☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies for the Fourth — High 96°F, Low 70°F, with a 17% chance of rain. Stay cool out there, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is one of the few places where you can watch fireworks over Freedom Hall, dodge a thunderstorm on the drive home, and still run into three people you know in the parking lot — all before 11 p.m.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: A real frontier-era conflict took place on the Tipton property in 1788. What is it commonly called?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Shuttle Pickup Location Changed for Tonight’s Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks
If you’re heading to the 40th Annual Pepsi Independence Day Celebration at Freedom Hall tonight, take note: the free shuttle pickup location has changed. The free shuttle service will now operate from the James K. Ellis Athletic Complex at Winged Deer Park, rather than the previously announced Target location. Shuttle service to Freedom Hall begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., with a return shuttle available after the fireworks through 11:45 p.m.
Sponsored by
Frazier Plumbing
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Doughboys’ Skelton Named Appalachian League Player of the Month
The Johnson City Doughboys have reason to celebrate this Fourth of July: player Skelton has been named the Appalachian League Player of the Month. The recognition highlights the strong offensive performance the Doughboys have been putting up throughout the season.
Cooling Shelters Open Across the Tri-Cities
With temperatures expected to climb and the holiday weekend in full swing, a list of cooling shelters is available for Tri-Cities residents who need relief from the heat. The resource covers locations across the region, including Johnson City, for those without access to air conditioning or who may be vulnerable to extreme heat. Check the full list at the link below.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎆 40th Annual Pepsi Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks — TONIGHT
Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Food Trucks open at 3:00 PM; Kids Activities at 4:00 PM; Music from 6:00 PM; Fireworks later in the evening
Location: Freedom Hall Civic Center, Johnson City, TN
The 40th annual celebration is free and open to the public, featuring live music from Noah Spencer, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and headliner Shenandoah. The evening also includes food trucks, a kids’ zone, a beer garden, a sensory-friendly calm-down space, and the “Declaration In The Sky” pyro-musical fireworks experience by Pyro Nova. Note: Free shuttle pickup has moved to the James K. Ellis Athletic Complex at Winged Deer Park (5 PM–9 PM outbound; return service through 11:45 PM).
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
🎵 Fridays After 5 — Free Summer Concert Series
Date/Time: Fridays through July, 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: King Commons, 112 N. Commerce St., Downtown Johnson City
Downtown Johnson City’s Fridays After 5 free concert series continues through the end of July. The series is free and family-friendly, held in the heart of downtown each Friday evening.
Read more at JohnsonCityTN.org
🎶 Appalachian Tales & Tunes
Date/Time: Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: Johnson City (see source for venue details)
Appalachian Tales & Tunes is coming to Johnson City, bringing regional storytelling and musical traditions to the community. For full details on location and performers, visit the link below.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
🪕 ETSU Bluegrass Summer Camp 2026
Date/Time: July 9–10, 2026 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM each day
Location: Johnson City (ETSU campus area — see source for details)
ETSU’s Bluegrass Summer Camp returns for another session, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in bluegrass music instruction and performance. Visit the link for full details.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
🎨 “Deep Listening” Exhibition
Date/Time: July 9–10, 2026 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Johnson City (see source for venue details)
The “Deep Listening” exhibition continues through the weekend in Johnson City. For location information and full details, visit the source link below.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
⛳ Business After Hours at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards — SOLD OUT
Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and regional Chamber partners are hosting an evening of networking at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. Note: This event is currently listed as SOLD OUT. Registration was required in advance.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
🌾 The Farmer & The Chef
Date/Time: Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Location: Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City
A signature culinary event featuring regional chefs using locally grown food, benefiting the mission to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For tickets and more information, visit the link below.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, The Comet reported that the Unaka National Bank had just taken over business from the Banking & Trust Company. The paper’s take: “It is only a rose by another name.” The Comet also noted that architect C.G. Mitchell’s plans called for a new addition to the Science Hill school building — two stories, 96 by 80 feet, described as “an ornate structure.”
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The State of Franklin Battle, a confrontation between forces loyal to Colonel John Tipton and those supporting John Sevier and the State of Franklin movement.