivia, drag shows, and a parade along Ross’s Landing【682123582702935†L66-L138】, organizers are preparing to host an even larger gathering in 2025. The official Pride Festival 2025 will take place on **October 5, 2025**, from **12:00 PM to 8:00 PM** at **101 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN**, a scenic riverfront venue that allows attendees to spread out and enjoy the event【166588294248620†L30-L66】. This central location means you can easily stroll between stages, vendor booths, and community resource tents while enjoying river views.
### What to Expect in 2025
Chattanooga Pride 2025 is more than just a parade; it’s an all‑day community festival that invites everyone to celebrate love, identity, and inclusion. The festival’s schedule features **live music, drag shows, and diverse performances** to keep the energy high throughout the day【166588294248620†L30-L66】. Regional musicians and DJs will perform on multiple stages, ensuring that there is always something to dance to. Drag queens and kings—from established performers to emerging talent—will bring glamour and theatricality to the stage. At the 2024 festival, drag performances drew large crowds and highlighted the artistry and activism within drag culture【682123582702935†L66-L138】. That tradition will continue in 2025 with a lineup designed to showcase a spectrum of gender identities.
In addition to entertainment, the festival provides an opportunity to explore **food trucks, vendors, and local art**【166588294248620†L30-L66】. Chattanooga’s culinary scene will be on display with food trucks offering everything from Southern comfort food to vegan bites. Local artisans and lgbtq+Q‑owned businesses will sell handmade crafts, apparel, and art. These vendor booths help support small businesses and provide attendees with unique souvenirs. The festival also hosts a curated **Pride marketplace** where community organizations share information about resources such as healthcare, mental‑health support, legal services, and youth programs.
One of the festival’s highlights is the **vibrant Pride parade**【166588294248620†L30-L66】. In 2024, the parade featured floats, marching bands, and community groups winding their way through downtown Chattanooga before ending at Ross’s Landing【682123582702935†L66-L138】. For 2025, organizers plan to expand the parade route and include even more groups, from student organizations to corporate partners who support equality. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets and cheer, waving rainbow flags as the procession moves past. The parade sets the tone for the rest of the festival, demonstrating that Chattanooga stands united for lgbtq+Q+ rights.
### Inclusive and Educational Spaces
Chattanooga Pride emphasizes that Pride is a family‑friendly event that welcomes people of all ages. In 2024, events during Pride Week included youth‑focused activities and an educational storytelling session at The Downtown Library【682123582702935†L66-L138】. For 2025, the festival will offer **interactive workshops and wellness spaces**【166588294248620†L30-L66】. Attendees will find areas for yoga and meditation, safe‑space tents for youth and families, and workshops on topics like lgbtq+Q+ history, allyship, and gender diversity. The inclusion of educational sessions reflects the organizers’ commitment to fostering understanding and acceptance.
Another important aspect of the festival is **community resources**【166588294248620†L30-L66】. Non‑profit organizations and advocacy groups will host information booths where you can learn about volunteer opportunities, health services, and support networks. Chattanooga Pride’s president noted during the 2024 celebrations that Pride is an opportunity to “celebrate our community and promote equality in our region”【682123582702935†L66-L138】. That ethos continues in 2025 through collaborations with local organizations. The festival will feature a dedicated area for HIV testing, mental‑health counseling, and resources for transgender and non‑binary individuals. This ensures that Pride is not only a celebration but also a platform for community care and activism.
### Plan Your Visit
If you’re traveling from out of town, Chattanooga offers a range of accommodations near the festival site, from boutique hotels to budget-friendly options. The venue at 101 Riverfront Parkway is within walking distance of the Tennessee Aquarium, Walnut Street Bridge, and the city’s lively downtown. Consider arriving early to explore the Chattanooga Riverwalk or take a trolley tour of the city’s historical sites. Parking will be limited, so attendees are encouraged to use ride‑sharing services or the city’s free electric shuttle.
Admission to Chattanooga Pride 2025 is free, but donations are appreciated to support the non‑profit that organizes the festival. VIP packages may be available for those who want reserved seating and exclusive access to meet‑and‑greets with performers. To keep up with the latest announcements—such as performer lineups, vendor registration, volunteer opportunities, and Pride Week events—visit the **official event page**【152598704052471†L24-L45】. The page includes a sign‑up form where you can RSVP and receive updates about the 2025 festival. Volunteers are always needed for tasks like set‑up, clean‑up, and parade coordination, so consider giving your time to make the event a success.
### Why Chattanooga Pride Matters
Celebrating Pride in Chattanooga has a unique energy because it centers community in a midsized southern city. By scheduling events in October, organizers create a comfortable atmosphere where attendees can fully enjoy outdoor activities. The festival underscores the progress made in the fight for lgbtq+Q+ rights while acknowledging the work still ahead. It also invites allies and businesses to demonstrate their support, fostering a sense of unity across the region.
Chattanooga Pride 2025 promises to build on the momentum of previous years with a full day of performances, vendors, and educational activities. Whether you’re a local resident who attends every year or a visitor exploring Chattanooga for the first time, the festival offers something for everyone. Mark your calendar for **October 5, 2025**, and join thousands of people in celebrating love, identity, and community on the banks of the Tennessee River.