Chattanooga Beer Fest

The Chattanooga Beer Fest turns the First Horizon Pavilion into a riverfront tasting floor on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. You are in downtown Chattanooga beside the Tennessee River, with a curated lineup of regional craft breweries including New Realm, Hutton and Smith, and Chattanooga Brewing. Expect a polished yet lively scene that pairs the buzz of the Chattanooga Market with a focused tasting setup, plus clear views toward the silhouette of Lookout Mountain. It is an easy win for couples and friends who want to start the holiday weekend with purpose.

Your ticket includes unlimited samples, with an emphasis on well-executed pours across IPAs, stouts, and sours. Live sets, including Milele Roots, keep the afternoon moving with a reggae soundtrack, while local food trucks such as El Meson and JT’s Burgers handle the pairing side of the equation. When the session wraps at 3:00 PM, you can keep the day going on the Tennessee Riverwalk or make the short walk to the Tennessee Aquarium.

Plan to arrive by 11:45 AM since capacity is capped at 1,200 attendees and entry is first come, first served. Buy online for $48 to skip the $53 door price and reduce the risk of missing the cap. Bring a valid legal ID for strict 21 plus entry, with no infants or pets permitted, and park at the Finley Stadium lots for the most direct approach. Wear comfortable shoes if you want to stay on your feet along the surrounding riverfront parks.

For the simplest logistics, stay in the Southside District or near the Downtown Riverfront so you can leave the car behind. For a quieter base, you can look at vacation rentals near the Tennessee River through Lake.com. The event runs rain or shine under the pavilion, designated driver tickets are available for $20 at the door with a regular ticket holder, and the venue is ADA accessible throughout the flat, open tasting area.