Chattanooga’s Water Lantern Festival at Chester Frost Park July 2025

Published on
11 August 2024

Water Lantern Festival at Chester Frost Park: An Unforgettable Summer Evening in Chattanooga

If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful way to spend a summer evening in Chattanooga, circle July 12th on your calendar. The Water Lantern Festival is returning to Chester Frost Park for one night only, and it's a beautiful celebration of hope, connection, and community — all set to music, with glowing lanterns drifting peacefully across the water.

It’s one of those events that’s hard to describe until you’re there, watching thousands of hand-decorated lanterns light up the lake at sunset. Whether you go with family, friends, or your significant other, it’s the kind of night that sticks with you.

The Experience

When you arrive at Chester Frost Park for the Water Lantern Festival, you’re greeted with a relaxed, welcoming festival atmosphere. There’s live music playing, local food trucks serving dinner and treats, and booths where you can grab your materials and start decorating your lantern.

Each guest receives a lantern kit included with their ticket. The idea is simple but powerful: you write a message, a dream, a memory, or a dedication on your lantern — whatever’s on your heart — and then release it onto the water as the sun goes down. As the lake starts to fill with lanterns, the view becomes more magical by the minute.

The event particularly shines around sunset. The gentle glow of thousands of lanterns floating silently across the water, accompanied by soft music and the hum of conversations, creates a reflective and emotional ambiance that’s hard to replicate at any other event in the city.

The festival is also a Zero Waste event, designed with care for the environment. All lanterns are made from eco-friendly materials, and a dedicated cleanup crew ensures everything is removed from the water afterward.

What to Know Before You Go


Date & Time:
Saturday, July 12, 2024  
Gates typically open in the late afternoon, with lantern launch at sunset.


Location:
Chester Frost Park  
2318 N. Gold Point Circle, Hixson, TN 37343  
This scenic park is about 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga and offers plenty of green space and lakeside views.

Parking:
Plenty of parking is available on-site.  

Tickets:
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Every ticket includes:
- Entry to the festival
- One floating lantern kit with a commemorative drawstring bag
- Marker for decorating your lantern
- LED candle
- Access to live music and food trucks

Food & Drink:
There are several food vendors and food trucks on site, so come hungry or plan on grabbing dinner while you’re there. Vegetarian and kid-friendly options are often available.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Great Photo Ops: Bring your phone or camera — the lantern launch at twilight is a photogenic moment you’ll want to remember.
- BYO Blanket or Chairs: There’s plenty of space to spread out, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfort.
- Sunset Timing: Be sure to be there well before sunset to decorate your lantern and find a good spot by the water.
- Make a Day of It: If you arrive early, Chester Frost Park has swimming areas, picnic spots, and walking trails — worth making a full day date or family outing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a creative way to reflect on meaningful moments, or just a serene evening outdoors, the Water Lantern Festival offers something for everyone. It’s one of those rare events that feels both festive and personal — creating space for celebration, remembrance, and community. And when the lanterns begin to float out across the water together… there’s something really special about that shared experience.

Highly recommended for families, couples, friend groups, and anyone who loves slowing down and connecting with others in a beautiful place.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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Westbound Honky Tonk: Chattanooga’s High-Energy Event Space with Southern Flair

If you’re looking for a lively, genuinely fun venue for your next celebration, Westbound Honky Tonk on Station Street might just hit the mark. This isn’t your typical country bar — it’s a high-energy blend of Southern charm and nightclub excitement, perfect for private parties like bachelorettes, birthdays, or just a big night out with friends. Whether you're dancing the night away during their regular hours or renting the entire space for a private event, Westbound knows how to throw a party.

The Experience

From the outside, Westbound fits right in with its neighbors on the always-buzzing Station Street in downtown Chattanooga's Southside. Inside, the venue is upbeat, comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. Neon signs, rustic touches, and a large dance floor give it that honky-tonk feel, but don’t let the name fool you — the music leans much broader than just country.

