☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies for Johnson City today. High of 79°F, low of 60°F — with a 0% chance of rain. A great day to get outside without worrying about pop-up storms for once.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU students have been back for about a week, and already half of Johnson City has learned a new shortcut — and the other half is sitting in the traffic they created.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Tipton-Haynes house dates back to the early days of Tennessee frontier history. What year was it originally built?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🎶 Lawnstock Makes Its Downtown Debut
Johnson City’s first-ever Lawnstock festival brought a full day of live music to downtown recently, drawing crowds to the heart of the city for what organizers hope becomes an annual tradition. The event was held at Founders Park and featured a lineup of performers throughout the day.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
🎤 BigXthaPlug No Longer Performing at ETSU Concert — New Headliner Announced
ETSU’s Student Government Association recently announced BigXthaPlug as the headliner for its Fall 2026 SGA Concert, but the artist is no longer performing at the event. ETSU has announced that the Fall SGA Concert will feature BigXthaPlug and Shelailai, with the event taking place on October 7 at 7 p.m. at Freedom Hall Civic Center. Check WJHL for the latest update on what changes have been announced.
⚖️ Reeves Sues to Void Washington County Mayor Election
James Reeves, who lost the Washington County mayoral race to incumbent Joe Grandy in the August general election, has filed a lawsuit seeking to void the results. Incumbent Joe Grandy defeated James Reeves in the race for Washington County mayor, a win that marked a third term for Grandy. The legal challenge adds a new chapter to what has been an ongoing dispute over the election’s outcome. Full details are available from the Johnson City Press.
Read more at Johnson City Press
🚨 TBI Investigating Death on Bristol Highway
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into a death that occurred on Bristol Highway on Saturday. Details about the circumstances remain limited at this time. Residents can follow WJHL for updates as the investigation develops.
🏥 Milligan Crash Update: Three Cyclists Remain Hospitalized
Three cyclists injured in the recent crash involving the Milligan University cycling team remain hospitalized, according to the latest update from Ballad Health. Four others who were injured have since been released. The community continues to rally around the team as recovery efforts continue.
📅 Upcoming Events
Event details are pulled from public listings and can change. Please confirm dates and times on the official event page before making plans.
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Tusculum — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Buccaneers host the Tusculum Pioneers at home. The game also serves as Niswonger Children’s Hospital Day, a fundraising partnership between ETSU Athletics and Ballad Health.
🎭 Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social — August 29, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Off Leash Social, Johnson City
A stand-up comedy night is set for Off Leash Social. For more details and tickets, check the event listing directly.
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Campbell Fighting Camels — August 28, 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The ETSU Buccaneers open their home schedule against the Campbell Fighting Camels. Head out to Greene Jr. Stadium for the first home game of the season.
🍺 Taco Trek | September — September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM
110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek returns to downtown Johnson City for September. For full details and to register, visit the event listing.
🎵 Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026 — September 4, 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games comes to the area for an evening of Celtic culture and entertainment. Visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau for full location and ticketing details.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
🏠 Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is taking place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds. Admission is free.
The Home Show features hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers. A great free outing for the whole family.
More info at the Johnson City Chamber
🎤 ETSU SGA Fall Concert: BigXthaPlug — October 7, 2026
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Freedom Hall Civic Center, Johnson City
Note: As of August 23, WJHL has reported that BigXthaPlug is no longer performing at this event. Check ETSU’s SGA page for updated headliner information.
Student tickets are available beginning at 9:00 AM on September 1 at the Carrier Center on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center. Students receive one free ticket with a valid ETSU student ID.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, Johnson City police charged Elby Nave with helping Hobart Curtis dodge arrest during a getaway attempt by canoe on the Watauga River at Riverside. Curtis also faced a separate charge in Sullivan County for firing into a car full of teenagers near Piney Flats — the bullet, remarkably, missing all five passengers.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1784, placing it squarely in the frontier era before Tennessee was even a state.