☀️ Today’s Weather
Drizzle with a high of 81°F and low of 68°F — 52% chance of rain. Grab an umbrella if you’re heading out!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a free outdoor concert series downtown, a nine-day summer festival with hot air balloons, a Long Island Iced Tea trail, and a wildlife park with wolves and a planetarium — and locals will still tell you there’s nothing to do on a Friday night.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport has celebrated its Long Island Iced Tea claim with a downtown mural and what other local attraction?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
House Fire on Watterson Street — Pets Feared Lost
The Kingsport Fire Department responded to a house fire on Watterson Street, and officials have indicated that pets were likely lost in the blaze. The incident is among the more heartbreaking calls KFD has responded to recently, and the community is urged to keep the affected family in their thoughts.
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Kingsport Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution
A Kingsport man has been sentenced following a Department of Justice case alleging he was distributing drugs in Kingsport. The sentencing marks the conclusion of a federal prosecution in the area. Visit the link below for full details on the case.
United Way of Greater Kingsport Week of Caring: Day 4
The United Way of Greater Kingsport’s annual Week of Caring continued recently, with volunteers turning out across the community for Day 4 of the service initiative. The Week of Caring brings together local residents and organizations to tackle community improvement projects throughout the Kingsport area. Visit the link below for more on this year’s efforts.
Read more at Kingsport Times-News
📅 Upcoming Events
Red, White & BOOM — Independence Day Celebration
Kingsport’s fifth-annual Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM on Main Street in the Centennial Park area of Downtown Kingsport. The event features food trucks, live music, and fireworks. Grand Funk Railroad will headline the free concert, with fireworks to follow at approximately 9:45 PM.
More info at VisitKingsport.com
Fun Fest Block Party Weekend
Block Party Weekend is the pre-kickoff of Fun Fest! This year, the dates are July 10th, 11th, and 12th. Block parties can be a private neighborhood gathering of friends or a public party anyone can attend, or anything in between! Visit funfest.net for details on how to participate.
Fun Fest 2026
Fun Fest, Kingsport’s signature nine-day summer festival, runs July 17–25, 2026 at locations across the city. This year’s Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium features Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole (July 23), Daughtry and Switchfoot (July 24), and LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne (July 25). The festival also includes hot air balloons, a parade, The Taste food event, a street fair, and much more.
Long Island Iced Tea Trail — Throughout June
Throughout the month of June, you can enjoy all things Long Island Iced Tea in Downtown Kingsport as part of Visit Kingsport’s relaunched LIT Trail. Local restaurants, bakeries, and specialty stores are offering their own themed creations — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — celebrating Kingsport’s claim as the birthplace of the drink. For a full list of participating stops, visit Visit Kingsport’s website.
More info at VisitKingsport.com
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
A drink trail, which invites visitors to explore downtown Kingsport while celebrating the city’s connection to the famous cocktail.