One of the most popular community events of the year, MAINx24, returns to the Southside this Saturday for a 24-hour long festival celebrating Main Street and the surrounding Southside.
The 15th annual MAINx24 parade and street festival will take place on the Southside on Saturday, Dec. 4, starting at 8 a.m. with breakfast specials. Look for lard fried donuts at Niedlov’s Bakery, breakfast burritos at Conga and breakfast sandwiches to-go from Main Street meats (opens at 9 a.m.). Swing by Smile Studio Orthodontics to take advantage of the waffle bar!
MAINx24 features programming all day long, from parades to music to poetry readings to chili cook-offs, and has become a way to celebrate and showcase the burgeoning Southside.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Volkswagen Chattanooga, crossing guards will be located on Main Street at several intersections to increase safety and slow traffic following the parade. Volkswagen employees will assist pedestrians at the crosswalks. Festival-goers are encouraged to obey traffic laws and look for volunteers wearing yellow safety vests and cross Main Street at designated crosswalks.
Behind MAINx24 is an audacious dream: make Chattanooga a 24-hour city. In its first year in 2007, MAINx24 was a project of CreateHere, a five year non-profit initiative based in the Southside. Today, it’s owned, beloved and organized completely by residents, merchants and friends of the Southside community.
The success of MAINx24 is based on the awesome neighbors, businesses and guests of the Southside community. The events are put on by the restaurants, stores, galleries and non-profits.
Don’t miss your favorite events that are back again this year:
- MAINx24 EPB Southside Parade, Main Street, 10:30 a.m. is the highlight of MAINx24! View the parade on Main Street starting at the Corner of Main and Jefferson Street and traveling West on Main St. through Broad Street.
- World Heavyweight Chili Championship & Vendor Market, presented by EPB to support green|spaces, at Office Coordinators, Inc., 11:30 a.m.
- Adult Big Wheel Race, hosted by Asa Engineering & Consulting, Inc., supporting SoundCorps, at the Station Street parking lot following the parade.
- SoundCorps Live music presented by Caravan Tribe and SoundCorps all day from Noon to 10 p.m. in the Station Street lot
- Caravan PopUp Market in the Station Street lot from Noon to 6 p.m.
- Celebrity Bartenders at the Chattanooga Cigar Club from 1 to 5 p.m.
- The Chattery will return with their $5 Champagne PopUp at 1800 Rossville Ave.
New this year, Wanderlinger Brewing Company will be open a full 24 hours! Make a donation to Scenic City Clay Arts’ Pottery to use the SMASH Booth, and Common House will offer photo opportunities with the Grinch. Gate 11 Distillery will host multiple events, including The Diamond Dogs, a David Bowie Tribute Band and dance party, starting at 7:30 p.m
Best of all, MAINx24 is free and open to the public and has something for everyone. Connect with MainX24 on Facebook to keep up with all the events happening throughout the day, including dozens of kid-friendly activities like face painting and building a holiday ornament, as well as discounts and door prizes at shops up and down Main Street. Visit Mainx24.com for the full schedule.
There are events all day and night long so you’ll find something that fits your schedule and is based on and around Main Street in the Southside Chattanooga neighborhood.
Forgotten Child Fund boxes will be available throughout the event for collection of coats and toys to help community kids have a great Christmas.
COVID-19 Statement:
MAINx24 has taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, the artists, and the businesses. You must follow all posted instructions while attending MAINx24. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By attending MAINx24, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Please practice social distancing at least 6 feet between you and your neighbor. Hand sanitizer is available.