Chickapalooza brings crowds to Downtown Chickamauga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Art, music, and community filled downtown Chickamauga on Saturday as Chickapalooza brought visitors together for a day long celebration inspired by the legacy of Reverend Howard Finster.

The event began with a free street festival featuring local artists, makers, food vendors, and live entertainment throughout the downtown area.

Organizers said the festival not only celebrates creativity but also gives small businesses an opportunity to connect with the community.

Attendees Ace Finney, Angel Vaughn, and Jane Doe said events like Chickapalooza are invaluable for local vendors.

“With small businesses, word of mouth and involvement in the community is everything, especially while vendors are out there trying to get their name out there. I think it’s really huge for them and important to be able to actually connect with the community they’re serving.”

Many of the participants have ties to Finster Fest, helping continue a long standing tradition of showcasing folk art and creativity across Northwest Georgia.

Event organizer Eric Pullen explained that the festival’s impact extends far beyond a single weekend.

“We have, in the past year, had a handful of food and craft vendors who are now starting to buy brick and mortar buildings in our downtown district. These festivals are having an impact on our long term economic prosperity.”

Organizers also used the event to support Paradise Garden, with a portion of concert ticket sales benefiting the preservation of Howard Finster’s renowned folk art site.

Attendees said events like Chickapalooza also encourage people to step away from technology and spend time outdoors.

“People are so technologically driven now. They’re always on their phones. They’re always sitting inside. I think it’s great to have events like this that encourage people to get off the couch, come outside, get some vitamin D, and enjoy the sunshine.”

As the day continued, crowds gathered at the historic Gordon Lee Mansion, where the evening concert served as the festival’s grand finale.

Pullen said the mansion became the perfect venue after organizers discovered its unique sound quality.

“What really surprised us was the acoustics. The sound quality coming off the front of this house is just pristine. We realized we had a remarkable and unique concert venue, and we’ve continued to develop it over the past three years,” Pullen explained.

The evening concluded with multiple tribute performances honoring some of rock music’s most iconic artists, bringing Chickapalooza to a close after a full day dedicated to art, music, community, and supporting the continued growth of downtown Chickamauga.