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Chattawake & Chattanooga River Games 2025: What to Expect from This Action-Packed Weekend at Ross’s Landing

If you’ve ever thought Chattanooga was just scenic hikes and historic charm, think again. This summer, the city is cranking up the adrenaline with the first-ever international wakesurfing competition hosted right downtown as part of the Chattanooga River Games. Taking place August 15–17 at Ross’s Landing, this three-day event is bringing a whole lineup of extreme sports, global talent, and free family fun to the Tennessee Riverfront.

From world-class wakesurfers to Red Bull’s first-ever U.S. Creepers showdown, get ready for a weekend that’s shaping up to be one of Chattanooga’s most unforgettable outdoor events.

The Experience: Wakesurfing, Extreme Stunts, and Riverfront Energy

The Chattanooga River Games isn’t just one event- it’s a full-on festival packed with energy and talent. At the heart of it is Chattawake, the pro and amateur wakesurfing competition that’s drawing over 100 athletes from around the world. Expect to see riders from countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and across the U.S., all competing behind the legendary MasterCraft XStar for top honors. If you’ve never seen wakesurfing live, it’s a mix of balance, technique, and style—all set against the scenic flow of the Tennessee River.

But the action doesn’t stop on the water. Iconic extreme sports brand Red Bull is bringing its Creepers event to U.S. soil for the very first time. Known in Europe for its jaw-dropping displays of strength and coordination, Creepers features athletes climbing over-water obstacles that test both vertical grit and creative movement. It's going to be crazy!

Also on deck: the return of death diving (yes, that’s a real thing), professional slackliners attempting highlining feats above the Riverwalk, nightly live music sets, and rows of food trucks and vendors lining Ross’s Landing. Whether you’re all about high-flying athletes or just looking to relax by the river with great views and good eats, there’s something for every level of thrill-seeker.

What to Know Before You Go

Dates: Friday, August 15 – Sunday, August 17, 2024  

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Time: Wakesurfing competition runs daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. Other activities, live music, and vendors go into the evening.  

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Location: Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402  
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Admission: Free! All events and competitions are open to the public  
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Website/More Info: https://wakesurfchampionships.com/wsws_event/chattawake-2025/
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Parking: Ross’s Landing can fill quickly, especially with this many attendees expected. Public garages are nearby on Chestnut St. and Aquarium Way, but you might want to consider biking or using a rideshare if you’re coming from downtown or the North Shore.

Extra Tips & Bonuses

- Come early for the best viewing spots along the water’s edge—especially if you want to catch the pro riders in action.
- Pack sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. August heat is no joke in Chattanooga.
- There are usually shaded areas and a few misting stations, but anything portable for comfort (like a travel chair or sunhat) will come in handy if you plan to stay a while.
- If you're coming in from out of town, the Edwin Hotel and The Westin are both within walking distance of Ross’s Landing—and give you great river views too.
- Pack a lunch or visit a food truck!

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Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the day, and the mix of sports and evening music makes this a great date night or group hang!

Final Thoughts

Chattawake and the broader Chattanooga River Games weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest and boldest events in the city’s summer calendar. Whether you're already a fan of extreme sports or just want to try something totally different, this is a chance to see world-level talent, right in the heart of downtown—without spending a dime on admission.

Locals and visitors alike will find plenty to keep them entertained, inspired, and maybe even a little braver when trying something new themselves. Definitely one to check out, even if you’re just curious.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Chattanooga has a brand new kind of veterinary clinic, and it’s one that’s rethinking the entire experience for both pets and their parents. Vetopia Animal Health, located in Hixson, was designed with a clear vision: to create a true “utopia” for animals, owners, and the veterinary staff who care for them.

“Vetopia is this idea of a utopia for pets, people, and the people that work in the veterinary industry,” explains Dr. Bello, who co-founded the clinic with her husband Jerren.

From the beginning, the goal wasn’t just to build another vet office.

