☀️ Today’s Weather
Mainly clear skies for Earth Day — High 77°F, Low 51°F, with just a 1% chance of rain. A beautiful Wednesday in Johnson City.
😄 Only in Johnson City
The city is adding new parking spots downtown by removing traffic lanes — and somehow, Science Hill students figured out the new route before the construction even starts.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City is home to a beloved free community arts festival held each spring at The Pavilion at Founders Park. What is the name of that annual festival — and which city committee organizes it?
Answer: The Art·Struck Festival, organized by the Johnson City Public Art Committee. The festival is held at The Pavilion at Founders Park on West Main Street and features local artists, hands-on activities, chalk art competitions, and live performances — all free and open to the public.
🔝 Top Stories
Downtown Parking Plan Hits a Snag
Johnson City’s ambitious plan to convert lanes on West State of Franklin Road into new downtown parking spaces has been delayed, according to a new report. The city had previously announced it would convert two westbound lanes between Spring Street and Colonial Way to add roughly 26–28 parking spaces, with construction expected to take three to four months. A meeting was recently held with downtown business owners to discuss the project before it moves forward.
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City Manager Explains Freedom Hall Pool Situation
Johnson City’s City Manager has offered a more detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the closure of Freedom Hall Pool, which shut down earlier this month. The explanation comes amid ongoing community frustration and pressure from swim advocates who have called on city and school leaders to find a path forward for the beloved facility. The full details are available in the linked report below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
John Sevier Renovation Funding Left Out of State Budget
A request for state funding to support the redevelopment of the historic John Sevier Center in downtown Johnson City did not make it into Tennessee’s final budget. The funding had been sought to help move forward with renovation of the long-vacant building. The setback raises questions about the timeline for one of downtown Johnson City’s most watched redevelopment projects.
Science Hill’s Evan Brown First at His School to Sign with UT FUTURE Program
Science Hill High School student Evan Brown has made history as the first student at his school to sign with the University of Tennessee’s FUTURE Program. The milestone was celebrated recently and highlights the growing connection between local high school students and university-level academic and professional development opportunities in Tennessee.
Read more at Johnson City Press
JCPL Used Book Sale Set for This Weekend
The Friends of the Johnson City Public Library are hosting a used book sale this Saturday and Sunday, offering a great deal for bookworms — fill a bag for just $5. The sale is a popular community fundraiser and a chance to stock up on reading material at bargain prices. Check the library’s website for hours and details.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Washington County Bus Driver Dismissed Over Safety Concerns
A Washington County school bus driver has been dismissed following safety concerns, according to a report published Tuesday. The situation drew attention amid ongoing scrutiny of transportation and student safety in the county’s school system. Further details are available through the Johnson City Press.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Art·Struck Festival — April 25, 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., Downtown Johnson City
The Johnson City Public Art Committee presents Art·Struck 2026 at The Pavilion at Founders Park. In addition to arts demonstrations, dozens of local artists will have their works available for sale. The festival will feature arts performances and highlights, as well as hands-on activities for all ages including mask decorating, bucket drumming, a weaving fence, and wand making. A chalk art competition and a street art throwdown — in which local artists create graffiti-style art on-site — are also planned. All activities are free and open to the public.
JCPL Used Book Sale — April 26–27, 2026
Saturday–Sunday, April 26–27, 2026
Johnson City Public Library
The Friends of the Johnson City Public Library are hosting their popular used book sale this weekend. Fill a bag for just $5. Visit the library’s website for hours and full details.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Rail Jam! — May 2, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Johnson City Railroad Experience — W King St, Johnson City, TN 37604
A free outdoor concert and museum event featuring live music from Jenny and the Weazels, Bratfolk, Ryan Brenard, and John Bill & the Academics. Food truck on site. Concerts and museum admission are completely free. Made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Free Community Performance at NPAC — Upcoming
Join the community for the final performance in the 2025–2026 Free Community Performance Series at NPAC. Tickets are free and will be available on a first come, first served basis. It’s a night out for the whole family to celebrate the arts.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber Events Calendar
Chamber Business After Hours at Blackthorn Club — April 30, 2026
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Blackthorn Club, 1501 Ridges Club Dr., Jonesborough, TN
The Johnson City Chamber is partnering with Blackthorn Club for a Members Only Business After Hours on April 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and beverages served.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber Events Calendar