Chattanooga is making a pretty persuasive argument for a road trip October 23–25, with bluegrass, local art and jazz sharing one busy fall weekend.

If your usual Saturday outing ends with somebody asking what you want to do next, this time you might want to make a list before leaving Rome.

Bluegrass takes over Friday and Saturday

The public festival portion of IBMA World of Bluegrass runs Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, bringing music fans to downtown Chattanooga.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! centers its ticketed performances at the Chattanooga Convention Center, The Signal and Barrelhouse Ballroom, with additional activity around Miller Park and Miller Plaza.

The announced lineup includes Sierra Ferrell, Della Mae, Leftover Salmon, Larry Sparks and Michael Cleveland & Friends.

Check the individual performance schedule before buying passes, especially if one particular artist is your reason for making the trip.

There is also plenty to enjoy without purchasing concert admission.

The convention center’s Exhibit Hall is free from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

Saturday’s free Pickin’ in the Park fills Miller Park and Miller Plaza with music from 10 a.m.–9 p.m., alongside arts-and-crafts vendors and food options.

College ensembles, young musicians and Chattanooga performers will share the day’s programming.

For something a little unexpected, Chattanooga Ballet will present High Lonesome at Waterhouse Pavilion from 3:10–3:40 p.m., accompanied by Randy Steele & High Cold Wind.

Ballet and bluegrass on the same afternoon sounds like a fine excuse to stay awhile.

Browse local art at Coolidge Park

Across the river, Between the Bridges Local Arts Festival returns to Coolidge Park on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, October 25, from noon–5 p.m.

Approximately 50 Chattanooga-area artists will display and sell their work at this locals-only festival, now in its sixth year.

Community participants include Scenic City Clay Arts, H*Art Gallery, the Photographic Society of Chattanooga and The Chattery.

It is a chance to meet the people behind the artwork and perhaps start holiday shopping with something considerably more interesting than another gift card.

Public admission pricing is not specified on the organizer’s festival page, so check for updates before heading out.

Sunday belongs to jazz

Chattanooga Jazz Fest returns to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo on Sunday, October 25, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

The free festival celebrates the city’s musicians with a mix of jazz, blues and funk.

An open-jam afterparty follows at Wanderlinger from 7:30–9:30 p.m. for anyone whose musical appetite outlasts the afternoon.

Pick a day—or make a weekend of it

Saturday offers art browsing and free outdoor bluegrass, with ticketed concerts available for those building their plans around a favorite performer.

Sunday pairs an afternoon at the arts festival with music at the Choo Choo.

With several major events sharing downtown and the Northshore, allow extra time for parking and getting between venues.

Wear comfortable shoes, check the latest schedules and leave a little room in the day for whatever catches your ear.