“It was always my dream to have a place where people could bring their pets and we could give them the care they deserve," said Bello. And what better city than Chattanooga to do it?”

A New Approach to Veterinary Care

One of the biggest ways Vetopia sets itself apart is by focusing on collaboration and transparency.

“Our biggest differentiator is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible,” says Dr. Bello. “I talk them through what I’m seeing step by step, so they’re a part of it.”

This approach extends beyond the exam table.

“We wanted to create a space where it was calming. Animals felt secure. People felt like they had the space to feel whatever emotions they wanted to feel.”

Better Pet Care Through Better People Care

The clinic’s motto, “better pet care through better people care,” speaks to the heart of its mission.

“Better pet care through better people care means we can’t forget pets come with people- and if we don’t care for those people, we’re not doing them a service.”

That focus on people extends to Vetopia’s staff as well.

“I really wanted to create a place where people came to work and they absolutely loved what they did and they left feeling like they accomplished something great every day.”

When I visited the vet for the first time with Mailbox (my dog), I truly saw this mission played out. The employees love their job, I as a pet parent felt very cared for, and Mailbox honestly loves his visits to the vet!

The Experience for Pet Parents

From the moment Mailbox and I walked through Vetopia’s doors, I could tell this wasn’t going to feel like a typical vet visit (and I've been to many vets in Chattanooga!) I was greeted, offered complimentary coffee (and it was actually FIRE coffee- I really liked it as someone who's not in to a lot of coffee!), and was taken back to a themed waiting room.

Each exam room has its own unique destination-inspired theme, which immediately gave us a sense of calm. During Mailbox’s check-up, I noticed how different the process felt compared to other clinics. I was actually taken to the back and got a behind-the-scenes look at what Vets do! 

"I think our biggest differentiators is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible," Dr. Bello told me. "So I know a lot of people are like, 'oh, they took my dog to the back...' and nothing bad happens to your pet in the back, I promise, but I understand like as I've gotten older, and I have a kid, that there is this kind of 'mysteriousness' about what's going on back there, and why is it taking so long. And so the idea with Vetopia was, why don't we just have the owner be present for the appointment as much as possible? Not only so that they feel more comfortable and their pets feel more comfortable, but I think it's really important for people to see what we do behind the scenes, because I think that it gives more value to what we as an industry provide."

It was neat seeing firsthand the team caring for my sweet fur baby. And rather than rushing through, Dr. Bello carefully walked me through everything she was seeing. That level of transparency made me feel empowered and connected- like I was truly part of Mailbox’s care.

Vetopia has also invested in technology to make that collaboration seamless. Screens and tablets in the exam rooms allow pet parents to see diagnostics in real time.

And honestly? The vibe is just different. With cozy touches, a coffee machine, and music playing softly in the background, it feels nothing like a sterile, intimidating clinic.

“We want it to feel like you’re not at a hospital, but you’re just hanging out in your living room… It’s a really relaxed, upbeat vibe. Most of the time we have good tunes going on, so it’s just like a fun feel.”

Mailbox certainly picked up on that- instead of being anxious like he has been at other clinics, he wagged his way through the visit. It truly felt like a place designed for both pets and their people to feel comfortable.

Family-Owned, Not Corporate

At a time when many veterinary clinics are being bought by large corporations, Vetopia is proudly family-owned.

“Family owned was really important to us… a lot of hospitals are being bought by corporate entities, and people feel like they’re losing that family feel. We wanted this to be the opposite.”

Dr. Bello says building Vetopia with her husband has made the journey even more meaningful.

“At the end of it, being able to step back and the two of us know that we did this together- it just makes it that much sweeter.”

A Vision for the Future

Vetopia isn’t just focused on one clinic- it’s about becoming part of the community.

“My bigger vision for Vetopia is to be super involved in the community- community outreach, helping the pets of Chattanooga. One day maybe opening another location, but the goal is to support Chattanooga and the pets as much as we can.”

