Events in Dalton today

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.

The event features a shotgun start, so all participants begin at the same time from different starting points. Be prepared to start with the full group.

Get an overview of ways to volunteer with the City’s Parks and Outdoors at a friendly information session. Learn about different roles, ask questions, and, if a position catches your interest, connect with staff who can help with the volunteer application process. Attendance is informational only, with no commitment required.

Experience West Coast Swing with progressive beginner and intermediate lessons followed by a social dance. No partner is needed. Admission is $15, students pay $7, or choose $10 for the social only. Payment can be made by cash, Venmo, or Cash App. Private lessons are available weekly, and a 10-for-$10 option is offered with the local instructor and guest teachers, with sign-ups handled at registration. West Coast Swing, also known as Modern Swing, grew out of Lindy Hop and focuses on connection, creativity, and having fun with the music. It fits many genres, including blues, R&B, pop, funk, and acoustic, and its relaxed, improvisational style makes it popular from local socials to large competitions. The organizers emphasize a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for dancers of all experience levels on and off the floor.

Local Akashic Records reader Cortney McMahon of SML offers readings twice a month at Blue Sun Fusion Studio for a special price of $45. Participants may bring two sincere questions and receive thoughtful, in depth responses. Drawing on the Akashic Records, often described as a vast energetic archive that spans past, present, and future, Cortney provides insight into your soul’s journey as well as the collective. Topics can include past lives, current life challenges, future plans, life purpose, and even questions about humanity’s history or future, with a focus on clarity and practical next steps. Walk ins are welcome.

Expecting parents can learn, ask questions, and build confidence through complimentary childbirth education at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon. Offered in a supportive environment, these classes explain what to anticipate before labor, during delivery, and in the early postpartum period, while emphasizing care for body, mind, and spirit. Designed for patients planning to deliver at The Baby Place, the sessions provide practical guidance and a chance to get answers so families feel more prepared for the journey ahead. Classes meet in The Baby Place lounge and classroom at AdventHealth Gordon. To register, call 706-879-4737.

A high-intensity dance fitness session channels hip hop and pop hits with straightforward choreography that keeps you moving and builds confidence along the way. It is welcoming to all, whether you have years of dance experience or simply want to vibe and sweat in a supportive, no-pressure setting. Expect continuous motion, catchy rhythms, and a total-body workout that feels more like a party than a routine. Participants should be ready to sweat, loosen up, and feel the heat.

Street-style drags and a casual car meet return weekly all season, creating a spot for racers and enthusiasts to line up, hang out, and enjoy a high-energy atmosphere. All builds are invited, from cars and trucks to bikes, with heads-up runs, grudge matches, and continuous track action. Spectators are welcome to watch from the sidelines. The setting is Brainerd Motorsports Park, with an emphasis on a relaxed, drama-free environment where the focus stays on the cars. Presented by Chip’s Cars & Coffee and Crooked Performance, with support from ACES Fuel Injection. Appreciation goes out to season partners and supporters including BMP, Tire World & Auto Service, ACES Fuel Injection, Southern Reflexions Window Tint, RAD Custom Apparel, Cigars International, AMSOIL by CRT Synthetics, Big Dog Detail, Aquarium Pools Chattanooga, Spearman SpeedShop Designs, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Summit Racing, Valley Built Customs, Suck Creek Photos, White Oak Mountain Coffee, Rihanna D Shoots Photography, BK Fabworks, YEET FLEET, and Print Tree.

At Logan's Roadhouse, a monthly dinner brings people together to review plans for the month ahead and enjoy conversation with club members. Everyone is welcome, and it offers a friendly way to get acquainted with the club. The evening features relaxed social time, followed by a group discussion and a brief presentation. Scenic City Miata will also share a private display of Mazda Miata memorabilia and toys, plus vintage Miata Club of America magazines, available for browsing during the gathering.

