☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over Johnson City today with a high of 94°F and a low of 71°F. Only a 9% chance of rain — stay cool out there.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is adding a duckpin bowling lounge, a new cocktail bar, and multiple restaurants all at once — because apparently the city decided if it’s going to grow, it’s going to do it all before the leaves change on Buffalo Mountain.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: If you want hiking trails and views above Johnson City, this natural landmark is one of the city’s signature outdoor spots. What is it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
New Businesses Coming to Downtown Johnson City
Downtown Johnson City continues to see fresh momentum, with new businesses recently announced and some existing ones expanding their footprint. The growth reflects a broader trend of investment and activity in the city’s core. For the latest on what’s coming, check out the full report.
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.)
Duckpin Bowling Lounge Eyeing Late October Opening Downtown
A new duckpin bowling lounge is hoping to open its doors in downtown Johnson City in late October. The venue would be a unique addition to the local entertainment scene, bringing a retro-style bowling format to the heart of the city. Check the link below for details on the planned location and concept.
JCMC Emergency Department Expansion Enters Phase 2
The ongoing emergency department expansion at Johnson City Medical Center has entered Phase 2, bringing temporary changes for patients and visitors. Patients and visitors will see temporary traffic and parking changes as Phase 2 gets underway — the main drop-off area is being reduced to one lane, complimentary valet and ADA accessible parking will remain available, and discharged patients will now be picked up at the Heart Hospital entrance off State of Franklin Road. The expansion will eventually add 13,000 square feet to the facility.
Washington County–Johnson City EMS Hosts Annual Emergency Medical Conference
Washington County–Johnson City EMS recently hosted its annual emergency and medical conference, bringing together professionals to discuss best practices and advancements in emergency medical services. The event highlights the region’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its emergency response capabilities. Visit the link below for more details.
‘Holly Dolly Christmas’: Johnson City Christmas Parade Theme Announced
The theme for this year’s Johnson City Christmas Parade has been revealed: “Holly Dolly Christmas,” a nod to the late Dolly Parton. The announcement has already generated buzz among local residents eager to celebrate the beloved East Tennessee icon. See the link below for more information on the parade.
Driver Charged With DUI After Crash Involving Camper on I-26
A driver was recently charged with DUI following a crash on Interstate 26 that involved a camper. The incident prompted a law enforcement response along the busy corridor. Visit the link for more details on the crash and charges.
📅 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.
Glioblastoma Research Fundraiser at Johnson City Brewing — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnson City Brewing, 714 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN
This event hosted by Johnson City Brewing features DJ Sam Love, live music with Homecookn’ at 7 PM, a BBQ dinner, silent auction sponsored by local businesses, plus local artists and vendors — all to support research and local families in the fight against glioblastoma.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Icon For Hire: Scripted 15 Year Anniversary Tour — September 5, 2026
Friday, September 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Capone’s, Johnson City, TN
Icon For Hire performs at Capone’s in Johnson City on the Scripted 15 Year Anniversary Tour. Tickets start at $30.10.
Incredible Business SPEED! Networking — September 11, 2026
Friday, September 11, 2026
Johnson City, TN
Incredible Business SPEED! Networking comes to Johnson City on September 11, 2026 — a fast-paced professional networking event. Visit the Eventbrite listing for location and time details.
2026 Umoja Festival — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
King Commons Park, 125 W. King St, Johnson City, TN
The 2026 Umoja Festival is September 12th at King Commons Park in Johnson City, TN — a day of celebration and unity.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Annual Tree Streets Neighborhood Yard Sale — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Tree Streets Historic District, Johnson City
The Annual Tree Streets Neighborhood Yard Sale 2026 takes place on Saturday, September 12 starting at 8:00 AM in the Tree Streets Historic District. Visit the link for more details.
Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
September 25–27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City area
The FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show takes place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, featuring exclusive show-only deals from local experts and live demonstrations of new products.
More info at the Johnson City Chamber
PokeKon-Fest — All Pokémon Show — September 26, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG, 101 W Springbrook Dr, Johnson City, TN
PokeKon-Fest is an all-Pokémon show coming to Johnson City, TN — an in-person event packed with fun, fans, and all things Pokémon. Whether you’re a trainer, a collector, or just love the vibe, it’s a chance to hang out and celebrate everything Pokémon with fellow fans.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, the Herald and Tribune reported a happy bit of news from Telford: Jack Humphreys and Miss Nora McIntyre were married on a Tuesday night, with the paper wishing the newlyweds well and hoping “their troubles all be little ones” as they drove home in the moonlight.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Buffalo Mountain Park, a 725-acre natural resource area on the north slope of Buffalo Mountain, offering hiking trails and views of Johnson City and the surrounding mountains.