MAINx24 to be held on Saturday in Chattanooga Southside

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Southside will be buzzing on Saturday for the MAINx24 festival. 

Founded in 2007, the MAINx24 promises 120 events across the span of 24 hours.

One volunteer for the event, Kelly Martin, said, “We’ve got these great little pop ups, great little restaurants, we’re very walking friendly. How do we really involve the community? So, it was just a group of smart, innovative people that said, ‘Let’s all do something, but on the same day.'”

MAINx24 / Facebook

It will be headlined by a parade starting at 10:30 a.m. going down the primary corridor of Main Street, starting at the intersection with Jefferson Avenue.

Allen said, “There’s a ton of spaces along Main Street. We encourage people to come out and stake out their space.”

Additionally, some of the other primary events include a chili cookoff, adult big wheel races and several concerts.

Many of the other businesses in the area surrounding Main Street will be hosting their own events as well.

Event organizers encourage people to plan where they are parking in advance, as Main Street will be closed from Broad Street to Central Avenue during the parade.

Allen said, “My number one recommendation is always the CARTA North garage, so that is right next to the Choo Choo. It’s convenient, it’s easy. If you’re coming later in the day, I would encourage you to take one of the downtown exits and then come in that way on Market Street, so it’s easy to park and you’re not trying to cross in front of the parade or anything like that. You can get kind of caught up if you’re running a few minutes late with the kids, but that’s an easy place to park all day.”

Find the link to a full list of events taking place, and other MAINx24 information right here.