For more than two decades, Jfest has gathered families from across the Tennessee Valley for a full day of music, worship, and community. Now in its 26th year, the one-day Christian music festival has become the longest-running and largest event of its kind in the region. Chattanooga City Lifestyle recently sat down with Ted Gocke, Jfest Festival Director, and Jared Redden, Operations Manager for Jfest, to talk about the heart behind the festival and what makes it a staple in the Chattanooga community. Held at the Tennessee Riverpark on Amnicola Highway, Jfest blends live music with a spirit of celebration that organizers say goes far beyond a typical concert.
Gocke and Redden describe Jfest as something closer to a “family reunion, church picnic, revival service, and celebration all rolled into one.” Throughout the day, thousands of attendees gather to hear Christian artists perform while also sharing moments of worship together. For many families and church groups, it is a rare opportunity to spend time together unplugged from technology, building community and spiritual momentum that carries into the rest of the year.
Part of what makes the experience unique is the message behind the music. Organizers say artists are intentionally chosen not only for their musical talent but for their commitment to sharing hope and encouragement through their platform. Many artists even pause during their performances to speak about faith and invite people to respond. Each year, moments like a call to salvation from artists have turned the festival ground into a powerful space for reflection and worship.
While the event draws well-known performers, many people are surprised to learn how small the team behind it really is. Jfest is organized by a staff of about 20 people and powered largely by volunteers. Planning begins nearly a year in advance, followed by a full week of setup leading into the festival. By the end of the night, the entire production is packed up and taken down, often leaving organizers celebrating their hard work with a late-night stop at Waffle House.
Behind the scenes, prayer is central to the event. Organizers often find themselves standing in the empty field weeks before the festival, praying that the right people will come and that the day will make a meaningful impact. During the event itself, prayer tents staffed by members of Pray Chattanooga invite attendees to stop, talk, and receive encouragement.
Chattanooga’s location also plays an important role in the festival’s success. Positioned geographically between several major cities and close to Nashville, the area makes it easy for artists to travel while also providing a scenic outdoor setting along the river.
As Jfest looks ahead, organizers hope the event will continue to grow—potentially welcoming more than 15,000 people in the coming years. Their goal, they say, remains simple: to create a place where people can gather, hear the gospel, and leave feeling encouraged, connected, and uplifted.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 16, bringing another full day of music, worship, and community to the Tennessee Riverpark. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of artists, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with local churches and ministries throughout the day. To view the full artist lineup, purchase wristbands, or learn more about the event, visit jfest.com.
For more than two decades, Jfest has gathered families from across the Tennessee Valley for a full day of music, worship, and community.