Chattanooga, TN April 2026

IMAGINE YOUR HOME, Totally Organized!

Investing in What Matters Most

When we think of the word invest, our minds often jump to numbers on a page or a financial portfolio. We picture markets, returns, and long-term strategies. Yet as we explore this month’s theme, I am reminded that the most meaningful investments are rarely confined to spreadsheets. More often, they are made with our hearts, our presence, and our dedication to the place we call home.

True investment in a community goes far beyond dollars and cents. It shows up in the neighbor who volunteers their time, the small business owner who pours passion into their storefront, the teacher who stays late to encourage a student, or the family who chooses to build their life here. These are the quiet investments that shape a city’s character and strengthen the ties that hold it together.

Chattanooga is a place where those investments are easy to see and even easier to feel. Our city thrives because people believe in it. They invest their creativity into new ideas, their energy into community initiatives, and their resources into businesses and organizations that serve others.

In many ways, Chattanooga itself is the return on investment. It’s found in vibrant local shops, thriving neighborhoods, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a culture that values connection and collaboration. These things didn’t happen by accident; they are the result of countless people choosing to invest in this city again and again.

This month, we are highlighting the many ways individuals and organizations are investing in the heart and future of Chattanooga. We visit Understory Tea House, a peaceful Southside gathering place centered on the art of tea; Pilates Addiction Chattanooga, where owner Gena Campbell is helping people invest in their health and strength; and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, a 102-year-old cultural cornerstone continuing to enrich the city through the arts. We also spotlight Limelight Landscape Lighting, whose custom designs are transforming outdoor spaces across the region; CreativeMornings/Chattanooga, a monthly event bringing the city’s creative community together for inspiration; and Jfest, the Tennessee Valley’s longest-running Christian music festival, which continues to unite thousands each year through music and worship. Together, these stories celebrate the people and places investing in what makes Chattanooga such a vibrant place to live.

To invest in Chattanooga is to believe in its future. It’s a commitment to nurturing what makes this place special while helping it grow in thoughtful, meaningful ways. And when a community shares that kind of belief, the dividends are something far greater than financial—they are lasting, visible, and deeply felt for generations to come. Cheers!

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patricia Storm Broyles, Eve Crabtree, Demi Guillory, Belinda Martin, Kate Robertson Parrish, Kristi Sellers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Golden Hour Images, Wes Hope, Hannah Morgan, Ellen Pelletier, Jared Scott, Caroline Trotter, Tori Vintzel

LISA YOCKEY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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Palette Provisions Serving Clients in the Chattanooga Area

Palette Provisions owner Cassidy Davidson creates elevated charcuterie, artfully curated grazing boards and bites designed to delight both the eye and the palate. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, her edible displays bring a beautiful, memorable touch to any event. Palette Provisions serves clients throughout Chattanooga, North Georgia, and Alabama. Limited dates are available, so book today! Learn more at instagram.com/paletteprovisions

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Dogtopia Opening this Spring

Dogtopia of Chattanooga – Southside, located at 1607 Central Avenue, offers everything your furry family member needs, including award-winning daycare, boarding, and spa services. Known for prioritizing both fun and safety, Dogtopia is an industry leader and the only daycare offering an activity monitor for pet parents. Take advantage of their Founder’s Offer—unlimited daycare for just $79 per week. Spots at this rate are limited and filling quickly. Secure yours at dogtopia.com/tennessee-chattanooga-southside

Orderly Chattanooga Accepting New Clients

We’re excited to welcome Orderly Chattanooga as a new partner! Specializing in home decluttering and organization, they help homeowners create functional, beautiful spaces. Their new “In a Pinch Package ” offers three hours of professional organizing for just $145—a perfect option for smaller projects like closets or pantries, or for getting started on larger spaces such as garages. It’s also a great introduction to professional organizing. Connect with Orderly Chattanooga to schedule a free consultation.

30 Minute Hit Redefines Fitness Experience for Women

30 Minute Hit Chattanooga is redefining the fitness experience for women. Owned by veteran Sara Bailey, the studio offers a 30-minute kickboxing and self-defense circuit designed for real life—no class times, no experience required. Members can drop in anytime, move at their own pace, and receive guidance from supportive trainers. More than a workout, it’s a community where women build strength, relieve stress, and encourage one another every step of the way.

