Renaissance Park is a beautiful wetlands park that is home to three permanent pieces of public art. These include: Ascending Path, by Brad Bourgoynne and Aaron Hussey. This piece honors the site as an intersection of past events with the present and future of the Chattanooga community. The arching form of a bridge and a gateway supports seven silent travelers figures crossing the structure. The figures represent transition speaking to all of those who have moved through Chattanooga either by choice or by force. Renaissance Park is also home to “Tennessee Leaf” by Terry Allen and “A Place in the Wood” by Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, pieces from the Hunter Museum’s Art in Public Places program.

River Gallery Sculpture Garden, designed by landscape architect Joe Baasch, is a two-acre outdoor exhibit space located in the Bluff View Art District overlooking the Tennessee River and was recently included in Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens.

Visitors to River Gallery Sculpture Garden enjoy one of the Southeast’s most impressive private collections of contemporary American sculpture, including work by Leonard Baskin, Allan Houser, Isamu Noguchi, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Richard Serra, Frank Stella, and Ernest Trova.

River Gallery Sculpture Garden is open to the public every day from 9 a.m. until dusk, year-round. There is no charge for admission and printed guides can be obtained at the Sculpture Garden entrance for self-guided tours, or guided tours can be arranged through River Gallery. Exhibit information and images are available by contacting River Gallery.

The First Street Sculpture Garden is at First and Market Streets in downtown Chattanooga. Take a 50-second ride on the First Street Incline up to the Walnut St. Bridge. Walk through the Sculpture Garden to reach the Holmberg Bridge and then cross Riverfront Parkway to the Hunter Museum and Bluff View Arts District. Open 24 hours.

Since 2006, Public Art Chattanooga has organized an outdoor juried exhibition called “Art on Main” along the bustling sidewalks of Main Street. The exhibition rotates every two years and features the works of local/regional artists. Works are available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

Hands down one of the best social events for locals and visitors alike. Catch some of America’s best-known live bands (even before they become famous). Or, just socialize with your neighbors every Friday night May thru September in Miller Plaza. Don't miss this year's soon-to-be-famous line-up! Admission is free.

Spark is an annual, multi-day celebration of the Chattanooga area's creative culture showcasing a variety of high-caliber, collaborative events that include the arts, history and technology. From April 11-21, Spark celebrates the best of a collaborative, public-private spirit. From nationally recognized artists to local performers, all will be represented during this celebration of artistry and creative works.

RiverRocks is a family-friendly outdoors event featuring rock climbing, trail running, kayaking, rowing, cycling, off-road biking, hiking and hang gliding for both expert and novice competitors as well as casual participants of all ages. The 10-day October event also features entertainment such as live music, hot air balloons, skydivers, river cruises and more.

One of the premiere folk art festivals in the South, WhoFest features more than 100 notable folk artists from around the country exhibiting on Memorial Day weekend each year along with free music in Renaissance Park on the Northshore. Bring your checkbook, but admission is free.

Wine Over Water hosts more than 100 wineries exhibiting their creations among food vendors on the Walnut Street Bridge overlooking the Tennessee River. A great Saturday evening in October for hanging out with friends and sampling fine wines – and it all benefits Cornerstones for Historic Preservation.

Hear the best bluegrass in the world without ever leaving the Chattanooga area. World-class performers hit the riverfront for two days each October, sponsored by local Bluegrass lover Fletcher Bright. Bring a chair or blanket, plop down and soak in the music. Admission is free.

The Head of the Hooch is the second largest regatta in the country. Watch 1,500+ crews race down the Tennessee River, hear the energy from the high school, college and masters rowing teams and the booming voices of the coxswains as they speed past the finish line in Downtown Chattanooga, TN. Held each November on the Riverfront.

Celebrate July 4th with a patriotic concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO). Pops on the River concludes with a patriotic fireworks finale over the Tennessee River. Grab a blanket, a cooler and the kids and plop down in Coolidge Park for an evening of great music and fun. Admission is free.

The Riverbend Festival is an award-winning nine-day music festival that takes place on the Riverfront each June. Boasting five stages and world-class entertainment ranging from classic rock, to country, urban and bluegrass and plenty of food and activities, Riverbend has something for everyone – including the largest fireworks display of the year.

Presented by Blue Cross – Blue Shield of Tennessee and anchored by entertainment sponsors State Farm of Tennessee, this “green themed” series of free Saturday night shows features exciting musical acts performed from the “green|spaces” stage.

