Chattanooga's SeaLight Festival 2026: Illuminating the Riverfront

Experience the Magic of Chattanooga's Sea.Light Festival in 2026

fireworks are lit up in the night sky over boats
fireworks are lit up in the night sky over boats

Mark your calendars for a breathtaking spectacle as Chattanooga prepares to illuminate its waterfront with the inaugural Sea.Light Festival in 2026. This immersive, multi-day event promises to transform the city's riverfront into a dazzling canvas of light, art, and innovation, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Chattanooga: A Scenic Boat Tour Adventure Awaits
Chattanooga: A Scenic Boat Tour Adventure Awaits

What is the Sea.Light Festival?

The Sea.Light Festival is an innovative, large-scale light festival that celebrates Chattanooga's unique riverfront location and its rich history of innovation. Inspired by similar light festivals around the world, Sea.Light aims to create a captivating, family-friendly experience that showcases cutting-edge technology, local art, and community spirit.

the entrance to chatanooga is lit up at night with lights shining on it
the entrance to chatanooga is lit up at night with lights shining on it

What to Expect in 2026

While the specific details of the 2026 festival are still being finalized, here's a sneak peek into what you can expect:

Best spots in Chattanooga, TN – Part 1 - In Honor Of Design
Best spots in Chattanooga, TN – Part 1 - In Honor Of Design
  • Illuminated Art Installations: Witness stunning, larger-than-life light art installations created by local, national, and international artists.
  • Interactive Experiences: Engage with interactive light displays, projection mapping, and immersive installations that respond to your presence.
  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and street theatre that will bring the festival to life.
  • Food and Drink: Savor delicious local cuisine, craft beers, and specialty cocktails from Chattanooga's vibrant food and drink scene.
  • Community Programming: Participate in workshops, talks, and activities that celebrate Chattanooga's creative community and its innovative spirit.

Key Dates and Times

While the exact dates and times for the 2026 Sea.Light Festival are yet to be announced, here's a tentative schedule to give you an idea:

many colorful umbrellas are hanging from the ceiling
many colorful umbrellas are hanging from the ceiling
Day Time
Thursday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Please note that these times are subject to change, and the final schedule will be announced closer to the event.

Getting Involved

Downtown Chattanooga
Downtown Chattanooga

If you're an artist, performer, or local business interested in getting involved in the Sea.Light Festival, we'd love to hear from you. Please visit our Get Involved page for more information on how to submit your proposal or application.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Sea.Light Festival 2026 by following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter. We can't wait to see you there!

All the Chattanooga Outdoors, Arts, and Dining You Need for a Long Weekend
All the Chattanooga Outdoors, Arts, and Dining You Need for a Long Weekend
the fountains are lit up at night in front of two large buildings with lights on them
the fountains are lit up at night in front of two large buildings with lights on them
Things to do in the Chattanooga area this weekend include Riverfront Nights, Nooga Splash, fairy festival | Chattanooga Times Free Press
Things to do in the Chattanooga area this weekend include Riverfront Nights, Nooga Splash, fairy festival | Chattanooga Times Free Press
the inside of a cave with a waterfall and purple light coming from it's sides
the inside of a cave with a waterfall and purple light coming from it's sides
Downtown Chattanooga
Downtown Chattanooga
people are sitting under a waterfall in the middle of a cave with sunlight streaming through it
people are sitting under a waterfall in the middle of a cave with sunlight streaming through it
chattanooga choo choo
chattanooga choo choo
Chattanooga and Tennessee River Aerial View in Daylight
Chattanooga and Tennessee River Aerial View in Daylight
a bridge that is over some water with lights on at the top and below it
a bridge that is over some water with lights on at the top and below it
downtown chattanooga travel inspo
downtown chattanooga travel inspo
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5 Fun Things To Do In Chattanooga, TN
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a person walking across a bridge in the rain
Ruby Falls ~ Chatanooga,  Tennessee
Ruby Falls ~ Chatanooga, Tennessee
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Rock City, Chattanooga, TN -
a blue bridge over water at night with lights on it
a blue bridge over water at night with lights on it
Chattanooga, Tennessee - A Weekend Filled With Adventure!
Chattanooga, Tennessee - A Weekend Filled With Adventure!
Chattanooga, Tennessee Tourism - Official Chattanooga TN Site
Chattanooga, Tennessee Tourism - Official Chattanooga TN Site
Try visiting Rock City in the evening on summer nights!
Try visiting Rock City in the evening on summer nights!
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Chattanooga Sunset
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Spring at Chattanooga

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