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The Pottery Place Joins Chattanooga City Lifestyle Family

We’re excited to spotlight The Pottery Place Chattanooga, where Jessica and her team have created a welcoming design studio stocked with more than 200 tools and creative supplies. Whether you walk in to paint, attend a class, or book a party or group event, the team is ready to guide you step by step in bringing your masterpiece to life. Visit them at 103 Cherokee Boulevard (behind The Big Chill and Grill).

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The Bunny Hive Chattanooga Launches Corporate Membership Partnerships

Working parents with young children often face sleep loss, childcare logistics, and early-parenthood stress—factors linked to burnout and turnover. The Bunny Hive Chattanooga offers instructor-led classes for children two weeks to five years in music, art, movement, and sensory play in a calm Northshore studio. The studio now partners with local employers to offer subsidized memberships as a family-wellness benefit that helps parents return to work more focused and supported. Employers interested in a corporate partnership can learn more by emailing chattanooga@thebunnyhive.com.

Understory Tea House

Unplug and Find Peace at Chattanooga’s Newest Tea Room

In a world that constantly demands more, a new space on Chattanooga’s Southside invites you to pause and savor the little moments. Understory Tea House fuses the art of traditional gongfu tea with a space to be present and connect with those around you.

“I knew from a young age that I was called to bring people together and create an experience,” says owner and operator Taylor Traglia Stephenson.

Stephenson began working in specialty coffee in Nashville in 2015, at the height of third- and fourth-wave coffee culture. Tea was adjacent on menus and in conversation; over time, curiosity turned into study. She immersed herself in the nuances of tea, which led to herbalism and plant medicine, particularly folk traditions. She started crafting herbal blends and custom formulas for friends and family, small-batch mixtures rooted in both tradition and intuition.

Those early blends became Understory Herbals, a line of packaged herbal teas and plant-based products. What began as personal remedies evolved into a growing business, wholesaled to cafes and yoga studios and sold at markets. For a time, a brickand-mortar space seemed like the natural next step. But midway through a buildout, Stephenson made the difficult decision to walk away and relocate to Chattanooga with her partner. Understory Herbals continued in the background, but she had put the idea of a retail space to rest.

ARTICLE BY KATE ROBERTSON PARRISH PHOTOGRAPHY BY TORI VINTZEL & ELLEN PELLETIER

In Chattanooga, Stephenson joined Velo Coffee Roasters, supervising production and reconnecting with hands-on, collaborative work. New relationships formed quickly. When a location on Washington Street became available, she went to see it and immediately knew it was go time. Understory Tea House opened in January 2026, bringing Stephenson’s years of study, experimentation, and conviction into a space of their own.

At Understory, the ritual is as important as the drink itself. Many teas are prepared using the gongfu cha method: a high leaf-to-water ratio brewed in small, intentional steeps (up to 10 steeps for some varieties) from a single pot. The vessels used for service are specialty pieces crafted by a local artist. Each pour reveals something slightly different in the leaves, encouraging guests to slow down and notice the evolution of flavor.

Japanese green teas are handled with similar precision. Served in a traditional Japanese teapot, they’re steeped just three times. There will always be a few Japanese greens on the menu, alongside matcha and a rotating selection of tea lattes that bridge tradition and approachability.

Stephenson works with very small farms through trusted importers who maintain close relationships on the ground in each region of origin. Everything is organically grown, free from synthetic pesticides and sprays. Many of the herbs come from local purveyor Bird Fork Farm and Cedar Hill Homestead outside of Nashville.

“Teas are crops, too,” Stephenson says. “Things change over the seasons, so we’ll change our menu as seasonally as we can.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise since opening has been when people choose to come. With younger generations drinking less alcohol, more people are leaning into wellness and seeking alternatives for evening gathering spaces. “We’re creatures of connection, and we need these third spaces,” Stephenson says.

For Understory’s later-night grand opening events, people showed up in force, eager for a calmer, sober place to land after dark. The tea house has already become a natural home for book clubs, craft groups, and other mindful activities. There’s no public Wi-Fi, and the atmosphere intentionally discourages heavy device use. The goal is presence, not productivity.

In a culture that rarely pauses, Understory Tea House offers something quieter: an invitation to slow down and fill yourself back up.

