MAINx24 Returns to the Southside With 24 Hours of Community Celebration

1 hour ago

Timbrel Williams,

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Chattanooga’s Southside is gearing up for one of its biggest days of the year as the MAINx24 Festival returns this weekend, bringing parades, live music, food, and more than a hundred events packed into 24 hours.

MAINx24 Volunteer Kelly Allen says the excitement is already building.

“We’re super excited to be celebrating our 18th year,” Allen said. “This is really just a huge block party, and we invite everybody from the community to come and join us. There’ll be about 15,000 people on Main Street… anything you can think of is happening on Main Street this Saturday starting at 8 a.m.”

The day begins at sunrise with the traditional pancake breakfast at Firehall #1 — a longtime favorite for families kicking off the holiday season.

“It’s a great way to support your community and give back,” Allen added. “It’s donation-based, they open at 8 a.m., and the firefighters will be making pancakes. We encourage everybody to stop by and support them.”

Throughout the day, crowds fill Main Street for events, performances, and the EPB Parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. Shops stay busy, every venue hosts something special, and the festival energy spills into the streets.

“Downtown, there are people out everywhere celebrating,” Allen said. “Every store is busy, every event is packed… it’s this energy and love for everything local. It means so much to all of us.”

MAINx24 EPB Southside Parade, Main Street, 10:30 a.m. is the highlight of MAINx24! View the parade on Main Street starting at the Corner of Main and Jefferson Street and traveling West on Main Street to Broad Street. This event will continue, rain or shine!
The Chattanooga Zoo will hold a pop-up event at 405 E. Main Street from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The World Heavyweight Chili Championship hosted by Reflection Riding will take place at 326 E Main St. at 11 a.m.
MAINx24 Stage will provide free live music from noon to 6 p.m. at 405 E. Main Street, plus enjoy food trucks and a vendor market
Pictures with Santa at Barrelhouse Ballroom from noon to 2 p.m.
Food Street will highlight Chattanooga’s diverse food scene on Cowart Street from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flavorless Feat with Guest DJ Kilbourne keeps the party going at Frothy Monkey, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.