☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 86°F and a low of 66°F. Just a 2% chance of rain — a good day to get outside before Fun Fest gets into full swing!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport is opening a brand-new IMAX theater and kicking off a nine-day festival in the same week. The Model City doesn’t really do quiet summers.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Bays Mountain Park is one of the largest city-owned parks in which state?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Sullivan County School Board Approves Proposed SRO Funding Agreement
The Sullivan County School Board has approved a proposed funding agreement related to School Resource Officers (SROs). The vote marks a significant step in how the county and school system will collaborate on student safety staffing going forward. Visit the link below for full details on the agreement’s terms.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
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Kingsport Kicks Off Fun Fest Block Party Weekend
Block Party Weekend served as the pre-kickoff of Fun Fest, with neighborhoods and community groups across Kingsport hosting gatherings — from private get-togethers to open public parties — to warm up for the main festival. Fun Fest 2026 is scheduled to run July 17–25. With the festival now just days away, Kingsport is buzzing with anticipation for one of Tennessee’s largest community celebrations.
Runners Gear Up for the Crazy 8s Race
The Crazy 8s 8K, Almost Crazy 3K Run/Walk, Little 8s/Special 8s is set for Saturday, July 18, 2026, including events ranging from the elite Crazy 8s 8K Run and USATF 8K Championship to youth runs and a virtual option. The race hosts top USA men and women in what is billed as the World’s Fastest 8K, named a Top 10 Easy-Entry American Road Race by Inside Hook magazine, run on a unique figure-8 course on candle-lit streets with a finish inside J. Fred Johnson Stadium.
📅 Upcoming Events
Trash Barrel Paint-In (Pre-Fun Fest Event)
Date: Today, July 14, 2026
The Trash Barrel Paint-In draws hundreds of people each year to create colorful and creative designs on barrels used to collect trash at Fun Fest and other events throughout the year. Participants are asked to bring water-based paint and any brushes, sponges, stencils, etc.
NCG IMAX Grand Opening — “The Odyssey”
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2026
Location: NCG Cinemas, Fort Henry Mall, Kingsport
The IMAX theater is set to open on July 16 in conjunction with Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, “The Odyssey.” The theater features the largest IMAX screen in production with 400 luxury recliner seats.
Pickle in the Park — Beginner Session (Fun Fest Pre-Event)
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Pickleball Courts at Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview, Kingsport
The multi-day Pickle in the Park pickleball competition (pre-registration required) kicks off with a beginner session on July 16 from 6–8 PM, followed by additional divisions on July 17 and 18.
Fun Fest Parade
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Location: Downtown Kingsport
The Fun Fest Parade takes place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Downtown Kingsport. Kick off Fun Fest by joining the annual parade as marching bands, colorful floats, horses, and local organizations fill the streets of downtown Kingsport. Bring a chair and enjoy a front-row seat to the spirit of Fun Fest.
Lunchtime Live Concert Series Finale — Bristol Lightning
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM (Noon)
Location: Kingsport Farmers Market Pavilion
For the final concert in the 5th annual Lunchtime Live Concert Series, the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library & Archives are hosting Bristol Lightning at the Farmers Market Pavilion at noon on Friday, July 17th. Bristol Lightning is led by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar and blends bluegrass, folk, classical, hip-hop, and tap dance.
Broad Street Boogie — Sons of Sailors: A Jimmy Buffett Cover Band
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 | ~8:00 PM (immediately following the Fun Fest Parade)
Location: 100 Block of Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
Immediately following the Fun Fest Parade, attendees can join the Broad Street Boogie, presented by Holston Medical Group, featuring Sons of Sailors: A Jimmy Buffett Cover Band. The show will take place around 8 p.m. in the 100 Block of Broad Street.
Fun Fest 2026
Dates: Saturday, July 18 – Saturday, July 26, 2026
Location: Multiple locations across Kingsport (Downtown, J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Allandale Mansion, Kingsport Farmers Market, and more)
Fun Fest is a nine-day festival filled with family-friendly events and activities, with more than 100 events taking place throughout Kingsport at over 30 locations — from food trucks, fireworks, and hot air balloons to sporting events and road races. The 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).
Crazy 8s 8K Road Race
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Location: J. Fred Johnson Stadium, 1 Tribe Way, Kingsport
The Crazy 8s hosts top USA men and women in the 8K Run — the World’s Fastest 8K — named a Top 10 Easy-Entry American Road Race by Inside Hook magazine. The late-night race runs on a unique figure-8 course on candle-lit streets, with a rousing finish inside J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Registration and details are available at the link below.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Tennessee, where Bays Mountain Park stands out for its exceptional size and the breadth of natural and educational experiences it offers within a single municipal park.