Craft Shows & Fairs in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga sits on the Tennessee River at the foot of Lookout Mountain, and the city's revitalized waterfront has become the setting for its most celebrated community market. The Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion has run since 2001 and describes itself as the region's largest producer-only marketplace.
Upcoming events in Chattanooga, TN
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Around it, the city's North Shore neighborhood, Southside arts district, and growing creative economy support a craft and handmade market scene that continues to build year over year.
Chattanooga's Craft Show Scene
The Chattanooga Market runs Sundays (11am–4pm) at First Horizon Pavilion, with free admission and:
- Live music performances
- Food trucks and farm-fresh produce
- Local art and craft vendors
- Family activities
The market's run since 2001 reflects a genuine community investment in local makers and artisans.
The Chattanooga Market's weekday markets take a different format — the Chattanooga Market also runs a weekly River Market and neighborhood markets at the Foundries District and Erlanger, several with handmade arts and crafts.
Additional events:
- Riverbend Festival — Tennessee River waterfront; multi-day music festival — check the festival for current dates and vendor offerings
- River Market — a weekly Chattanooga Market event with live music, food, and arts and crafts (Saturdays in September 2026)
Chattanooga's North Shore neighborhood along Frazier Avenue and the Southside arts district both support independent galleries, jewelry studios, and working craftspeople year-round.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Chattanooga
The Hamilton County Fair is the county's agricultural fair, with exhibit halls covering quilts, needlework, food preserves, and woodworking alongside livestock and agricultural shows.
For a broader regional fair radius:
- Bradley County Fair — Cleveland, about 26 miles east
- Walker County Fair — Rossville/LaFayette, GA (cross-state, ~5–25 miles south)
- Catoosa County Fair — Ringgold, GA (~13 miles southeast, cross-state)
Best Times to Visit Chattanooga for Craft Events
Spring is prime. The Chattanooga Market's Sunday season opens in late April (April 26 in 2026). Temperatures along the river are at their most pleasant, and the city's tourism infrastructure is active without peak summer crowds. Fall benefits from Lookout Mountain and regional Tennessee foliage visitation. October events draw well from regional visitors making the trip for leaf color in the surrounding highlands. Holiday markets in November and December are a growing category. The North Shore and Southside neighborhoods support craft pop-ups that align with the city's holiday shopping season. Summer events work well at waterfront venues where river breezes help, though Chattanooga summers are warm. Riverbend Festival is the city's big summer music festival.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Cleveland, TN — about 26 miles east; Bradley County craft and fair scene
- Dalton, GA — about 26 miles southeast; cross-state craft market options for Southeast Tennessee visitors
- Knoxville, TN — 112 miles northeast; East Tennessee's major craft hub, Dogwood Arts Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Chattanooga, Tennessee?
The Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion (Sundays, free admission) is the city's most established community market, running since 2001. Its weekly River Market adds another arts-and-crafts option.
When do craft shows happen in Chattanooga?
The Chattanooga Market runs Sundays through spring, summer, and early fall. Riverbend Festival brings summer music. The Hamilton County Fair adds a county fair option. Holiday markets appear November–December.
Are there country fairs near Chattanooga?
The Hamilton County Fair is the primary county event for the Chattanooga metro, with exhibit divisions; check the fair for current dates. Bradley County Fair (Cleveland, about 26 miles east) is a good option for the full agricultural fair experience in Southeast Tennessee.
Is there a handmade market scene in Chattanooga?
The Chattanooga Market's run since 2001 reflects a durable community commitment to local makers. The North Shore and Southside districts both support working artisans and galleries. ArtsBuild, the city's arts advocacy organization, connects makers to venues and resources.
Find Events in Chattanooga
CraftShow Events lists upcoming craft shows, handmade fairs, and artisan markets in Chattanooga and across Southeast Tennessee. Browse by date to find events this season.