☀️ Today’s Weather
Mainly clear skies over Johnson City today — High 83°F, Low 57°F, with just an 8% chance of rain. A beautiful spring Thursday!
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist stopped a local on Roan Street and asked, “What’s the best thing about living in Johnson City?” The local thought for a second and said, “Well, you’re close enough to the mountains to feel like Davy Crockett, close enough to ETSU to feel like a Buccaneer, and close enough to Pal’s to feel like everything’s going to be okay.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s historic downtown duckpin bowling lounge — set to open in the second half of 2026 — is being built inside a building with deep roots in the city’s retail past. What is the name of the new duckpin bowling lounge, what is the name of the company behind it, and what historic downtown department store building is being renovated to house it?
Answer: The new lounge is called Copper & Glass, operated by Maplewood LLC, and it is being built inside the historic 1920s JC Penney Department Store building in downtown Johnson City.
🔝 Top Stories
🏊 Freedom Hall Pool’s Final Hours: City Commission and School Board Hold Emergency Meeting
The Johnson City Commission and Johnson City Board of Education are set to meet Thursday afternoon to discuss the Freedom Hall Pool, which is scheduled to permanently close on Friday, April 3. The special-called workshop comes after vocal community opposition to the pool’s closure, with residents, swimmers, and aquatics advocates filling public meetings in recent weeks to push for alternatives. The Johnson City swim community was blindsided when the city announced the closure, but for some residents, the fight isn’t over — the Johnson City Aquatics Task Force was created to bring together citizens who want aquatics facilities and programs. The outcome of Thursday’s workshop could determine whether any last-minute action is taken before the pool locks its doors for good Friday morning.
🎳 Downtown Johnson City Gets Its First Duckpin Bowling Lounge
A duckpin bowling lounge is coming to downtown Johnson City, the Johnson City Chamber announced. The 1920s JC Penney Department Store building in downtown Johnson City will be seeing major revitalization as it is transformed into Johnson City’s first duckpin bowling lounge. Duckpin bowling uses smaller pins and balls and shorter lanes than typical bowling, making it more conducive to a social, lounge-like atmosphere. The venue, called Copper & Glass, is expected to open sometime in the second half of 2026, with renovations underway; owner Heath Ricker said construction will take seven to eight months and hopes for a September or October opening day.
⛳ Caddy’s Indoor Golf Bringing High-Tech Simulators and Restaurant to Johnson City
Johnson City will soon have a new golf experience — Caddy’s Indoor Golf will be at 525 W. Market Street, featuring GOLFZON simulators and a restaurant and bar. With high-end simulators, patrons will be able to play over 300 courses across the United States and internationally. The venue is part of a growing wave of entertainment destinations that have been announced for Johnson City’s downtown and surrounding areas. No opening date has been officially confirmed, but the facility is expected to become a popular destination for golfers and social gatherings alike.
🌊 Johnson City Stormwater Project on Track for September Completion
A major stormwater project in Johnson City aimed at reducing flooding is on track to wrap up by the end of September, city leaders said — the stormwater basin at Cherokee and West Walnut is designed to reduce flooding along the corridor, and the project is partially funded by a $3.3 million state grant. The basin has been a long-anticipated improvement for residents and businesses in that part of the city who have dealt with recurring flooding issues. City officials have expressed confidence that the September timeline is achievable. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce flood risk along the Cherokee and West Walnut corridor.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Davidson Window Cleaning
Clean windows are one of those things you don’t think about until you notice them — and once you do, it’s hard to un-see. Davidson Window Cleaning has been taking care of homes and businesses across the Tri-Cities for 4.25 years, and with 170+ five-star Google reviews, they’ve clearly built the kind of reputation that keeps customers calling back. It’s a family operation, and that shows in how they work.
They handle residential and commercial window cleaning throughout Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Jonesborough, Gray, and Piney Flats. Whether it’s a single-story ranch or a three-story commercial building, they have the tools and the experience to do it safely and efficiently. Free estimates, and you can call or text — which is a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re actually trying to book something.
Get a free estimate at dwindowcleaning.com or call/text (423) 483-9054.
📅 Upcoming Events
🏛️ State of the City, County & Town Luncheon — April 9, 2026
The now-annual State of the City, County, Town luncheon provides Chamber members an opportunity to hear from the Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County mayors. Doors open and open networking begins at 11 AM, lunch is served at 11:30 AM, and the program begins at noon. Individual tickets are $75 and a full table of 8 is $800. The event is held at Grace Meadows Farm, 170 John France Rd., Jonesborough.
More info at the Johnson City Chamber
🎵 Yacht Rock the Dock — Ambrosia & John Ford Coley — Upcoming 2026
Yacht Rock the Dock features original artists in concert, performing iconic hits from one of rock’s greatest eras. Ambrosia and John Ford Coley come together for a magical night of Billboard Top 40 hits from the 1970s and 1980s. Beloved since the 1970s, Ambrosia is a five-time GRAMMY® nominated ensemble known for timeless hits, while John Ford Coley brings fan favorites from his time with England Dan and John Ford Coley. Check the Freedom Hall Civic Center calendar for the confirmed date and ticket details.
More info at Freedom Hall Civic Center
🍺 Thirsty Orange Beer Festival — April 18, 2026
The Thirsty Orange Festival is coming to Downtown Johnson City on April 18, 2026. This beloved local craft beer celebration returns to the heart of downtown, showcasing area breweries and local flavor in what has become one of the city’s most anticipated spring events. The festival is part of the Main Street Days series hosted by Downtown Johnson City. Check the Downtown JC event calendar for ticketing information and participating vendors.
More info at Downtown Johnson City
🎨 Art Struck Festival — April 25, 2026
The Art Struck Festival is set for April 25, 2026 in Downtown Johnson City. This annual celebration of local and regional arts fills the downtown streets with visual art, live music, artisan vendors, and creative experiences for all ages. Art Struck is one of the signature events on the Downtown Johnson City calendar and a wonderful way to support the area’s vibrant arts community. Admission details and featured artists will be announced closer to the event.
More info at Downtown Johnson City
🏃 The Goose Chase 5K — April 25, 2026
The Goose Chase 5K will take place at King Commons in Johnson City on April 25, 2026. This fun community run winds through downtown and is suitable for participants of all fitness levels. The Goose Chase series is known for its festive atmosphere and draws runners from across the region. Lace up your shoes and head to King Commons for a great spring race in the heart of downtown Johnson City.
🚂 Mother’s Day Express — May 9, 2026
Celebrate Mom with a special excursion hosted by the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Depart Johnson City by motor coach to Knoxville, board the Three Rivers Rambler steam engine for a scenic journey through the city, then enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville paddlewheel riverboat on the Tennessee River.
For more information contact the Johnson City Railroad Experience at 423-631-5273.