PILATES Addiction

ARTICLE BY EVE CRABTREE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES

Gena Campbell Balances Pilates, Family, New Business, Rediscovering Hometown Delights

Eight years ago, Gena Campbell fell in love with Pilates and all it encompasses. At the time, she was a single woman living in Nashville and working as a physical therapist, so when she discovered Pilates, it fit right in with her beliefs on movement and lifestyle. “When I first moved to Nashville, I was very stressed and overwhelmed, so Pilates taught me to slow down and reconnect with my body,” Gena explains. “I would refer my physical therapy patients to Pilates because I saw how beneficial it was to me and them.”

A few years later, in October 2021, she married her husband and they welcomed their now two-year-old son in January 2024. This past November, she and her husband decided to make the move from Nashville back to Chattanooga—her childhood hometown— when the opportunity arose to open a Pilates Addiction branch. “My husband always wanted to go into the franchise world,” Gena shares. “When this became an option, I fell in love with the concept and it was a no-brainer.” Gena left her full-time physical therapy job and they pursued this new dream.

The decision to move back to Chattanooga was made even easier because of their family and friends here. Gena’s parents and her brother and his family reside in Chattanooga, so living nearby has allowed them to have more time with them. The Campbells

have also enjoyed exploring and rediscovering Chattanooga— especially Gena, after being gone from her hometown for so many years. “Chattanooga has changed so much,” Gena says. “It is such a cool city.” As foodies, Gena and her husband love trying all the different restaurants and cuisines that Chattanooga has to offer. “My husband and I are constantly exploring and going on date nights,” Gena says. “We like to bring our son along whenever possible to experience it with him. We love going to the playground, doing all the fun things for toddlers in Chattanooga, walking in our neighborhood with our dog, Chloe, and simply spending time as just the three of us.”

Even though being the owner of this branch of Pilates Addiction gives Gena some flexibility with her schedule, she’s still learning how to balance work and life in this new stage. “The nice part about owning my own business is that I can schedule my work around time with my son,” Gena shares. “He’s in daycare but the flexibility allows me to pick him up, make dinner, and spend the night as a family. I try to be intentional on the weekends to simply be a mom and do fun things outside of the house with him.”

Gena is passionate about Pilates and what she does, which is both a pleasure and a complexity when learning to balance the things she loves. Still, Gena is enjoying the growing process.

“I love connecting with people...I like to help people feel better and live more functionally.”

Part of the fun is getting to merge her enthusiasm for physical therapy and Pilates as she starts the business. As a physical therapist, she has seen how good Pilates is for a person’s overall health. “When I had my son, the first thing I did was Pilates because I had to be connected to my core and learn to move safely and wisely,” she explains. “That’s why I refer a lot of people to Pilates as a physical therapist. I have seen it do so much good for people.” Gena is very relational and cares deeply about people, so helping them invest in their health is important to her.  “I love connecting with people and enjoyed building relationships with people as a physical therapist,” Gena says. “I like to help people feel better and live more functionally.”

Pilates Addiction was the perfect next step for Gena because it is an activity that encourages connection in both body and community. “Pilates is unique because there are not a lot of activities where you’re really connecting with your body,” she explains. “It’s very particular and deep-rooted work—a mind-body-soul connection. I think Pilates is one of the best ways that men and women can invest in themselves and their body as a whole.” Pilates also fosters community and is a great way for Gena and others to invest in the people around them, especially with classes of around twelve people meeting week after week.

Gena also enjoys being able to connect with people through her involvement in the business side of things. “I’m the one on the other end of the texting, emails, and phone calls, not AI,” Gena says. “I’m always messaging and talking to people, fostering connections.” As the owner, Gena is also able to spread the message that Pilates is for everyone—men and women, young and old—no matter their demographics or background. “I want to be a welcoming, inclusive space,” Gena shares. “There is no one that Pilates can’t benefit.”

“[Pilates is] very particular and deep-rooted work—a mindbody-soul connection. I think Pilates is one of the best ways that men and women can invest in themselves and their body as a whole.”

As the studio launches, Gena is looking forward to applying her knowledge as a physical therapist to Pilates and building community in Chattanooga. “Everything has worked out so well and it’s been a confirmation that this is exactly what we’re supposed to do,” Gena says. “We’re so excited to be back in Chattanooga and starting this Pilates Addiction location.”

