☀️ Today’s Weather
Light drizzle with a high of 76°F and a low of 62°F — 65% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy, Johnson City.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall arrives in Johnson City the same way every year: one day it’s 90 degrees and the next you’re digging out a jacket because you drove up Roan Mountain on a whim. The leaves haven’t decided yet, but everybody’s already acting like it’s pumpkin season.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Just down the road from Johnson City is Tennessee’s oldest town. What is it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
SOFHA to End UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Participation in 2027
State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA) announced it will no longer participate as an in-network provider with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage starting April 1, 2027. The organization is sharing the news now to give affected patients time to review their coverage options ahead of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 through December 7. SOFHA noted the change does not affect the UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete D-SNP plan.
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.)
$18M Senior Living Community Breaks Ground in Boones Creek
A new senior living community recently broke ground in the Boones Creek area. The development represents a significant investment in housing options for older residents on the east side of Johnson City. Visit the link below for more details on the project.
ETSU Nursing Holds Ribbon-Cutting for New Student Success Center
ETSU’s nursing program recently celebrated the opening of a new Student Success Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The center is designed to support nursing students throughout their academic journey. Read more for details on what the facility offers.
Trail Connecting Jonesborough to Johnson City Moves Closer to Completion
Leaders in Jonesborough are excited about the progress on a trail that will connect their town directly to Johnson City. The First Frontier Trail project is nearing completion of its Jonesborough segment, paving the way for a continuous recreational corridor between the two communities. The connection is expected to be a boost for cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
‘Soggy Doggy’ Swim Set to Return to Johnson City
The popular “Soggy Doggy” Swim event is making its return to Johnson City. The event gives dogs a chance to splash around in a local pool at the end of the swim season — a beloved tradition for pet owners across the area. Check the link below for dates, times, and registration details.
📅 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.
Freedom Hall Civic Center — Upcoming Shows
Freedom Hall Civic Center has performances scheduled for Friday, September 25 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Visit Freedom Hall or call (423) 461-4884 for show details and tickets.
Location: 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604
View details at johnsoncitytn.org
The Goose Chase — Founders Park
A Goose Chase fun run/walk/race event is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 7:30 AM at Founders Park, 3211 People’s St., Johnson City, TN. Visit the link below for registration and additional details.
Date/Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Location: Founders Park, 3211 People’s St., Johnson City, TN
More info at thegoosechase.org
TEDx Community Writing Workshop
A TEDx Community Writing Workshop is coming up on Thursday, October 1, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in Johnson City. Visit the link below for location and registration information.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys at The Down Home
Acclaimed bluegrass group The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys will perform at The Down Home in Johnson City on Thursday, October 1, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Visit the link below for tickets and details.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: The Down Home, Johnson City, TN
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Haunted Corn Maze and Fall Fun
The Haunted Corn Maze and Fall Fun event runs on Friday, October 2 from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM, and again on Saturday, October 3 from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Visit the link for location and ticketing details.
Dates/Times: Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM each night
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival is coming to the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, TN. The event features handmade goods and local talent over two days. Visit the link below for full details.
Dates/Times: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds, 100 Lakeview St, Gray, TN
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
The Johnson City/Washington County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, October 12, 2026, with brunch and check-in from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM and a shotgun start at noon.
Date/Time: Monday, October 12, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Blackthorn Club, 1501 Ridges Club Dr., Jonesborough, TN
More info at johnsoncitytnchamber.com
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, Miss Mary Marshall was recovering nicely from an appendicitis operation performed at Appalachian Hospital that Wednesday morning — one of many small get-well notices the local paper’s “Personals” column carried for its readers each week.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Jonesborough, founded in 1779 and recognized as the oldest town in Tennessee, located just a short drive from Johnson City in Washington County.