☀️ Today’s Weather
Thursday, April 16, 2026 — Drizzle. High 83°F, Low 56°F. 23% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A Kingsport resident drove all the way across town to try the new Dutch Bros Coffee. His neighbor asked, “Was it worth it?” He said, “Well, the coffee was great — but now I understand why Eastman workers have been so productive since 1920. It wasn’t the benefits package.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Riverview neighborhood has a long history along the Holston River. But do you know the name of the beloved annual spring event that the Kingsport Office of Neighborhoods uses to bring residents together to beautify the Riverview area — and what city department typically coordinates the cleanup effort?
Answer: The event is simply called the Riverview Cleanup, and it is coordinated through the City of Kingsport’s Office of Neighborhoods as part of the city’s broader neighborhood revitalization and beautification efforts along the South Fork Holston River corridor.
🔝 Top Stories
🛒 Junior League Groups to Host Annual Food Drive at Local Food City Stores This Saturday
Area Junior League groups are teaming up to host their annual food drive at local Food City stores this Saturday, April 18. The drive is an opportunity for Kingsport-area residents to donate nonperishable items to support neighbors in need across the region. Stop by your local Food City to contribute.
🏞️ BlueCross Healthy Place Officially Opens at Kingsport’s Riverwalk Park
A brand-new BlueCross Healthy Place has officially opened at Kingsport’s Riverwalk Park, bringing a playground and splash pad to the community. The facility is part of a significant investment by the BlueCross Foundation to expand healthy outdoor recreation options for Kingsport families. The new amenities are now open to the public.
📚 National Library Week Events Planned in Kingsport
The Kingsport Public Library has a lineup of special events planned in celebration of National Library Week. Residents are encouraged to visit the library and take part in the programming throughout the week. Visit the Times News for full details on scheduled activities and times.
🗳️ Early Voting Kicks Off in Sullivan County
Early voting has officially begun in Sullivan County ahead of the May 5 primary election. Sullivan County Election Commission head has previously noted a prediction of low turnout for the May 5 contest. Voters are encouraged to check their local polling locations and hours to cast their ballots during the early voting period.
🚛 Eastman and Landair Recognize Three Drivers for Safety Performance
Eastman Chemical Company and Landair Transportation have recognized three local drivers for their outstanding safety performance. The recognition highlights the importance of safe driving practices in Kingsport’s industrial and logistics sector. Details on the honored drivers and the recognition program are available at the Times News.
📅 Upcoming Events
🔥 Iron Pour Scratch Mold Workshop — Kingsport Cultural Arts
Kingsport Cultural Arts is bringing back its popular Iron Pour event on April 18 during the Kingsport ARTS Festival. To participate, you must first attend the remaining scratch mold workshop where you’ll scratch a unique design into a 5-inch sand mold — which will then be cast with molten iron by sculpture artist Joe Bigley and his team. Cost is $23 per person. Ages 18+ (children 6–17 welcome with an adult). All materials provided.
Remaining workshop date: Friday, April 17 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby Street, Kingsport
Register on Eventbrite or visit artskingsport.org for more info.
🌿 Riverview Community Cleanup — Saturday, April 18
A community cleanup is set to be held in the Riverview area this Saturday, April 19. Volunteers are invited to come out and help beautify the neighborhood as part of Kingsport’s ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts. Visit the Times News link for full details on location and how to participate.
🎨 3rd Annual Kingsport ARTS Festival — Saturday, April 18
The Kingsport ARTS Festival will be presented by Engage Kingsport and Kingsport Cultural Arts Office on April 18th, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the 100 block of Shelby Street in Downtown Kingsport. The festival celebrates local artists and makers, connecting citizens to the creative community. Highlights include the Iron Pour with sculpture artist Joe Bigley and a variety of local artisans. Admission is free.
Visit artskingsport.org for more info
🎨 Kingsport ARTS Festival: “Light Up the Night” Parade — Sunday, April 19
The two-day festival also features events on April 19 from 6 PM to 10 PM — a “Light up the Night” parade featuring giant puppets, paper lanterns, and digital artwork projected onto downtown buildings. This free community event is a spectacular way to close out the weekend festivities.
Visit artskingsport.org for more info
🎨 Kingsport ARTS Festival: Day 3 Activities — Monday, April 20
On April 20 from 10 AM to 5 PM, the festival continues with a full day of family-friendly activities including an iron pour, glass blowing workshop, Raku firing, tie-dye making, an art gallery crawl, and the launch of this year’s Sculpture Walk. Kingsport’s Fifteenth Sculpture Walk will debut in April 2026 and will run from April 2026 to April 2028, with this year’s focus on Land Art in conjunction with the 250-year anniversary.
Visit artskingsport.org for more info
🍴 Taste of Small Business Kingsport
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM
MeadowView Convention Center
Sample bites from over 20 local restaurants, meet the owners, and enter to win door prize giveaways. Tickets are $30/person in advance (non-refundable) or $40 cash at the door if not sold out. All proceeds go to the participating small business restaurants. Tickets are available at most participating restaurants.
🌱 Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair — Saturday, April 25
The Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair 2026 is happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM onwards at 4812 Orebank Rd, Kingsport, TN. This beloved annual fair at the historic Exchange Place living history farm is a great outing for gardening enthusiasts and families alike. Visit the Exchange Place website for full details.
Visit exchangeplace.info for more info
🥬 Kingsport Farmers Market Reopens — Saturday, April 27
The Kingsport Farmers Market reopens on Saturday, April 27. The market is currently being renovated, so this season will feature a fresh, new space. Expect to find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, local meats, artisan crafts, fresh flowers, and more.
Visit artskingsport.org for more info