To learn more and connect with Gena, call (423) 407-7829 or email eastbrainerd@pilatesaddiction.com, or visit PilatesAddiction.com and select the Chattanooga location. Also, check out their fun staff page @PilatesChatt on Instagram and visit the Pilates Addiction page as well @MyPilatesAddiction.

LIMELIGHT LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES HOPE & CAROLINE TROTTER

LEADING A SKILLED TEAM OF LANDSCAPE LIGHTING SPECIALISTS, LANCE ASTI USES INNOVATIVE DESIGN TO “PAINT WITH LIGHT,” TRANSFORMING OUTDOOR SPACES INTO STRIKING NIGHTTIME LANDSCAPES

“Our process for design and installation is different from a typical landscaping company,” says Lance Asti, owner of Limelight Landscape Lighting, LLC. “We are a very niche service company.”

Limelight specializes in landscape and architectural lighting design and installation, creating custom outdoor lighting designs to transform homes and yards. “Landscaping companies focus on putting in trees, shrubs and mulch, but for them, landscape lighting is an add-on,” Asti explains. “For us, lighting is everything. The details of placement, or of aiming, and even the premier fixtures themselves, are much more intentional than with a company that does not specialize in outdoor lighting.”

What are the most popular types of landscape lighting? Asti lists uplighting, wall wash lighting, path lighting, tree-mounted down lighting, hardscape lighting and bistro lighting so people can really enjoy their outdoor living spaces. He also explains how important it is to work with a member of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals. “As AOLP members, we are certified designers and professional installers, and are held accountable to continuing education. This distinction separates us. It takes a lot of time and energy, but it keeps us focused on working on our craft to be on the cutting edge of everything we do.”

A collegiate men’s swim coach for 20 years, Asti coached at LSU, Clemson and then the University of Tennessee, where he had also competed as a Vol in the late 1990s. His drive for excellence led to his coaching Olympians and Team USA at the 2018 World Championships in Hangzhou, China. Despite his coaching success, which involved significant traveling for meets and recruiting, he made a decision to change careers to allow him to be home

more with his wife and three children. He founded Limelight in 2020 as a part-time business, but that quickly evolved into a fulltime landscape lighting company.

Asti translated many of those coaching principles to his lighting business, investing in his staff to develop a strong work ethic, teamwork, discipline and attention to every detail. “We have the most incredible team at Limelight. I love mentoring and guiding these young team members to grow and develop as people and certified craftsmen pursuing excellence. We take that Olympic- level experience into running our business, making every detail matter in service to our customers, achieving their vision,” Asti adds.

Customers discover that the consultation, custom design and estimate with Limelight are all free. “The goal of a consultation is to understand the personal preferences and vision of our customer. And then, to evaluate the unique property features and determine focal points for evening illumination.” His certified designers work quickly to turn around a written custom design, sitemap, detailed image of fixture placement and estimate, so the customer can envision the end result and know what to expect.  “We want to go above and beyond while showcasing what we can do and assuring our homeowners we won’t cut corners. “

“We are proud to be East Tennessee natives.  We are not just another national franchise in the Chattanooga market. While my family and team live in the Knoxville area, we service a wide territory that includes Chattanooga. Chattanooga has a strong appreciation for beautiful homes and outdoor living, and we’re excited to bring our expertise to the community. We get a lot of business by word of mouth. Referrals and jobs often come from neighbors, friends and families who have seen how we can transform a space and love our work.

“Our company mission is to brighten people’s lives, not just their homes, and we try to live that out every day.” Asti lists core values as integrity, craftsmanship, infusing value into relationships and brilliance.

We want Limelight to be a brilliant spot in our community and the world.” But the word “brilliance” also reflects the intelligence, expertise and imagination they bring to designs. “We do the kind of outside-the-box outdoor lighting that a lot of companies say can’t be done. We put lights in tricky areas. We put more thought into how to accomplish brightening a home instead of just giving a cookie-cutter design experience. I empower my crew when they are out in the field to always be thinking and imagining the best way to do it.”

The former Olympic-level coach is driven daily to elevate the product, the outcome and the experience his team creates at Limelight. “We provide a white-glove, red carpet experience–where customers feel they are well taken care of from start to finish,” Asti adds, “and we can develop long-term relationships.”

