☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over Johnson City today — High 85°F, Low 65°F, with just a 2% chance of rain. A good day to be outside.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU just got one of the largest philanthropic gifts in its history, and somehow fall color season is right around the corner too. Johnson City has a way of making September feel like the most important month of the year — new students, new names on buildings, and leaves that haven’t quite decided what color they want to be yet.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City sits near Tennessee’s borders with which two states?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
ETSU Names College of Arts and Sciences After $15 Million Gift
East Tennessee State University announced a new name for its College of Arts and Sciences — now called the Phil and Martha Bachman College of Arts and Sciences — following a $15 million gift from the Phil and Martha Bachman Foundation. ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland called it “one of the largest philanthropic gifts in the history of our institution.” The gift includes $10 million dedicated to student scholarships across multiple colleges, and additional funds for a dean’s endowment and capital projects.
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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.)
Fall Fun Returns to Downtown Johnson City
Downtown Johnson City is getting into the autumn spirit, with fall-themed fun making its way to the area. Local businesses and community spaces are embracing the seasonal shift as cooler temperatures approach the Tri-Cities. Check the link below for a look at what’s happening downtown this fall.
ETSU Tracks Fall Color Amid Changing Weather Conditions
Researchers at ETSU are monitoring fall foliage as changing weather patterns could affect the timing and brightness of this year’s color season. Leaf-peeping season is a significant draw for visitors to the region, and conditions this year may shift the peak timing from what is typical. Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye on updates as the season progresses.
Rebuilt Gap Creek Bridge Named for Two Residents
A rebuilt bridge in the area has been named in honor of two local residents, recognizing their contributions to the community. A dedication ceremony was held recently to mark the occasion. For full details on the honorees and the bridge project, see the link below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 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.
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
The Sorghum Festival and Breakfast is happening on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM at 2620 S Roan St, Johnson City, TN.
Shelly Fairchild at The Down Home
Shelly Fairchild performs at The Down Home, 300 W Main St, Johnson City, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show
The Appalachian Fair Home Show takes place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds with free admission, exclusive show-only deals from local experts, and live product demonstrations.
PokeKon-Fest — All Pokémon Show, Johnson City
PokeKon-Fest comes to the Holiday Inn Johnson City on September 26, 2026 — a one-day Pokémon collectors’ trade show convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres.
7th Annual Oktoberfest @ Boones Creek
The 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Boones Creek is happening on Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM at Johnson City Brewing.
I SEE STARS at Capone’s
I SEE STARS performs at Capone’s in Johnson City on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
Taco Trek | October
Taco Trek returns on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St, Johnson City.
7th Annual Oktoberfest @ Walnut Street
The 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Walnut Street is happening on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM at Johnson City Brewing.
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
The Temptations and The Four Tops perform at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival takes place October 23 from 3–7 PM and October 24 from 9 AM–3 PM at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, featuring handmade goods and local talent.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, a young auto mechanic was bound over to a federal grand jury after allegedly passing a poorly made counterfeit twenty-dollar bill at the Woolworth’s in downtown Johnson City. A sharp-eyed salesgirl noticed something off about the bill and quietly alerted her manager, who spotted the fake right away — and investigators soon traced several more counterfeit notes passed around town to the same source.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Virginia and North Carolina, placing Johnson City in a corner of Tennessee where three states come together in the heart of Appalachia.