If you come during regular hours (usually Thursday through Saturday), expect a packed schedule of themed nights, DJs playing crowd favorites, and a genuinely fun-loving vibe. Thursdays are all about line dancing — complete with instructors to help you learn the steps — while weekends often feature a DJ spinning everything from throwback hits to pop, country, and hip-hop.

Private event rentals, though, are where Westbound really shines. You get the place entirely to yourself — the dance floor, DJ, bartenders, and more are all yours. Whether it’s a bachelorette party or a company celebration, the ability to customize the music, décor, and vibe gives your event a personalized, memorable twist.

What to Know Before You Go

Address:
24 Station St #106, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Hours:
Typically open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, although exact times vary. Thursdays usually feature line dancing.

Event Rental Details:
- Private rentals start at $500 for a Friday or Saturday night.
- Includes exclusive venue access, your own DJ, and bartending staff.
- Weeknight pricing is often lower — but check with the venue directly for the latest rates.
- Add-ons available include a photo booth with props, table décor, and more.

For the latest event schedules and operating hours, follow @westboundhonkytonk on Instagram.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Westbound is in the heart of the Southside — an easy walk to other fun spots like STIR, Terminal Brewhouse, and American Draft if you're planning a night of bar-hopping.
- There's a popular photo op near the Station Street railroad tracks — great for snapping some fun group photos before or after your event.
- Line dancing nights on Thursdays are a great low-key way to check out the space before booking a private event.
- Parking in the area can be tight on weekends. Look for nearby paid lots or use a rideshare if you're traveling with a group.
Final Thoughts

Westbound Honky Tonk offers something a little different for Chattanooga party-goers — a mix of spirited nightlife with just the right amount of Southern warmth. It’s a great pick for locals planning a celebration, weekend groups visiting town, or anyone who wants to dance without worrying about pretension or overcrowding. If your ideal event involves your favorite songs, festive cocktails, and a private dance floor, Westbound delivers.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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What makes it worth a visit? Think outside the standard Tex-Mex menu — here, tacos range from Chicken Tikka Masala to crispy Pork Belly, all served on fresh flour or corn tortillas with generous fillings and bold flavors. Pair that with a frozen Cheerwine margarita and a shady patio, and you’ve got something special.

The Experience

Walking up to White Duck Taco Shop, the first thing you’ll notice is the architecture — modern-industrial but welcoming, blending local design details with clean lines and plenty of outdoor space. The building has a breezy, open-plan feel, with a spacious patio out back complete with shaded seating and a grassy lawn area perfect for kids to stretch their legs.

Inside, the ordering process is simple: head to the counter, order a few tacos (they come out quick!), and grab a drink while you wait. If it’s your first visit, definitely chat with the friendly staff — they’re happy to explain the rotating taco options and suggest pairings. The menu pulls ingredients and flavors from around the world. Some of the standout options include:

- Bangkok Shrimp — light, creamy, with a bit of a citrus bite
- Pork Belly — rich and crispy, balanced with a fresh slaw
- Chicken Tikka Masala — crowd favorite with warm spices and tender chunks of chicken
- Buffalo Chicken — for those who love a little heat and vinegar
- Steak & Cheese — a comfort classic reimagined taco-style

Don’t skip the sides — the Street Corn Salad goes fast and for good reason. The Chips & Queso hit the table quickly, making it easy to snack while you wait for the main event.

Drinks range from local beers to non-alcoholic sodas, but the frozen Cheerwine margarita deserves a shoutout. Sweet, nostalgic, and surprisingly balanced, it might just be the sleeper hit of the drink list.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: 1519 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Hours: Open daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: Tacos are $5.25 each. Most people are satisfied with 2–3 plus a side. Very reasonable for the flavor and portion.
How to Order: Counter-service. Fast and efficient.
Website: https://whiteducktacoshop.com/
Instagram: @whiteducktacochattanooga for updates, taco specials, and a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Great for families: The grassy play area gives little ones space to move while parents enjoy food at a shaded outdoor table.
- Plans are in the works for an onsite brewery and live music stage — exciting additions that will only enhance the community vibe.
- For a fun date night or casual weekend hangout, grab tacos here and then head up the ridge or towards downtown for dessert or drinks.
- Nearby: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus is close by, as well as Sculpture Fields at Montague Park—making it easy to turn taco night into a full afternoon outing.