There's one thing thirsty Chattanoogans like better than anything else – cold beer. And not just the super market variety, but the handcrafted nectar of micro brews from all around the South. Check out more than 100 of them one special Saturday in August on the Riverfront at this annual benefit for Kids on the Block.

Chattanoogans support the arts in very tangible ways, and festival participants have spread the word to practicing artists across the country. As a result, more than 700 artists apply to participate in the 4 Bridges Art Festival, but only 150 artists are selected to exhibit their painting, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, sculpture and more each April.

From the art and music to the locally grown organic produce and tasty food and groceries – it’s all home grown. The Chattanooga Market is great way to spend your Sunday afternoon seeing friends and stocking up on weekly provisions. Held at the First Tennessee Pavilion from April until December each year. Check out their Oktoberfest held in October. Admission is free.

This city block size publicly owned and maintained park features a pond, waterfall, benches, staging area and landscaped design that provide a serene setting for an outdoor lunch or peaceful moment in the heart of downtown. Developed by the city as the first downtown park in 1976, the park and adjacent plaza are both named for Burkett Miller, a staunch advocate of downtown revitalization.

This 26,000-square-foot River City Company owned and maintained park was built to compliment the adjacent Miller Park. In addition to the 5,600-square-foot enclosed Waterhouse Pavilion and massive outdoor performance stage, Miller Plaza is home to many outdoor events such as the annual Nightfall Concert Series and events within the pavilion, including many weddings and other private affairs due to its rental availability. Restaurants line the plaza, which also boasts two water features and serene outdoor seating areas.

Waterhouse Pavilion is available for rent for parties, receptions and other events.

Opened in 1999, Coolidge Park is a 13-acre public park on the Northshore of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. The park includes a restored historic carousel, and interactive water feature, a multi-purpose pavilion, a canoe/kayak launch, a floating restaurant, curving walkways, green meadows and river overlooks. The park is nestled below the 112-year old Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and is named in honor of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Charles Coolidge. More than 30 restaurants and shops surround the park, which is located adjacent to trendy Frazier Avenue.

Renaissance Park is situated on a 23-acre site on the north shore of the Tennessee River across the Market Street Bridge from Chattanooga’s downtown business and tourism district. The park is built on land that is rich with Chattanooga history. The design of the park reflects this history while providing unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation. From grassy hills and lawns to picnic areas, nature trails and historic markers, Renaissance Park is one the jewels of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan.

The oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South, the more than 100-year-old Walnut Street Bridge was saved from demolition and renovated as a pedestrian bridge in 1993. Now visitors and locals enjoy safe passage across the Tennessee River from the Hunter Museum of American art over to the trendy north shore and back – as well as a prime view for holiday fireworks on the river.

This unique four-acre plaza serves as the setting for the $45 million Tennessee Aquarium, linking it to the visitor’s center and surrounding development, as well as the Tennessee Riverwalk. Ross’s Landing Plaza includes a timeline of local history containing numerous artifacts and exhibits relating to Chattanooga’s rich cultural historical and geographical significance. The design team was mandated to hire both local and national artists to ensure that public art was a major component of the design. The designs help tell the story of the community’s evolution with artifacts and text depicting the Trail of Tears, Civil War and railroad heritage.

The Tennessee Riverpark is a wonderful collection of picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing piers, river and stream overlooks, wetlands, rowing centers, public parking and restrooms along the southern shore of the Tennessee River.

Part of the Riverpark system, the Tennessee Riverwalk stretches along the southern shore of the Tennessee River for 13 miles. This linear park allows someone to bike, jog or walk from Ross’ Landing downtown to the Chickamauga Dam.

The oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South, the more than 100-year-old Walnut Street Bridge was saved from demolition and renovated as a pedestrian bridge in 1993. Now visitors and locals enjoy safe passage across the Tennessee River from the Hunter Museum of American art over to the trendy north shore and back – as well as a prime view for holiday fireworks on the river.

Chattanooga has constructed an ESPN regulation skatepark and outdoor in-line hockey arena on the Southside near Finley Stadium and First Tennessee Pavilion. The park features an on-site Pro Shop for skateboards, in-line skates, BMX gear and related equipment. Sanctuary provides a safe, secure and controlled venue for skate and BMX bike enthusiasts of all ages.