☀️ Today’s Weather
Clear skies. High 88°F, Low 67°F. 6% chance of rain. Enjoy the sunshine, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Science Hill and Daniel Boone students are back in the halls, ETSU freshmen are still circling looking for parking, and somehow there are more people at the Farmers Market than ever — all at the same time, all on the same stretch of road. Welcome back, everybody.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Today, walkers, runners, and cyclists can follow part of the old railroad route on what popular trail?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Alley Kat Reopens in Piney Flats Under New Ownership
The Alley Kat has recently reopened in Piney Flats under new ownership, bringing renewed life to the local establishment. Readers curious about the new direction and what changes are in store are encouraged to check out the full story for details.
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.)
Covered Bridge Jams, SORBA Trail Fest Among Weekend Events in the Tri-Cities
A roundup of weekend happenings in the region includes Covered Bridge Jams and the SORBA Trail Fest, giving locals plenty of outdoor and community options to fill their weekend. For the full list of events and details, visit the link below.
Yukon and Ozzy Need Homes This Weekend — Tails and Paws
Two dogs named Yukon and Ozzy are in need of loving homes and are featured in this weekend’s Tails and Paws segment. If you or someone you know is looking to adopt, now is a great time to make a difference for these two pups.
Back-to-School Bazaar Coming to Johnson City
A Back-to-School Bazaar is coming to Johnson City, offering families a chance to find supplies and resources as the new school year gets underway. Visit the link below for details on timing, location, and what to expect at the event.
$22.5M Grant to Fund Mountain City Infrastructure Repairs
A significant federal grant has been awarded to fund infrastructure repairs in Mountain City, continuing recovery efforts in the region following Hurricane Helene. While the work is centered in Mountain City, the broader investment reflects ongoing rebuilding across the area impacted by the storm.
📅 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.
Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026 — September 4–6, 2026
Friday, September 4: 6:30 PM until late | Saturday, September 5: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Highland Games begin at 8:00 AM) | Sunday, September 6: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Kirkin Service at 10:00 AM)
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, 2620 S. Roan St., Johnson City, TN
Three days of living Highland heritage on the grounds of Tipton-Haynes, featuring music, athletics, craft, worship, and clan gathering. Day passes are $10; weekend passes are $15. Kilts encouraged, never required.
More info at Visit Johnson City
UMOJA Festival 2026 — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | All Day
King Commons Park, 125 W. King St., Johnson City, TN
The annual UMOJA “Unity in the Community” Festival returns to King Commons Park for a day of celebration and unity. The festival features national recording artist Aaron Cole and Nashville’s Purple Masquerade Band, along with vendors and community resources. No entry fee required; donations are welcomed.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Iron Mountains Invitational Cross Country Meet — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Winged Deer Park, Johnson City, TN
The Iron Mountains Invitational returns to Winged Deer Park, bringing together hundreds of student runners from more than 60 elementary, middle, and high schools. Hosted by Visit Johnson City in partnership with meet director David Nutter, this annual cross country event is free and open to the public.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Walnut Street Music Series — September 26, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnson City Brewing Company – Walnut St, 714 W. Walnut St., Johnson City, TN
Free live music every Saturday evening as part of the Walnut Street Summer Music Series. Bring a chair, grab a brew, and enjoy some good tunes.
More info at Visit Johnson City
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds
The Appalachian Fair Home Show returns with free admission for all, featuring live demonstrations, expert advice, exclusive show-only deals from local vendors, and prize giveaways.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, the local social column noted that Major and Mrs. Paul E. Divine and friends had returned from a weekend at Pressmen’s Home, the remarkable self-sufficient union town built in nearby Hawkins County by George L. Berry — complete with its own power plant, hotel, chapel, and trade school, all within a day’s drive of Johnson City.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Tweetsie Trail, a rails-to-trails path that follows the former ET&WNC Railroad corridor between Johnson City and Elizabethton.