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!
Chattanooga’s Water Lantern Festival at Chester Frost Park July 2025
Suggested Blogs
Things to actually do in Chattanooga when someone says “there’s nothing to do here”
Why Living in Chattanooga is Anything But Boring
You’ve probably heard someone say it before—“There’s nothing to do in Chattanooga.” But if you’ve spent even a weekend here, you know how far off that is. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local art, great food, or just exploring neighborhoods with charm, Chattanooga brings something for everyone. I’ve lived here for years, and I still find new places to love. So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut or visiting for the first time, here’s your friendly reminder: there's way more going on than you think.
The Experience:
Chattanooga is the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything—but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Downtown along the riverfront, you’ll find walkable streets lined with restaurants, galleries, and coffee shops. The Bluff View Art District has cobblestone paths, public sculptures, and one of the best views in town. Grab a coffee from Rembrandt’s and stroll over to the Hunter Museum or just take a seat and people-watch.
For outdoor lovers, there’s no shortage of options. Lookout Mountain offers hiking trails just minutes from downtown—Sunset Rock and Point Park are two favorites, especially in the fall. Prefer water? Rent kayaks or paddleboards from L2 Outside and float right through the Tennessee River. And don't sleep on sunrise walks at Stringers Ridge—the city views from the observation deck are always worth the early wake-up.
It’s not just nature, either. We’ve got a great local music scene with venues like The Signal and Barking Legs Theater. The Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion is packed with food, handmade goods, and live performances every Sunday from spring to late fall. Whether you’re hanging out on a casual afternoon or planning a bigger weekend adventure, there’s always something buzzing.
What to Know Before You Go:
Here are a few basics for planning your visit or staycation:
- Parking downtown is fairly straightforward. The Republic app makes it easy to pay for spots. On weekends, some garages are free after a certain hour—Shayna: Add local garage recs here.
- The Chattanooga Market is open Sundays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., from April through November, located at the First Horizon Pavilion (1826 Reggie White Blvd).
- L2 Outside offers paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals with hourly and full-day pricing—reservations recommended on weekends.
- The Bluff View Art District is open year-round and free to explore; individual business hours vary.
- Local music and event tickets can be found on venues’ individual websites or through Eventbrite.
Extra Tips or Bonuses:
- If you’re planning a weekend in the city, consider staying at The Edwin Hotel—it’s walking distance to the Walnut Street Bridge and has a spa and rooftop bar with river views.
- For serious food lovers, plan your Saturday night around reservations at Easy Bistro or Alleia—Shayna: Insert another local favorite here!
- Into history? Check out the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and walk over to the North Shore neighborhood. There’s good shopping, a cozy park, and spots like Clumpies Ice Cream for a quick treat.
- Local festivals like Nightfall, Riverbend, and Moon River keep the calendar full—Shayna: Add upcoming confirmed events and links here.
Final Thoughts:
No matter your vibe—outdoorsy, artsy, foodie, or just someone looking for a good way to spend the day—Chattanooga makes it easy. The city has a way of blending energy and ease that keeps locals exploring and visitors coming back. So next time someone hits you with the “there’s nothing to do” line, you’ve got a whole list ready to go.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
New Hamilton Place Hibachi + Sushi + Boba Spot! (& Grand Opening Deals!)
100 Ramen & Hibachi & Sushi Bar just opened by the Aloft Hotel in Hamilton Place- and they've got some cool grand opening deals I'm sharing below! There's a big menu with lots of Japanese variety, and it's a great mix of comfort food and healthy options (they’re even right next door to Crunch Fitness, so it’s basically balanced, right?).
Address: 2090 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN
My First Visit
I went in to give it a try, and here’s the rundown:
- Shrimp Hibachi – fresh, sizzling, and loaded with flavor.
- Gyoza appetizer – the perfect comfort bites
- Chicken Katsu Donburi- not many places have this around town, I was a big fan!
- Boba Tea – I love fruit boba tea!! And popping pearls! I got the mango, and it was great! And okay, confession: I’m usually not a milk tea person. But their ZangZang Boba Tea? Surprisingly good.
- Tonkotsu Ramen – my personal favorite of the night. Rich, hearty, and exactly what you want in a bowl of ramen.
- Sushi – beautifully crafted by Kevin, the sushi chef. Nothing here is pre-made, so yes, it may take a little longer if he’s busy- but the results are so worth it.