Learn more about Limelight Landscape Lighting at limelightknoxville.com .

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CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE

THE ICONIC COMMUNITY THEATER CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY

Not everyone may have a leading stage role, but at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, every member in the community is part of an all-star cast. It is how the CTC continues to make history 102 years later with the first-ever female Executive Director, Kim Jackson, ushering it into an exciting new era.

“The CTC serves as a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s creative and cultural identity,” Kim, who officially began her role in January, says. “Producing theatre in the community, for the community and with the community, for over 100 years is no small feat.”

ARTICLE BY DEMI GUILLORY

Entertainment complements education at the CTC, providing people of all ages opportunities to engage in creative and performing arts–furthering their mission of fostering cultural, intellectual and emotional development.

Kim adds that “while attending a performance provides entertainment and engagement, our education and outreach programs are where long-term learning happens.”

With a wide variety of on-site classes and programs for youth and adults, the work done behind the scenes at CTC is just as important as the main act. This, Kim points out, is where the magic begins. “Providing these opportunities is vital because it transforms the arts from a passive experience into a powerful tool for personal and communal growth.”

Classes include introductions to Creative Drama for children, Acting the Script for teens and Audition Prep and Specialty classes, like Acting for the Camera and Directing, for adults. Dance classes are also offered for teens and adults, allowing different ways for the community to explore their unique interests and grow in their artistic abilities.

And while Kim says these classes are vital to their mission in promoting the arts, CTC’s impact extends well beyond the classroom walls. “We don’t wait for the community to come to us; we take the arts into the city through Collaborative Arts Outreach Programs,” such as Theatre for the Very Young–a touring program directly engaging Chattanooga’s youngest learners with 30-minute productions at local childcare centers and schools.

In addition, community partnerships make an equally incredible difference. ”The CTC is a key partner in initiatives like ArtsBuild’s Imagine! program, which provides arts experiences to thousands of Hamilton County elementary students, and the Kennedy Center Partners in Education team, which helps local teachers integrate the arts into their standard curriculum,” adds Kim.

Supporting CTC’s mission is also numerous economic and professional investments, particularly when it comes to local playwrights and “keeping

talent within our region.” This, combined with their efforts to actively include the community with volunteer roles, helps keep one of the largest community theaters nationwide a shining light–or what Kim calls, a “social anchor”--for the Chattanooga area.

“Ultimately, the CTC serves as a ‘Third Place’. . .where individuals can connect outside of home, school or work,” Kim says. From building and painting in the Scene Shop to sewing and crafting in the Costume Shop, everyone has something to offer.

As she looks forward to this new chapter in CTC history, Kim is proud to lead with a passionate community beside her. “We run on volunteer power.”

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre (CTC) has an exciting season ahead with performances for all ages. William Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing opens on the Mainstage April 10–26, followed by the Youth Theatre production of How I Became a Pirate May 9–17. In June, the Circle Theatre hosts the CTC New Play Festival, featuring ten original plays by local playwrights. The season continues with Disney’s Frozen on the Mainstage July 17–August 2.

To find out how you can play your part and learn more, visit:  theatrecentre.com and  theatrecentre. com/classes

CreativeMornings

HOW CREATIVEMORNINGS/ CHATTANOOGA STARTS THE DAY WITH INSPIRATION

ARTICLE BY KRISTI SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERED SCOTT & HANNAH MORGAN

In a city known for its growing arts scene and entrepreneurial spirit, CreativeMornings has a special home in Chattanooga. The local chapter, CreativeMornings/Chattanooga, hosts a popular monthly gathering where coffee, conversation, and creative minds come together before the workday truly begins.

Held on the last Friday of each month, CreativeMornings/Chattanooga invites designers, artists, speakers, writers, and curious locals to start their day with a simple idea: coffee and a short talk that sparks true inspiration. In fact, if you have a single creative bone in your body, CreativeMornings Chattanooga is ready to welcome you with open arms.

FROM THE BEGINNING, THE GOAL HAS BEEN SIMPLE: BUILD A COMMUNITY AMONG PEOPLE WHO THINK, MAKE, AND DREAM.