PJ Morton brings a rich blend of soul, songwriting, performance, and production rooted in New Orleans. With six GRAMMY wins and 22 nominations, plus recognition from BET, Soul Train, and the NAACP Image Awards, his career spans sold out nights at storied stages like the Apollo Theater and tours around the world. He leads Morton Records and has spent 15 years as Maroon 5’s full-time keyboardist, while collaborating with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste, Nas, Lil Wayne, JoJo, and Jill Scott. He also broke new ground as the first Black composer to create an original song for a Disney attraction with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, now open at Disney World and Disneyland. His latest solo album, Cape Town to Cairo, emerged from a 30 day journey across Africa, and his debut memoir, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, reflects on a path that continues to push boundaries.

Step into the world of traditional metalwork with a beginner-friendly session at the forge. Participants explore how a blacksmith’s fire is managed, learn the key parts of an anvil, and see what skilled makers can shape using hot steel, a hammer, and an anvil. The experience also highlights the important role blacksmiths have played in building communities and civilizations across the globe, including the development of the United States. Each person will forge a miniature sword from a piece of steel, then take the finished piece home as a unique keepsake of time at the anvil.

The August lunch bunch will take place at Sugar & Fire Cuban Restaurant, noted as Steve’s favorite.

A monthly networking lunch in Harrison brings local professionals together at Agave Azul Mexican Bar and Grill to build relationships and make new referral connections. Organized by Incredible Business Networking, it meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Optional open networking takes place before and after the main program, and attendees may order food and beverages if they wish. There are no fees or dues, no membership or attendance requirements, and no limits on business categories, so everyone is welcome. Many participants bring plenty of business cards or flyers to share, and bringing a door prize is optional. Meeting leaders are Kevin Angelilli of Tri-Star Scuba, 423.888.7561, and Vanessa Jacobsen of Scenic City Solar, 423.619.5309. This gathering is part of the Greater Chattanooga Area series of Incredible Business Networking events and is supported by Tradebank of Chattanooga, Corey Ballew, Real Estate Broker with The Ballew Team at REAL, Chattanooga Signature Events, and Building New Beginnings.

This lively karaoke night brings friends together to share the mic and sing favorite tunes. Happy Hour specials are available throughout the evening. The celebration takes place at The Farm.

A casual morning gathering pairs a continental breakfast with networking for local professionals. Attendees may bring a friend or arrive solo to meet new contacts and engage with others doing business in the area. Coffee will be plentiful. Please RSVP to Mike at mkey@allegroliving.com or (706) 287-5045 by the Wednesday prior.

This special day is designed for homeschooling families, with day passes offered at half price for both students and parents. Enjoy a budget-friendly outing together and make the most of savings created specifically for the homeschool community.

After Family Storytime at South Chattanooga Library, grownups can chat with one another while the kids play. This relaxed time together offers a chance to connect and learn from each other.

Weekday fun comes to Miller Park with Take a Break, presented in partnership with River City Company and the City of Chattanooga. Enjoy rotating food trucks paired with lively performances from Scenic City Sideshows. Lineups and menus are subject to change without notice.

Award-winning Georgia author Dr. Donna Coffey Little presents a talk inspired by her new historical novel, Wofford’s Blood: The Odyssey of a Cherokee Family. The program explores the real history behind the book through the life of James Daugherty Wofford, a mixed-race Cherokee child navigating rising conflict between Cherokee communities and Anglo-American society in early nineteenth-century north Georgia. It considers questions of loyalty and identity as he comes of age in a culture where racial slavery and its effects are becoming deeply embedded in daily life. Dr. Little is a Professor of English at Reinhardt University and the founder of Reinhardt’s Etowah Valley Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing. Wofford’s Blood was published by Mercer University Press in 2024 and received recognition as Book of the Year from Southern Literary Review and Best Historical Novel of 2024 from the national Independent Press Association. Her publications also include the poetry chapbook Fire Street, as well as creative nonfiction, poetry, and scholarship in StorySouth, Tiferet, Georgia Backroads, Calyx, The Atlanta Review, The Florida Review, Women’s Studies, Modern Fiction Studies, and Contemporary Women’s Writing. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Discover belly dance in a welcoming beginner class at Blue Sun Fusion Studio. Sessions cover core movements and technique, the music behind the dance, historical context, and how to bring everything together. The class suits first timers, those returning after a break, anyone polishing fundamentals, or people seeking a new way to move and engage both body and mind. Bring water and wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing such as yoga pants, shorts, a tank top, sports bra, or a T-shirt. Please use the red side door when you arrive. Each meeting lasts one hour. A four-week series costs $60. If a full series is not possible, a single-class drop-in option is $15, payable at the door by cash, check, Cash App, Venmo, or PayPal. Arriving a little early is encouraged so there is time to get settled. For questions about the class or payment, contact 706-847-3323 or bluesunfusion@gmail.com.

