☀️ Today’s Weather
🌧️ Light rain today in the Model City — High 66°F, Low 47°F, with an 88% chance of rain. Grab an umbrella before you head out!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport Speedway opened its first night race of the season last Friday. Somewhere out there, a Kingsport grandparent is explaining to a very confused grandchild that yes, we do in fact go out later when it’s more exciting — just like Fun Fest, except with more horsepower and fewer funnel cakes.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s downtown Sculpture Walk is one of the city’s most distinctive public art traditions, and its 15th edition just debuted in 2026. What is the theme of the 15th Sculpture Walk, how long will the exhibition run, and what major national milestone is it tied to?
Answer: The 15th Kingsport Sculpture Walk debuted in April 2026 and will run through April 2028. Its theme is Land Art, presented in conjunction with the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration.
🔝 Top Stories
🎨 Kingsport ARTS Festival Makes Vibrant Return to Downtown
The 3rd Annual Kingsport ARTS Festival returned to downtown on Saturday, April 18, drawing crowds to the 100 block of Shelby Street for a celebration of local art, music, and makers. The festival ran from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and featured a variety of events and activities. One of the most popular draws was the Iron Pour demonstration, where participants’ sand mold designs were cast with molten iron by sculpture artist Joe Bigley and his team.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
🏁 Friday Night Lights Return: Kingsport Speedway Opens Season with First Night Race
Race fans packed the “Concrete Jungle” on Friday evening as Kingsport Speedway officially opened the night-race portion of its 2026 season. The lights came on and engines roared as the season’s first night race took over Kingsport Speedway, with the green flag dropping at 8 p.m. Kingsport Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned 3/8-mile concrete short track featuring divisions including Late Model Stock, Sportsman, Street Stock, Mod 4, Pure 4/FWD, and Enduro.
🏫 Kingsport School Board VP Melissa Woods Speaks Out on School Vouchers
Kingsport Board of Education Vice Chair Melissa Woods appeared recently to discuss Tennessee’s ongoing school voucher debate and the Kingsport BOE’s position on the legislation. Woods has previously raised concerns that the voucher program does not create a level playing field between public and private schools, and that questions remain about accountability and oversight of public funds directed to private institutions. Residents can watch the full segment for her latest remarks on how the law may impact Kingsport City Schools.
💊 ‘Beyond Dopesick’ Event Tackles Substance Misuse and Recovery
A community event titled “Beyond Dopesick” recently brought together local voices to discuss substance misuse and the region’s recovery system. The event reflects an ongoing community effort to address addiction openly and to spotlight available recovery resources. Visit the link below for details on the discussion and those who participated.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
📅 Upcoming Events
🍴 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.
🏎️ Kingsport Speedway — Race Night
Friday, April 24, 2026
Kingsport Speedway
The next race night at Kingsport Speedway is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026. Divisions include Late Model Stock, Sportsman, Street Stock, Mod 4, Pure 4/FWD, and Enduro. Visit the Kingsport Speedway website for start time and ticket details.
More info at KingsportSpeedway.net