☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy rain today with a high of 79°F and a low of 66°F — grab an umbrella, there’s a 61% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU spends a whole week honoring Dolly Parton, and somehow it still doesn’t feel like enough. That’s just how things work in East Tennessee.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City is connected to the wider region by which interstate?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
ETSU to Honor Dolly Parton with Weeklong Celebration
East Tennessee State University is dedicating this week to remembering the late country music legend Dolly Parton with a celebration titled “For the Love of Dolly: A Celebration of Life & Legacy.” Events are being held for both students and community members throughout the week. Students and community members will also have the chance to leave notes for Dolly on a tribute banner displayed on campus.
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.)
Two ETSU Professors Appointed to New Tennessee Music Advisory Council
Two professors from East Tennessee State University have been appointed to a newly created Tennessee Music Advisory Council. The appointments recognize ETSU’s presence and influence in the state’s music community. Details on the council’s mission and scope are available at the link below.
S. Pickens Bridge Road Construction to Continue Through September 25
Construction on S. Pickens Bridge Road is underway and expected to last through Friday, September 25. Drivers in the area should plan for potential delays or alternate routes during the construction period. Check the link below for the latest updates.
U.S. News Drops 2027 Best Colleges List; Regional Universities Scattered in Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report has released its 2027 Best Colleges rankings, with regional universities — including those in the Tri-Cities area — receiving varied placements. The rankings are closely watched by prospective students and higher education administrators alike. See where local schools landed by visiting the link below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Former TCAT Elizabethton Employees Misappropriated Over $1 Million, Comptroller Reports
Tennessee’s Comptroller of the Treasury has reported that two former employees of TCAT Elizabethton misappropriated more than $1 million. The investigation highlights a significant financial misconduct case at the technical college. Further details on the findings are available at the source link.
📅 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.
Jericho Shrine Circus Spectacular — Freedom Hall Civic Center
The Jericho Shrine Circus Spectacular comes to Freedom Hall Civic Center (1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City) for a multi-show run featuring thrilling stunts, acrobats, and animals. Showtimes run Friday, September 25 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Arrive one hour before showtime to ride animals and meet circus performers.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
7th Annual Oktoberfest @ Boones Creek
The 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Boones Creek takes place on Saturday, September 26 starting at 11:00 AM at Johnson City Brewing. This annual fall celebration brings the community together for a festive day of fun.
Barktoberfest
Barktoberfest is happening on Saturday, September 26 starting at 9:00 AM at 243 Denny Mill Rd, Johnson City. This dog-friendly fall event is a great outing for pets and their owners.
Bluegrass Half Marathon
The Bluegrass Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 27 starting at 7:30 AM in Johnson City. Runners of all levels are encouraged to participate in this community road race.
PokeKon-Fest — All Pokémon Show
PokeKon-Fest, an all-Pokémon show and fan event, is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 starting at 10:00 AM at the Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG. This event is geared toward Pokémon fans of all ages.
Taco Trek | October
Taco Trek returns on Tuesday, October 6 starting at 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. This community walking event celebrates local taco spots around downtown.
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
Legendary Motown groups The Temptations and The Four Tops are coming to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 PM. This is a rare opportunity to see two iconic acts on the same stage right here in Johnson City.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
The Blue Ridge Artisan Days Fall Festival takes place October 23 from 3:00–7:00 PM and October 24 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at the Appalachian Fairgrounds (100 Lakeview St, Gray, TN). The event features handmade goods and local artisans in a seasonal, community-focused setting.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, Johnson City opened a new kindergarten school in the Doak school building at the corner of Roan Street and Watauga Avenue, bringing early childhood education to the growing town at a time when kindergartens were still a relatively new idea in American schooling.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Interstate 26, the major highway corridor that connects Johnson City to Asheville to the east and the broader Tennessee highway system to the west.