☀️ Today’s Weather
Rain today with a high of 74°F and a low of 59°F — 41% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Smokey Bones closes and a Shoney’s gets redeveloped in the same week — Johnson City isn’t losing restaurants, it’s just making room for whatever’s coming next. This city has been doing that for 150 years.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Johnson City Farmers Market is one of the longest-running outdoor markets in the region. In what year did the Johnson City Farmers Market first begin operations — and in 2026, what milestone anniversary is it celebrating?
Answer: The Johnson City Farmers Market was established in 1976, making 2026 its 50th anniversary — a half-century of local goodness at The Pavilion in Downtown Johnson City!
🔝 Top Stories
Former Johnson City Shoney’s to Become “The Roan Commons”
The long-vacant former Shoney’s location in Johnson City is getting a new life. According to Johnson City Press, the site is set to be transformed into a development called “The Roan Commons.” The redevelopment marks the latest in a series of changes reshaping the North Roan Street corridor.
Read more at Johnson City Press
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Smokey Bones Closes Its Johnson City Doors
Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill on the 1900 block of N. Roan Street in Johnson City has closed, with a sign on the door indicating it is “closed for the foreseeable future.” No reason was provided for the closure, though reports indicate other Smokey Bones locations have also been closing across the country. The Johnson City location was known for its fire-grilled and house-smoked meats.
Washington County Commission Votes No Confidence in BOE Member Keith Ervin
The Washington County Commission has voted no confidence in Board of Education member Keith Ervin, the latest development in an ongoing controversy surrounding the school board member. This follows a censure by the school board itself and continued community and governmental scrutiny of Ervin’s conduct. The move reflects growing frustration among county leaders regarding the situation.
Washington County Commission Approves PILOT Program for Johnson City Housing Authority
The Washington County Commission recently approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program for the Johnson City Housing Authority. The action is aimed at supporting affordable housing efforts in the area. Details about the scope and timeline of the program can be found in the full story.
JCPD: Marketplace Sale Meetup Ended in Armed Robbery
Johnson City Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that reportedly occurred during what was intended to be an online marketplace sale meetup. Authorities are searching for the suspects involved in the incident. Residents are reminded to use caution and designated safe exchange zones when conducting in-person transactions from online sales.
Kiwanis Issues Largest-Ever Grant to Boost Local Literacy
A local Kiwanis club has issued its largest-ever grant in support of literacy efforts in the Johnson City area. The grant is intended to expand access to reading resources for community members. Full details on the recipient and the scope of the award are available in the Johnson City Press.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Rail Jam! — May 2, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Johnson City Railroad Experience — W King St, Johnson City, TN 37604
A free outdoor concert and museum event featuring live music from Jenny and the Weazels, Bratfolk, Ryan Brenard, and John Bill & the Academics. Food truck on site. Concerts and museum admission are completely free. Made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Johnson City Farmers Market — 2026 Season Opening
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Pavilion at Founders Park, Downtown Johnson City, TN
The Johnson City Farmers Market kicks off its 2026 season — and its 50th anniversary year — on May 2nd. The market runs every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM through October 31, 2026. Come out to support local vendors and celebrate a half-century of fresh, local goodness in the heart of downtown.
Read more at johnsoncityfarmersmarket.net
Appalachian Equality Chorus: “Broadway, Baby!” — Coming Soon
The Appalachian Equality Chorus is bringing a Broadway-themed performance titled “Broadway, Baby!” to Johnson City. Check the Johnson City Press for date, time, and venue details as they are confirmed.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Mother and Son Night Out — Western Style!
A Mother and Son Night Out event with a Western theme is coming up in the Johnson City area just in time for Mother’s Day. Visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page for date, time, and location details.
Read more at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Garland Farm Crawfish Boil to Support Crumley House — May 3, 2026
Saturday, May 3, 2026
Garland Farm, Johnson City area
A crawfish boil event at Garland Farm is being held to benefit the Crumley House, a local nonprofit. For full event details including time and ticketing, visit the Johnson City Press story.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Mill Spring Makers Faire — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Johnson City, TN area
The Mill Spring Makers Faire is coming to the Johnson City area on May 16th. For location and additional details, visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page.
Read more at visitjohnsoncitytn.com