Final Thoughts

White Duck Taco Shop hits that sweet spot between casual dining and adventurous flavor. With its creative menu, breezy atmosphere, and thoughtful design, it’s a welcome addition to Chattanooga's ever-growing food scene. It’s a great pick for families looking for something relaxed, couples wanting a low-key meal with quality drinks, or locals in need of a reliable go-to spot with new things to try.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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Whether you’re house-hunting or just a scenic-neighborhood-appreciator, this community stands out for its thoughtful planning, strong local roots, and future-forward amenities. Even better? It’s built by a Chattanooga-based company that’s focused on quality craftsmanship and community building—not just breaking ground and moving on.

The Experience

Located off Dallas Hollow Road in Hixson, The Farmstead feels like the kind of place where time slows down just a bit. Even during a short visit, you’ll likely spot neighbors chatting across yards, kids walking to play with friends, and house exteriors that look like something out of Magnolia Journal meets Americana.

GreenTech Homes, the local builder behind the project, brings a fresh take on neighborhood design. The architecture leans modern farmhouse, with lots of board-and-batten details, large porches, and cozy curb appeal. And while it looks timeless, the guts of these homes are very much up to today’s standards—energy efficient, smart layouts, and customizable depending on your lifestyle.

The community’s vision isn’t just about homes—it’s about what surrounds them. Some of the amenities still in progress (as of this writing) include:

- Neighborhood pool and pickleball courts
- Clubhouse with a dedicated yoga lawn
- Bicycle pump track for the kids (and sporty adults)
- A disc golf course
- Community garden
- Tree-lined walking trails

The vibe is welcoming and intentional, with an emphasis on creating real connections between families, not just building houses next to each other. And since the model homes are open for tours, you don’t have to guess what kind of quality and features GreenTech offers—you can see it for yourself.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
The Farmstead is located in Hixson, TN, just a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. You can find the entrance near Dallas Hollow Road.

Tours:
Model homes are open for scheduled tours. You can visit GreenTech Homes’ website to book a time and get an idea of available floor plans, pricing, and current homesites.

Website: https://www.greentechhomes.com/
Phone: (423) 954-7561

Hours:
Model home tours and sales appointments are available most days of the week, but it’s best to call or schedule online to make sure someone is available.

Pricing:
GreenTech works with a range of budgets depending on home size and customization. See website above.

Parking:
On-street parking is available during visits, and there are small designated spots near the model homes for prospective buyers. Shayna: Add your own tip about parking and ease of access for tours

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Can’t make it to Hixson? GreenTech has neighborhood developments across Chattanooga, including Northshore, East Brainerd, Southside, Ooltewah, and more—each with its own atmosphere and amenities.
- If you’re just driving through, nearby favorites in Hixson for a casual lunch or coffee include Nash Burgers, The Coffee Craze, and Little Tokyo Express.
- Considering a move but not ready to build? GreenTech sometimes has move-in ready homes available, or you can tour a few to get inspired for your next chapter.
- Interested in design? Pay attention to the interior finishes on the model homes. They really have an eye for details like natural light, high-quality flooring, and well-planned kitchens.

Final Thoughts

At a time when many new developments feel a bit generic or overly planned, The Farmstead has the charm of a neighborhood built with real intention. It’s the kind of place where families grow, dogs have room to roam, and neighbors actually chat over the fence.

Perfect for young families looking to settle down, couples hoping to stay within a strong community feel, or even locals ready to build their dream home in a familiar place—The Farmstead checks a lot of boxes.


For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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