This weekend in Dalton, GA

Now in its 53rd year, the Missionary Ridge Road Race features a 4.7 mile competition alongside a one mile fun run on historic Missionary Ridge. Both courses begin and end at Bragg Reservation, offering wide views of Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain as participants make their way through the ridge-top neighborhood. The 4.7 mile race counts toward Chattanooga Track Club Runner of the Year standings and serves as the final event in the Battle for Chattanooga Race Series. Participants receive special tank top shirts unless they choose to opt out. Parking is located at McCallie School with shuttle service to the Bragg Reservation start and finish area. Shuttles operate throughout the event. Restrooms are available at the parking location, with portable facilities at Bragg Reservation. A race day bag drop will be provided, and there is no parking at Bragg Reservation.

The First-In Collectibles Show gathers 100 vendor tables at Edwards Park with trading cards, comic books, collectibles, figures, and displays from local artists. Giveaways happen throughout the event, making it a welcoming stop for dedicated collectors, newcomers to the hobby, and families. First responders and military are welcome. Vendor tables are available for $60 each.

Family Savings Credit Union is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a Diamond Dig at the Calhoun, Georgia branch, part of a series of 11 community events across Alabama and Georgia. The centerpiece is a custom Diamond Dig trailer filled with sand and soil where registered participants can search for prizes, including a real diamond necklace valued at nearly $1,000. Each person may uncover one diamond-shaped capsule, and there is a limit of one prize per participant. Prizes may include cash, gift cards, jewelry, FSCU merchandise, and other surprises. Family-friendly activities are planned, including balloon animals by Big Sam Balloon Man, face painting by Brandy Still, a 360 photo booth by LF Multimedia, jumpy houses from Edgeway Events, and music with a DJ from TG Tech LLC. Food trucks will offer items for purchase, including A Little Something Extra ice cream and Papa Queso Grilled Cheese. This celebration recognizes 75 years of people helping people and expresses appreciation for the communities that support Family Savings Credit Union.

At the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, the Blu Ridge Numismatic Association Coin Show features coins, paper currency, metals, tokens, jewelry, and more. Admission and parking are free, and the event is open to everyone. It is promoted as the best coin show in the Southeast.

Returning due to demand, this crushed glass class features new designs and two project options. Participants may create a suncatcher or a framed piece, with examples available and more choices on site. The fee is $45 per person and includes all supplies. Projects must dry overnight and can be picked up the next day. Suitable for all ages, with those under 16 required to attend with an adult. Register in store or by calling 423-497-8641.

Armies clash at The Bored Gamer during a dedicated Warhammer 40,000 game day. Bring your force and dice for tabletop battles set in a war-torn future. New and experienced players are welcome. Connect with fellow hobbyists, get games in, and enjoy a full day focused on the hobby.

A friendly Pokémon meetup at The Bored Gamer is open to beginners and seasoned players alike. Attendees can bring a deck, trade cards with other fans, play casual games, and connect with a supportive community. Admission is free.

Explore art and herbalism in a beginner friendly class focused on Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower. The session highlights the plant’s beauty, medicinal aspects, abundance, and care while teaching the basics of watercolor. A guided meditation encourages a deeper connection with the flower, then participants create artwork inspired by its form and character. All supplies are included, with brushes, watercolors, paper, and easels provided, and no prior experience is required. The class lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, costs $45 per person, and is limited to 15 participants. Everyone leaves with an original painting, a printed Echinacea illustration, a flower to take home, and simple practices for connecting with plants along with introductory herbal knowledge. All sales are final. In select situations, a credit for the full amount may be applied to a future workshop or event.

At Burr Park in Dalton, National Night Out 2026 brings a community-focused evening centered on safety, connection, and family fun. Attendees can meet local police officers, enjoy free food, play games, and take in live entertainment. Police, fire, and EMS displays, including firetrucks, invite a closer look, while community resource booths and family-friendly activities share practical ways neighbors and public safety teams can collaborate to keep Dalton safe and strong.

Local singers and musicians gather at The GEM Theatre for a country music showcase hosted by Faye Bentley as Minnie Pearl. Performers of all ages will take the stage with a house band to honor favorites like Glenn Campbell, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette and more. The event raises support for The Pearl, a new cultural arts center at The GEM, with every act appearing to help move the project forward.

Get ready for the new school year at the Chattanooga Market, where fresh produce, lunchbox-friendly snacks, and simple meal ideas make busy weeks easier. Pick up local favorites, gather back-to-school staples for meals and snacks, and check a to-do off the list before the first bell. The atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming, with plenty of fresh options to fuel the days ahead.

Local artists are invited to participate in a community showcase at Murray Arts Council. The exhibition features a wide range of locally created work, including paintings, wood carvings, sculptures, three-dimensional pieces, folk art, and more. Artists may submit up to five pieces because display space is limited. The council may decline submissions, and works with vulgar imagery or profanity will not be accepted. Two-dimensional pieces must arrive ready to hang. Framing is optional, but each work needs secure hardware on the back compatible with the gallery’s hanging system, such as firmly attached wires or sawtooth hangers. Artists should bring required paperwork with their artwork at drop-off; an Artist Agreement is needed per artist, along with an Artist Release and Originality Certification. Copies will also be available on site. Participation does not require selling your work, though sales are welcome. A 30 percent commission applies to any sale. Transactions are finalized after the exhibition concludes and payment will be mailed by check. By submitting, artists agree to keep their work on display for the full run of the show, with no early pickups, so the overall presentation remains intact. The schedule includes a reception for artists and multiple open gallery hours for the public.