The Chattanooga Market is the Perfect Sunday Afternoon Activity 

The Chattanooga Market is a weekly free public market that highlights locally sourced food & produce, arts, crafts, and specialty vendors.  It’s the perfect way to shop like a local in Chattanooga. 

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What’s so special about the Chattanooga Market

The Chattanooga Market has been open for over 25 years, and celebrates all things local.  The market started as a way to have a farmer’s market with fresh healthy food options, and showcase small business in the city and region. 

Here you can pick up a souvenir to take home, grab lunch, and enjoy a band all at once.  

What to expect at the market

When you walk up, you’ll be greeted with food trucks lining the street towards the main portion of the market.  There are a few vendor booths outside in this area, but you’ll find most of the wares are inside.

The bulk of the market is within the massive open air pavilion.  The front portion of the pavilion has the majority of the farmers market including produce, butchers, and small food stands.  You can find anything food related from hand made pasta and local honey, to beef jerky and chai. 

I picked up a delicious herb infused olive oil from Herb’d by Chef Izin.  

As far as local makers and crafters, the options are endless.  There are a handful of jewelry designers, clothing stands, antiques, housewares, soaps, stickers, you name it.   

And if that’s not enough, all the way at the back of the pavilion is the stage where there is live music every week.  

There are different special Chattanooga Market events that take place throughout the summer, so be sure to check their website to see what’s coming up 

Where is the Chattanooga Market?

The Chattanooga Market is south of downtown Chattanooga on the outskirts of the Southside Historic District.  It is located directly next to Finley Stadium. 

How to get here

You may be able to walk, but that will vary based on which hotel in Chattanooga you stay at.  From The Chattanoogan Hotel, La Quinta Chattanooga, or Caption by Hyatt, it is about a 15 minute walk.  The Hotel Chalet and Crash Pad are closer to a 20 minute walk. 

If you are staying around the River District or in the heart of downtown you could walk, rent a bike, get a ride share or take the free Chattanooga shuttle.  This shuttle runs between the River District and the Chattanooga Choo Choo.  Depending on where you get off, and the speed with which you walk, it will be 15-20 minutes to the market. 

Chattanooga Market Parking

Generally, street parking is free on Sundays in Chattanooga.  The best option to find street parking is on Chestnut Street.  If street parking isn’t available, there are also a few paid lots around the market and the stadium. 

Other markets in Chattanooga

The original Chattanooga TN Market started as a Sunday market, but today has expanded to include smaller markets throughout the week at different locations in the city. 

Erlanger Market

This market is located east of downtown at the Erlanger Medical Mall.  It is a smaller market open year round (with the exception of the winter holidays) on Wednesdays from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. 

As this is a small market, there are only a handful of vendors.  Each week they feature a different food truck for lunch.  You can find out the food truck schedule on their instagram page (for unknown reasons, it is not on the website). 

River Market

The Chattanooga River Market is located on the plaza outside the Tennessee Aquarium.  This market is open March – October on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. 

While not as large as the Sunday market, the River Market still features dozens of art and craft vendors as well as various food trucks. 

Stay up to date with special events at the market on their instagram page. 

Foundries District Market

This is the newest addition to the Chattanooga Market family.  The market is held from May – October on Thursday evenings from 4pm – 8pm.  

The Foundries Market is next to the new baseball facility for their minor league team, the Chattanooga Lookouts.  It is held in the Creature Comforts Beer Garden and is a makers market with a variety of food vendors on hand. 

Chattanooga Holiday Market

There is one final market, the Chattanooga Holiday Market.  This is an indoor seasonal market.  It is located inside the Chattanooga Convention Center and open for two weekends in December.  With over 200 vendors, this is the best place to find holiday gifts for your loved ones and some festive holiday decor as well. 

Market FAQs