The concept began in 2008 when founder Tina Roth Eisenberg launched the first CreativeMornings event in New York, hoping to create a welcoming space where creative professionals could meet, learn, and share ideas. Today the movement spans hundreds of cities around the world, but each chapter maintains its own local “feel”.

Meet Kody Dahl, the chapter host of CreativeMornings Chattanooga, and his cohorts, Krantzsy Boursiquot and Jess Friedowitz. Collectively, this trio organizes the monthly gatherings that CreativeMornings hosts.

Chattanooga’s chapter first launched in 2016, bringing the global concept to the heart of the city.  According to Dahl, “We are planning a big party” in celebration of their 10-year anniversary.

From the beginning, the goal has been simple: build a community among people who think, make, and dream. Organizers choose speakers from across the area who share personal stories and creative insights aligned to a theme chosen each month.

The result is something truly special. It’s a place where relationships form over coffee and where newcomers can quickly feel connected to Chattanooga’s creative scene. Each event is free and open to the public, backing up the organization’s belief that creativity belongs to everyone -not just those with a formal title or profession.

“Each month, we are intentional on where each event is held and how each event feels. Each month has a specific theme. We pick a speaker and a venue to reflect that theme”, according to Dahl.

For many attendees, CreativeMornings Chattanooga has become a small but meaningful date on their calendars. It’s a chance to pause, step away from the grind, and hear a story that sparks imagination.

If you are interested in joining CreativeMornings Chattanooga, be sure to check out their website at: creativemornings.com/cities/cha

Jfest Returns to the Riverpark for Its 26th Year

Chattanooga’s Longest-Running Christian Music Festival Unites Thousands for Worship and Live Music

ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN

For more than two decades, Jfest has gathered families from across the Tennessee Valley for a full day of music, worship, and community. Now in its 26th year, the one-day Christian music festival has become the longest-running and largest event of its kind in the region. Chattanooga City Lifestyle recently sat down with Ted Gocke, Jfest Festival Director, and Jared Redden, Operations Manager for Jfest, to talk about the heart behind the festival and what makes it a staple in the Chattanooga community. Held at the Tennessee Riverpark on Amnicola Highway, Jfest blends live music with a spirit of celebration that organizers say goes far beyond a typical concert.

Gocke and Redden describe Jfest as something closer to a “family reunion, church picnic, revival service, and celebration all rolled into one.” Throughout the day, thousands of attendees gather to hear Christian artists perform while also sharing moments of worship together. For many families and church groups, it is a rare opportunity to spend time together unplugged from technology, building community and spiritual momentum that carries into the rest of the year.

Part of what makes the experience unique is the message behind the music. Organizers say artists are intentionally chosen not only for their musical talent but for their commitment to sharing hope and encouragement through their platform. Many artists even pause during their performances to speak about faith and invite people to respond. Each year, moments like a call to salvation from artists have turned the festival ground into a powerful space for reflection and worship.

While the event draws well-known performers, many people are surprised to learn how small the team behind it really is. Jfest is organized by a staff of about 20 people and powered largely by volunteers. Planning begins nearly a year in advance, followed by a full week of setup leading into the festival. By the end of the night, the entire production is packed up and taken down, often leaving organizers celebrating their hard work with a late-night stop at Waffle House.

Behind the scenes, prayer is central to the event. Organizers often find themselves standing in the empty field weeks before the festival, praying that the right people will come and that the day will make a meaningful impact. During the event itself, prayer tents staffed by members of Pray Chattanooga invite attendees to stop, talk, and receive encouragement.

Chattanooga’s location also plays an important role in the festival’s success. Positioned geographically between several major cities and close to Nashville, the area makes it easy for artists to travel while also providing a scenic outdoor setting along the river.

For more than two decades, Jfest has gathered families from across the Tennessee Valley for a full day of music, worship, and community.

As Jfest looks ahead, organizers hope the event will continue to grow—potentially welcoming more than 15,000 people in the coming years. Their goal, they say, remains simple: to create a place where people can gather, hear the gospel, and leave feeling encouraged, connected, and uplifted.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 16, bringing another full day of music, worship, and community to the Tennessee Riverpark. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of artists, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with local churches and ministries throughout the day. To view the full artist lineup, purchase wristbands, or learn more about the event, visit jfest.com .