I got to talk to the owners and they told me they’re aiming to be a healthier, quick, intentional option while still giving you all the fun of a full ramen + hibachi + sushi + boba lineup.
Grand Opening Deals You Don’t Want to Miss!!
This Friday (August 22) is the Grand Opening, and they’re going big with the deals! Be sure you've followed their page (@100ramenandbar_chatt ) and commented on my recent @webbchatts post about them!
✨ The first 20 people who show up (and prove they shared + commented on my Instagram post) get a FREE bowl of ramen.
✨ From 11 AM to 4 PM, everything on the menu (except alcohol) is half off if you’ve shared + commented + followed them!!
✨ Can’t make it Friday? use the coupon below for 20% to use any other day in August!
I’ll be there too, hanging out and trying more dishes- so come say hi, grab some food, and let’s support this new locally owned spot together!!
(Free parking- it's Hamilton Place!)
Check out their website: https://taste100.com/order/100-ramen-bar-2090-hamilton-place-boulevard
And if you want more insider Chattanooga finds, be sure to follow me on Instagram @webbchatts — I’m always sharing the best new spots, events, and hidden gems around the Scenic City! THANKS!!!
Barbie Dreamhouse Airbnb in Chattanooga: Perfect for Bachelorettes and Girls’ Getaways
Stay in Chattanooga’s Very Own Barbie Dreamhouse Airbnb
If you’ve ever daydreamed about living in your own Barbie Dreamhouse—think plush pink décor, matching robes, and picture-perfect spaces—the Barbie House Chattanooga might be exactly the getaway you didn’t know you needed. Tucked just minutes from downtown, this three-story Airbnb is a themed girls’ weekend paradise and one of the most memorable stays you’ll find in the Scenic City. Whether you're planning a bachelorette party, mother-daughter weekend, or just looking to treat your group to something unforgettable, this place delivers charm, fun, and plenty of glam in every room.
The Experience
Walking into the Barbie House Chattanooga feels like being transported into every Instagram fantasy you've ever scrolled past—but this time, it’s real. The entire home is thoughtfully designed around a Barbie aesthetic, with bold color palettes, retro-chic furniture, and just the right amount of sparkle. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.
There are multiple themed bedrooms, a full kitchen with—you guessed it—a pink fridge, glamorous vanity spots perfect for getting ready before a night out, and whimsical details in nearly every corner. The house comfortably sleeps 10 guests, and every bathroom comes stocked with robes and slippers for that full pampered vibe.
The standout feature for many? The massive 10-person hot tub, which makes a perfect spot to unwind after dinner or kick off a celebratory toast with the crew. Add in tons of photo-ready backdrops and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed hit for girls’ weekends, birthday celebrations, or bachelorette parties.
What to Know Before You Go
Location: The Barbie House is located in Chattanooga, less than 5 minutes from Station Street—a local nightlife favorite known for spots like Westbound, Reagan’s Bar, STIR, and Boneyard.
Booking: The house is listed on Airbnb under @ksbarbiedreams. Pricing varies by season and dates but typically ranges from $400 to $600 per night. For a group of 10, that breaks down to approximately $40–60 per person per night—pretty reasonable considering the amenities and location.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 10 people
Amenities include:
- 10-person hot tub
- Themed bedrooms and décor
- Full kitchen with pink appliances
- Robes and slippers in each bathroom
- Vanity areas for getting ready
- Private parking
You can find more photos, booking info, and updates on their Instagram at @barbiehousechatt.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Since it’s so close to downtown, you won’t need to drive far for fun. Station Street is packed with nightlife, and you’re just a short Uber ride from the North Shore, Southside, and downtown attractions.
- If you’re planning a special occasion like a bachelorette, consider pre-ordering balloons, décor, or meals—some local vendors offer themed packages that can be delivered to the house ahead of your stay.
- Bring a camera or make sure your phone has space—there are tons of Instagrammable moments in every room, and your group will probably want a full photo shoot.
- Split the stay with friends to stretch your budget. With 10 people, it’s one of the most cost-effective (and fun) group Airbnb stays in town.
Final Thoughts
The Barbie House in Chattanooga isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s part of the experience. With thoughtfully curated spaces and so many fun details, it invites you to embrace the theme and enjoy a playful but still comfortable stay. Guests rave about the responsive host, clean spaces, and overall vibe. If you’re the type who loves themed experiences, close-knit weekends with friends, or simply want something unique for your next group gathering, this Airbnb is a hidden gem.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!