Vetopia Info:
address: 1043 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Hixson, TN 37343

Contact: (423) 644-2125, info@vetopia.vet

Website: https://www.vetopia.vet/

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: Closed

TLDR?

Dr. Bello sums it up best:

“The one thing I’d want Chattanooga to know about Vetopia is that we care as much about them as we do their pets. We want this to be a collaborative experience.”

With its people-first philosophy, calming environment, and family-owned approach, Vetopia is ready to become a true second home for Chattanooga’s pets and their parents.

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To watch some of my interview with Dr. Bello and hear more about Mailbox's and my experience, check out my Instagram reel on @webbchatts!

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Drink and Discover at the Creative Discovery Museum: Chattanooga's Best Adults-Only Night Out

If you’ve ever wandered through the Creative Discovery Museum with your kids and secretly thought, “This place would be even more fun with a cocktail in hand,” you’re not alone — and that’s exactly what “Drink and Discover” is all about. A few times a year, the museum transforms into a 21+ evening event, where grown-ups get the rare chance to explore, experiment, and relive the magic of childhood, with the bonus of drinks, music, and food. Whether you’re heading there with your partner, your coworkers, or just a friend who’s down for a fun night, this is one of Chattanooga’s best under-the-radar experiences for adults.

The Experience

“Drink and Discover” is exactly what it sounds like: you drink, and you discover. All the core exhibits at the Creative Discovery Museum stay open for the night, giving you access to science experiments, art stations, giant musical instruments, and the famous rooftop play area—all without the kids. There’s usually a loose seasonal theme, photo ops, and activities tailored for adults, like beer tastings, food vendors, trivia games, or themed crafts.

The vibe is playful and laid-back. Think less "nightclub" and more "field trip for adults." People come in groups or on casual dates, meandering from floor to floor, chatting over beers while shooting air cannons or building marble runs. It’s a social, low-pressure event where you can actually talk, laugh, and let your inner kid roam free.

What to Know Before You Go

Next Event: The next “Drink and Discover” is scheduled for Thursday, October 24.

Time: Most events run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Occasionally, they may have extended hours for seasonal themes—check the museum’s website for confirmed details.

Location: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Tickets: Admission usually costs around $20-$25 per person, and includes access to all exhibits and activities. Drink tickets and food are typically available for purchase on-site.

Age Requirement: This is a 21+ event. IDs checked at the door.

Parking: There’s a paid lot directly across from the museum, and additional parking garages along Broad Street and near the Tennessee Aquarium. Plan a few extra minutes to park, especially for evening events downtown.

Tickets and more details: Visit cdmfun.org or check their Events tab for up-to-date ticket sales and info.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Come hungry: There is usually a rotating lineup of local food trucks or small bites for sale.

- Dress comfortably: You’ll be moving around, climbing stairs, and possibly crawling through tunnels (yes, really). Sneakers and casual wear are totally welcome.

- Make a night of it: The museum is just steps from downtown bars like Unknown Caller or Matilda Midnight if you want to keep the evening going. Or walk over to Easy Bistro or Old Gilman Grill for a late bite post-event.

- Photo-ready fun: Don’t miss the rooftop garden for golden hour views of downtown. It’s one of the most fun spots for quirky group shots.

- Holiday highlights: Special themed versions of Drink and Discover, like the Halloween or Valentine’s edition, tend to sell out faster. Check their instagram page to see if there is a theme!

Final Thoughts

Drink and Discover is a refreshing twist on a night out in Chattanooga. It’s lighthearted, a bit nostalgic, and offers something totally different from the usual bar or concert scene. Perfect for couples, friend groups, or anyone curious about the Creative Discovery Museum without the usual kid-centric chaos. You’ll leave with a few laughs, maybe a fun craft or souvenir, and hopefully a new appreciation for just how fun playing can be—no matter your age.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!