October 12, 2026 • Issue #85 • Good news every Monday

Good morning, Chattanooga! Dan here. This week brings two free outings, a win for the Hooch and a dog rescue worth cheering. Grab a friend or bring the kids. There’s plenty to enjoy close to home.

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All times Eastern. The details are below.

Let the kids build, experiment and follow their curiosity. The first Chattanooga Imagination Fest brings hands-on art, robotics, science activities, games and play zones to Miller Park, 928 Market Street. It’s free and open to all ages, with local partners including the library, Girls Inc. and UTC’s Challenger learning center.

Go Wednesday, Oct. 14, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. That’s one fall-break outing sorted.

See what’s planned at Imagination Fest →

The Downtown Library is turning 50, and Broad Street is becoming the party space. Expect live music, a kids’ zone, a scavenger hunt and touch-a-truck activities outside, plus Maker Day, local authors and book sales inside.

Go Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 1001 Broad Street. Admission and parking in the EPB Garage are free. So are the birthday treats, while supplies last; food-truck meals cost extra.

Good to know: Bring a chair or blanket. Rain moves the fun indoors. Broad Street closes for the party; construction may also temporarily close the 11th Street entrance.

Plan your library birthday visit →

Good news for a Chattanooga fall tradition: Head of the Hooch is staying here. Organizers confirmed the decision after working with city leaders on plans for the changing riverfront.

The regatta returns to Ross’s Landing November 7–8, with free viewing for spectators. Want to help make it happen? Volunteer sign-ups open this Wednesday, Oct. 14, at noon ET, and many roles don’t require rowing experience.

Find a volunteer role → • Read the staying-in-Chattanooga update →

A few whimpers led to a big rescue last Tuesday. Employees at the Goodwill on Dodds Avenue heard a dog trapped in a drain pipe and called for help. Chattanooga Public Works opened the concrete access, and McKamey’s animal protection officers brought the dog out. WTVC reported that veterinary care was underway. A little attention and some teamwork made all the difference.

Read the rescue story →

Who would you bring along? Forward this issue to one friend you’d like to meet at Miller Park or the library. If they sent it to you, get your own free Scoop every Monday →

Bread & Butter is already my weekly stop for sourdough, but this time we tried the breakfast focaccia. It was such a unique dish, and we weren’t the only ones there ordering it! The ham-and-egg croissants caught my eye too, so I’ve already got a reason to go back. Find the bakery at 3955 Dayton Blvd.

Open Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

See the menu →

Ooltewah • Barnsley Park

9659 Mulberry Gap Way • Listing photo

$525,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,309 Sq. Ft.

Built in 2022, this home has a large kitchen island, a fireplace and upstairs flex space, plus a covered front porch and private side patio.

My listing | Dan Hicks, Redfin

See the photos and details → Want a tour? Hit reply.

Price and availability may change.

Greater Chattanooga REALTORS®’ August 2026 regional report shows:

The takeaway: Buyers had more choice and a little more time to compare. Median prices were still higher. Your neighborhood and price range can tell a different story.

Read the August market report →

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
— L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Help us find the good. If you see someone making a difference, hear an uplifting local story, or spot something worth celebrating, hit reply and send it my way. I’d love your help finding and sharing the good happening around us. Thanks for reading, and have a good week!

For local businesses: Ask about paid sponsorships in the Scoop →

Dan Hicks | Redfin Chattanooga
TN License #353819
423-605-0773 | [email protected]