☀️ Today’s Weather
Clear skies. High 74°F, Low 50°F. 0% chance of rain. A beautiful fall day in Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall arrives in Johnson City and suddenly everyone’s an expert on the leaves. ETSU tracks it scientifically. Your neighbor just says it looks “about right.” Somehow they’re both correct.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City takes its name from an early settler, postmaster, businessman, and railroad figure. Who was he?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Washington County Officials to Appoint Members to Committees, Boards
Washington County officials are expected to appoint members to various committees and boards. The appointments are part of ongoing local governance activity in the county. Visit the link below for full details on the positions being filled.
Read more at Johnson City Press
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.)
Pedestrian Flown to Hospital After Wednesday Night Crash on Stone Drive
A pedestrian suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Stone Drive and was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the vehicle involved was not injured in the crash. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
‘Soggy Doggy’ Swim Returns to Johnson City
The popular “Soggy Doggy” swim event has returned to Johnson City, giving local dogs a chance to take a dip before the community pool closes for the season. The event is a beloved late-summer tradition for dog owners in the area. For more details on the event, follow the link below.
Weekend Events in the Tri-Cities: Covered Bridge Days, Bluegrass Half Marathon
This weekend in the Tri-Cities area is packed with community events, including Covered Bridge Days and the Bluegrass Half Marathon. Residents looking for outdoor fall activities have plenty of options close to home. Check the link below for a full roundup of what’s happening across the region.
Tails and Paws: Rome and Donnie Need Forever Homes This Fall
Rome and Donnie are two dogs in the Tri-Cities area currently looking for loving forever homes. Local shelters and rescue partners continue to seek adopters as animal populations climb heading into fall. If you’re considering adding a four-legged friend to your family, now’s a great time to reach out.
📅 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.
7th Annual Oktoberfest @ Walnut Street
Date/Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM
Location: Johnson City Brewing, Walnut Street, Johnson City
Johnson City Brewing is hosting its 7th Annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Walnut Street location. The event features activities, food, beer, and more. For tickets and full details, visit the link below.
Taco Trek | October
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Location: 110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek returns for another evening of taco exploration in downtown Johnson City. For full details and tickets, visit the link below.
Barktoberfest — Benefiting Appalachian Highlands Humane Society
Location: Knob Creek Vineyards (across from Off Leash Social), Johnson City area
The Appalachian Highlands Humane Society, in partnership with Off Leash Social, is hosting Barktoberfest to benefit the humane society. The event features live music, vendors, food, contests with prizes, and more. Leashed, friendly pets are welcome, and admission is free. Check the link below for the confirmed date and additional details.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
The Temptations and The Four Tops — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
Date/Time: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Location: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City
Two legendary Motown groups, The Temptations and The Four Tops, are coming to Johnson City for a live performance. For tickets and details, visit the venue’s event page.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Date/Time: October 23 from 3–7 PM and October 24 from 9 AM–3 PM
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray, TN
Blue Ridge Artisan Days returns for its fall edition, featuring handmade goods and local talent across two days. For more information, visit the link below.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, a well-to-do farmer named E.R. Lane was shot and killed in his sleep near Kingsport using his own shotgun, with investigators bringing in bloodhounds from Virginia to track the killer. Lane had been active in prosecuting local moonshiners, and officers suspected the murder was an act of revenge.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Henry Johnson, who donated land for a railroad depot in the area and later became the city’s first mayor.