☀️ Today’s Weather
Saturday, April 11, 2026 — Overcast skies with a high of 77°F and a low of 50°F. Just a 1% chance of rain — a great day to get outside!
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist pulled up to a gas station in Johnson City and asked the attendant, “Is it true y’all have the best view of the mountains AND the best biscuits in America?” The attendant thought for a second and said, “Well, you’re gonna need to eat a biscuit to find out — but the mountain view is free, and it’ll hit you before you finish chewing.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s beloved 4thirTEEN (4thirTEEN) is a local gathering spot near the Johnson City Mall. What does the name “4thirTEEN” refer to — and what is significant about the address or identity of this local landmark?
Answer: The name “4thirTEEN” is a play on the number 413, which refers to Johnson City’s area code — 423 — flipped, and more specifically references April 13 (4/13), celebrated annually as “413 Day” as a local community holiday honoring Johnson City’s identity and culture. The spot hosts the annual 413 Day celebration near the JC Mall.
🔝 Top Stories
🎷 Johnson City Jazz Festival Returns for Year 8 — Four Days of Live Music Ahead
Organizers of the Johnson City Jazz Festival have formally unveiled the performance schedule for April 16–19, 2026. On Friday, April 17, the festivities transition to the ETSU Martin Center’s Powell Recital Hall, featuring Moon Unit, a sophisticated guitar trio from Durham, followed by acclaimed New York jazz vocalist Emma Hedrick and her Quintet. The festival is back for its eighth year, bringing multiple days of jazz performances to venues across Johnson City.
🎉 4thirTEEN to Host ‘413 Day’ Celebration Monday Near JC Mall
Johnson City’s 4thirTEEN is hosting a “413 Day” celebration on Monday, April 13, near the Johnson City Mall. The annual event celebrates Johnson City’s community identity and local culture. Residents are encouraged to come out and join in the festivities — check the link below for details on timing and activities.
🚔 JCPD: Student Charged with Simple Assault Following Liberty Bell Middle School Incident
The Johnson City Police Department has reported that a student was charged with simple assault following an incident at Liberty Bell Middle School. The charge comes as local school safety remains a topic of community concern. No additional details about the nature of the incident have been confirmed beyond the charge filing.
🏛️ Mayors of Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County Speak on Progress
The mayors of Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County recently spoke publicly about ongoing progress in the region. The discussion comes at a time when multiple major development and infrastructure projects are advancing across the area. Residents can catch the full conversation through the link below for details on what local leaders highlighted.
🏙️ Johnson City Honors Its First City Planner, Designates April as Donate Life Month
Johnson City recently held a ceremony honoring its first-ever city planner — a milestone recognizing the important role of urban planning in the city’s growth and development. At the same event, city officials designated April as Donate Life Month, raising awareness about the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation. Photos from the event are available at the link below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📚 Censure of School Board Member Sparks Potential Partisan Shift on Washington County Board of Education
The recent censure of Washington County School Board member Keith Ervin is now rippling beyond the immediate controversy, with reports suggesting the episode could trigger a potential partisan realignment on the board. The situation follows a school board meeting that also resulted in at least one attendee being arrested, according to local reports. Superintendent Boyd has also publicly reflected on the censure and his upcoming retirement in separate comments this week.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
🎷 Johnson City Jazz Festival — April 16–19, 2026
The Johnson City Jazz Festival returns for its 8th year with a full performance schedule running April 16–19, 2026. On Friday, April 17, performances move to ETSU Martin Center’s Powell Recital Hall, featuring Moon Unit (a guitar trio from Durham) and acclaimed New York jazz vocalist Emma Hedrick and her Quintet. The festival also includes a performance at the Jackson Theatre on April 19 at 7:00 PM, featuring the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra. Visit the Johnson City Press or johnsoncityjazzfestival.com for the full schedule and ticket information.
🍺 Thirsty Orange Beer Festival — April 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The 13th Annual Thirsty Orange Beer Festival takes place on April 18, 2026, at Founders Park in Johnson City, TN. The event lets beer lovers sample more than 150 craft brews and ciders, including specialty and unique beers from around the region along with casks made just for the occasion — select beers will also be infused with fresh ingredients like mango, jalapeño, and chocolate throughout the day. For tickets and more information, visit thirstyorange.com.
🎶 413 Day Celebration at 4thirTEEN — Monday, April 13, 2026
Johnson City’s popular local gathering spot 4thirTEEN is hosting its annual “413 Day” celebration on Monday, April 13, near the Johnson City Mall. The event celebrates the local community and Johnson City’s unique culture. Visit the link for full details on timing and festivities.
🎵 RESOUND — ETSU Gospel Choir — Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 6:45 PM
RESOUND, the ETSU Gospel Choir, performs on Saturday, April 25, 2026, beginning at 6:45 PM at Martha Street Culp Auditorium in Johnson City. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy uplifting live choral music from one of ETSU’s celebrated student ensembles. Check with ETSU for ticket information.
🎭 Black Jacket Symphony: “Slippery When Wet” — Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Black Jacket Symphony performs “Slippery When Wet” on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City. Black Jacket Symphony is known for its immersive, note-for-note recreations of legendary rock albums performed live on stage. Visit the ETSU Martin Center for Arts box office for tickets.
🎭 SHUCKED (Touring Broadway Show) — Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM
SHUCKED, a touring Broadway production, comes to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The Tony Award-winning musical comedy is a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of small-town America. Contact the ETSU Martin Center for ticket details.
🚂 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.