☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 74°F and a low of 49°F. Only a 2% chance of rain — a good day to get out and enjoy Johnson City.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU graduation weekend, downtown packed with families, and someone just opened a new vineyard tasting room. Johnson City really does save its best Saturdays for mid-May.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City sits at the confluence of three forks of a major Appalachian river system. What is the name of the river that runs through Johnson City — and into which larger river does it eventually flow?
Answer: The Nolichucky River’s tributaries — including Brush Creek and Sinking Creek — flow through the Johnson City area, but the city itself drains primarily into the Watauga River system and the Nolichucky watershed. More specifically, Brush Creek flows through Johnson City and feeds into the Nolichucky River, which in turn flows into the French Broad River, eventually joining the Tennessee River.
🔝 Top Stories
Freedom Hall Pool Repair Bids Moving Forward
Johnson City commissioners made significant progress this week on a solution for the long-closed Freedom Hall Pool, endorsing city staff to open up the bidding process for repairs. According to the Johnson City Press, commissioners backed the move after being presented with new options at a work session. City leaders say it will take about two weeks to put together a bid packet and around six weeks total for the entire bidding process, after which commissioners will decide whether to fund the repairs.
Read more at Johnson City Press
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Frazier Plumbing
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JC Commission Approves Antioch Road Rezoning
The Johnson City Commission has voted to approve the controversial Antioch Road rezoning, a decision that had drawn significant public attention and debate in recent months. The rezoning had previously moved through the planning commission process amid vocal opposition from some residents. For full details on the vote and what comes next, see the coverage below.
Knob Creek Vineyards Opens Tasting Room in Johnson City
Knob Creek Vineyards has recently opened a new tasting room, giving Johnson City residents a fresh local destination for wine. The opening adds to the growing food and beverage scene in the area. Visit the link below for details on the new spot.
ETSU Medicine & Pharmacy Graduates Walk the Stage
East Tennessee State University recently celebrated a milestone as its medicine and pharmacy graduates walked the stage in commencement ceremonies. The event marks another graduating class from ETSU’s health sciences programs, which are a cornerstone of the Johnson City community. Read more for details on the ceremony.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Requests Budget Increase to Address Deputy Shortage
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has asked for a significant budget increase to help address an ongoing deputy shortage affecting the department. The request is part of broader budget discussions happening across Washington County and Johnson City government this spring. See the Johnson City Press for full details on the ask.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Local Schools Beef Up Digital Safeguards After AI Exploitation Case
In the wake of a high-profile arrest involving AI-generated child exploitation material targeting local students, Washington County and Johnson City schools are strengthening their digital safety procedures. School officials have been discussing updated AI policies and protocols to better protect students going forward. The case has drawn widespread community attention and even national media coverage.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Washington County’s Got TEEN Talent at The Jackson Theatre
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Jackson Theatre, Johnson City
A talent showcase featuring local teens performing at The Jackson Theatre.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
Mother’s Day Tea Party
Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Johnson City area
A Mother’s Day Tea Party event in Johnson City. Check the link for location details and ticketing information.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
Art Show with the VA Mountain Home & Warrior’s Canvas
Monday, May 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
VA Mountain Home, Johnson City
An art show presented in partnership with the VA Mountain Home and Warrior’s Canvas, celebrating veteran artists in the community.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
🎉 Spring Block Party — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Atlantic Ale House, Johnson City
A community spring block party in Johnson City for an evening of warm-weather fun with your neighbors.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
Symphony of the Mountains: “Show Me the Paths” — May 17, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 3:00 PM
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts (NPAC), Johnson City
The Symphony of the Mountains presents “Show Me the Paths,” described as a deeply moving and uniquely collaborative concert. This is the final performance in the 2025–2026 Free Community Performance Series. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis.
More info at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Events
SIX The Musical at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — May 26–27, 2026
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM and Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 7:00 PM
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City
The hit Broadway touring musical SIX comes to Johnson City for two performances at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.
4th Annual Car Show — May 30, 2026
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
140 Technology Lane, Johnson City, TN (Rain Date: June 6)
The 4th Annual Car Show features classic cars, food trucks, live music, Best of Class and Special Awards, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. All makes and models are welcome. Vehicle registration begins at 9:30 AM by donation. All proceeds benefit the Activity Department for residents.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN