It's the most wonderful time of the year — MAINx24. With over 100 events taking place this year, we’re breaking down the need-to-know info to prepare you for the best 24 hours in Chattanooga.

What, when + why

MAINx24 is an annual, 24-hour celebration in Chattanooga’s Southside that started in 2007. The event will kick off this Saturday with the MAINx24 parade at 10:30 a.m.

The original purpose of MAINx24 was to encourage people to return to the Southside as it started to change + grow. Now, the celebration is the biggest revenue day of the year for Southside businesses. It also benefits local nonprofits + has been deemed "the best day ever" by locals.

Pro Tips

This year, MAINx24 won’t start with the usual fire hall pancake breakfast — instead, the event will kick off with the Official MAINx24 parade sponsored by EPB.

The most concentrated area for events will be at Broad + Central Avenue, but there will still be a myriad of events happening throughout the Southside.
Several Southside organizations are partnering with a bus shuttle to bring people to the East Main part of town, too — the shuttle will run a loop from 1:45-5:15 p.m. from Southside Pizza to East Main.
MAINx24 volunteer Monica Kinsey recommends showing up early to pick up donuts from Niedlov’s or biscuits at Main Street Meats (both will sell out quickly), before claiming a spot to watch the parade.
This year, there will be a new space with lots of activity on Station Street.
Volkswagen is sponsoring crossing guards + volunteers to help keep Main Street safe.

Events to look out for

Southerly Wreath Pop-up | 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Green Spaces
HiFi Clyde's Block Party | 10 a.m.-1 a.m. on Sunday, HiFi Clyde's
College Gameday Central | 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., FEED Co.
Chili Cookoff | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 326 E. Main St.
Cheese & Charcuterie Cones + 4-year anniversary | 12-2 p.m., Bleu Fox Cheese Shop
Adult Big Wheel Race | 12-3:30 p.m., Station Street lot
Chromesthesia | 1-2:30 p.m., 1404 Cowart St.
MAINx24 Brewfest | 1-5 p.m., Market South parking lot
Humanaut’s props sale | 2-5 p.m., 1404 Cowart St.
Wanderlinger staying open the full 24 hours for its anniversary

You can check out all of the MAINx24 events here.