Enjoy a music-based twist on bingo at The Farm, where cards feature song titles instead of numbers. Each round spotlights a different genre or era, turning the room into a singalong. Mark off a full row and shout SINGO to win, with prizes awarded every round. Dinner is available to enjoy alongside the game for plenty of tunes and friendly competition.

Pan's Labyrinth, sponsored by The Brothers Insurance Group, is presented at Friends of Calhoun's GEM Theatre. Set in 1944 Spain, the story follows a young girl who moves with her expectant mother into the home of a merciless army captain. At night she encounters a fairy who leads her into a hidden labyrinth, where an ancient faun reveals that she may be a princess. To prove it, she must face three dangerous tasks. If she fails, she will forfeit her claim and the chance to reunite with her real father, the king.

Graeson McGaha, known as The Feral Wife Guy, brings an unfiltered stand up show to The Comedy Catch, digging into marriage, parenting, feral wife moments, and the everyday grind. Expect plenty of laughs, sharp crowd work, and bursts of marriage chaos, along with moments that might make you wonder if he really said that. Special guests Debby Johnson and Nicole Starnes are set to perform as well. A lively night made for couples, friends, and anyone ready to unwind with a good laugh.

Relive the jukebox years with a lively musical journey through the hits of the 1950s and 60s. North Georgia Jukebox Revue showcases rock and roll, doo wop, Motown, and more, brought to life by a cast of singers and dancers. Familiar tunes made famous by Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, and Aretha Franklin take center stage alongside sharp choreography, eye catching retro attire, and the feel of a classic jukebox springing to life. Created with all ages in mind, the show encourages clapping, singing, and dancing along. It is presented at The Colonnade Theatre in Ringgold, GA, with easy parking and comfortable seats. Returning for a second season in Ringgold, this production offers a warm dose of nostalgia and high spirited entertainment.

Experience Argentine Tango in a friendly, grounded class at Emilie Cole Studios, centered on connection, creativity, and strong fundamentals. These weekly sessions welcome complete beginners, returning dancers, and intermediates who want to reinforce core skills while continuing to grow. No partner or previous experience is required. Each class builds clear structure and reliable technique, nurtures body awareness and connection, sharpens musical understanding, and encourages improvisation and personal expression. The pace supports learning and exploration so you can progress with confidence. Tuition is $20 per person per class. Pay in advance via Venmo @dianatango or Zelle at 754 2675511, or pay at the door with cash, Venmo, or Zelle. For questions, send a DM on Instagram to @diana.suarez.tango or text or call (754) 267-5511. Instruction is led by a Chattanooga based tango professional originally from Cali, Colombia, with roots in ballet and contemporary dance and additional training in butoh, Afro rhythms, folklore, and salsa. Teaching and performing since 2010, the instructor trained within the Sistema Dinzel created by Rodolfo and Gloria Dinzel and continued studies with teachers in Buenos Aires. Experience includes teaching at Studio Dinzel, C.E.T.B.A., and Escuela Mundial de Tango GE, as well as participation in major events such as the Festival y Mundial de Tango de Buenos Aires, with invitations to teach, perform, and serve as a jury member in Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States. Classes emphasize structure, musicality, connection, and improvisation to support each dancer’s development.