☀️ Today’s Weather
Rain. High 84°F, Low 71°F. 28% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Fun Fest wraps up this week, and the Eastman Recreation Area just closed because of bears. Kingsport somehow manages to offer world-class concerts AND genuine wildlife drama in the same week — and residents are out here deciding which one to tell their coworkers about first.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What makes Kingsport unusual compared with many nearby Appalachian towns?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🔥 Eastman Recreation Area Temporarily Closes Due to Bear Activity
The Eastman Recreation Area in Kingsport has been temporarily closed due to increased bear activity in the area. Visitors should avoid the area until further notice and check with local authorities for updates on when it will reopen.
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🗳️ Kingsport BMA Advances Rezoning Request for Quarry Expansion
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen has advanced a rezoning request on first reading related to a quarry expansion. The move continues a discussion that has drawn concern from neighboring Sullivan County Schools officials in recent months.
🎪 Fun Fest’s ‘The Taste’ Kicks Off in Kingsport
Fun Fest’s popular food event, “The Taste,” has kicked off in Kingsport as part of the annual nine-day festival. The event features nearly 20 restaurant tents and food trucks set up outside of J. Fred Johnson Stadium in Memorial Park, running through the final days of Fun Fest.
⚖️ Domtar Kingsport Lawsuit Update
There is a new update in the ongoing Domtar Kingsport lawsuit. Residents and those following the case are encouraged to check local sources for the latest details as the legal proceedings continue.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎤 Fun Fest Sunset Concert: Jeremy Camp & Katy Nichole — Tonight, July 23, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport
Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole headline tonight’s Fun Fest Sunset Concert. Tickets are available at the Fun Fest Store and at FunFest.net.
🎤 Fun Fest Sunset Concert: Daughtry & Switchfoot — July 24, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026 | 7:00 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport
Daughtry headlines the Friday night Fun Fest Sunset Concert with Switchfoot opening. Tickets are available at the Fun Fest Store and at FunFest.net.
🎤 Fun Fest Sunset Concert: Brothers Osborne & LeAnn Rimes — July 25, 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport
Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes close out the 2026 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series on Saturday night. A Fireworks Spectacular will immediately follow the show. Tickets are available at the Fun Fest Store and at FunFest.net.
🎈 Breakfast with the Balloons — July 25, 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Memorial Park, Kingsport
A Fun Fest fan favorite, Breakfast with the Balloons features select food vendors from The Taste serving breakfast as 15–20 hot air balloons inflate and take flight. Bring a chair or blanket. All flights are weather dependent. For more information, visit FunFest.net.
🕺 Community Square & Round Dance Party — Tonight, July 23, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
1550 Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport
A Fun Fest community square and round dance party is happening tonight. For more information, visit FunFest.net.
🧠 Human Trafficking Awareness, Education & Prevention Summit feat. Tim Tebow — Coming to Kingsport
A human trafficking awareness, education, and prevention summit featuring Tim Tebow is coming to Kingsport. Dates, times, and venue details have been announced — visit the source link for full information.
🎄 Christmas in July at the Kingsport Carousel
The Kingsport Carousel is hosting a Christmas in July event. Visit the source link for date, time, and full details.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
It was intentionally developed as a professionally planned industrial city rather than growing organically around a courthouse square or railroad stop, making it one of the most deliberately designed cities in the region.