Events
Join Our Community at Chattanooga's Premier Fundraising Events
Our signature events bring our community together for incredible food, amazing entertainment, and most importantly, life-saving support for kidney disease patients. When you attend our events, you're not just having a great time – you're directly funding patient assistance programs that help your neighbors.
2026 Events Calendar
TASTE
April
Chattanooga's premier food event featuring the city's best restaurants, food trucks, and culinary creators all in one delicious location. This family-friendly event combines incredible food with live entertainment.
When
Annual April event (2027 dates TBA)
Where
Downtown Chattanooga venue
What
Unlimited sampling, complimentary drink, live music, and a massive silent auction
Why Attend
TASTE features some os the best local cuisine and music Chattanooga has to offer. This fun evening showcases many of Chattanooga’s best local restaurants in a happy mix of music, great food and a party atmosphere.
Big Hair Affair
July
80-90s themed party celebrating the year of our independence and first kidney transplant in Chattanooga. Get ready for big hair, bold fashion, and an unforgettable night of fun and fundraising.
When
July 25, 2026
Where
Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall
What
80-90s themed party with music, dancing, and celebration
Why Attend
Celebrate a milestone year for the Kidney Foundation - independent since 1989 - while supporting local kidney patients. Throw on your best 80s-90s outfit and enjoy an evening of nostalgia that takes you right back to where it all began.
Thank You to Our 2026 Big Hair Affair Sponsors
Kidney Kup
August
Golf Tournament bringing together community leaders and local businesses for a day of golf to support local kidney patient services.
When
August 31, 2026
Where
Ooltewah Club
What
18-hole four-person scramble and silent auction
Why Attend
The Kidney Kup golf tournament was created in 2018 by Dare to Dance celebrities Scott DeFriese and Laurie Gregerson as a way to give back. With the help of local kidney advocate Eric Lewis and golf tournament guru Rich Spangler the first Kidney Kup was played on October 8, 2018 at Bear Trace.
Dare to Dance
October
Based on the popular ABC television show "Dancing with the Stars," Dare to Dance features local celebrities and community leaders paired with professional dance instructors for an elegant evening of entertainment and fundraising.
When
October 3, 2026
Where
Chattanooga Convention Center
What
Gala featuring dance performances, dinner, awards ceremony
Why Attend
Community leaders and local celebrities commit to months of dance training with professional instructors. Event attendees vote for their favorite performances while enjoying dinner. Each dancer runs their own fundraising campaign leading up to the event.
Partner With Us
Our events provide excellent visibility for local businesses while supporting vital community health services.
Sponsorship Benefits
Logo placement in event materials and signage
Recognition in quarterly newsletters reaching 2,000+ community members
Social media promotion to engaged local audience
Networking opportunities with community leaders
Direct association with healthcare and community support
Custom sponsorship packages available based on business needs and marketing objectives.
Event Support Opportunities
Our events require skilled volunteers for specific roles rather than general volunteer assistance. Most volunteer positions are filled by experienced community members who return year after year. If you are interested in general volunteering, please contact info@kidneyfoundation.com and we can connect you with the right opportunities.
Specialized Event Volunteer Needs
If you are interested in general volunteering, please contact info@kidneyfoundation.com and we can connect you with the right opportunities.
Event setup and breakdown
Registration and check-in
Auction support
Professional services (photography, marketing, etc.)
Important Note
Volunteer shifts are working roles during the event, not guest attendance. If you'd like to attend the event as a guest outside of your volunteer shift, you'll need to purchase a ticket. If you'd like to attend the event as a guest outside of your volunteer shift, you'll need to purchase a ticket.