The Chattanooga Market is the region’s largest producer-only marketplace. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity (Public Markets, Inc.), we were established to provide healthy, fresh produce, artisan foods, as well as locally-produced arts and craft wares to Chattanoogans and community visitors. We offer entrepreneurs who are hand-making, growing or otherwise creating their own goods a low-cost environment to start, grow and expand their business.
Through our weekly public markets, we encourage commerce, entertainment and trade in downtown Chattanooga and the surrounding region, and have become an icon for the city in terms of cultural diversity, tourism and economic impact. Frommer’s has named us as one of the Top Ten Best Public Markets in America, and Fox News selected our Chattanooga Oktoberfest® as one of the Best Family-Friendly Oktoberfests in the U.S.
Currently, we operate 3 weekly Public Markets:
- Wednesdays: Chattanooga Market at Erlanger
- Saturdays: Chattanooga River Market
- Sundays: The Chattanooga Market
At our Public Markets, we host a multitude of local charities throughout the season which have included, but are not limited to Erlanger Foundation, Chambliss Children’s Home and Chattanooga Food Bank. In many cases we provide a platform for their fundraising efforts, which have become signature community events, held at Chattanooga Market.
Governed by a Board of Directors, we have a staff of five full-time employees and a seasonal support team of about a dozen. We do not receive any local government funding, but primarily rely on the fees from our vendors, members and sponsors to fulfill our mission.
We are grateful to be supported by the following organizations: First Tennessee Foundation, EPB Fiber Optics, Acura of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Aquarium.