☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies with a high of 75°F and a low of 46°F — no rain expected (0% chance). A warm spring day ahead, Kingsport!
😄 Joke of the Day
A Kingsport man walked into a coffee shop and ordered “something bold, local, and full of character.” The barista handed him a cup and said, “Here’s your Eastman retiree special — strong, dependable, and been here since 1920.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport is home to the Holston Army Ammunition Plant, one of the nation’s most important defense manufacturing facilities. In what year was its predecessor — the Holston Ordnance Works — established in Kingsport, and what powerful explosive compound, critical to U.S. military operations in World War II and beyond, was first produced there?
Answer: The Holston Ordnance Works was established in 1942, and it produced RDX — a highly powerful explosive compound that became a cornerstone of U.S. and Allied military munitions during World War II and continues to be manufactured at the plant today.
🔝 Top Stories
🎉 New BlueCross Healthy Place at Kingsport’s Riverwalk Park Opens Monday
New park amenities as part of a BlueCross Healthy Place grant received in 2024 are anticipated to open in Spring/Summer 2026, including pickleball courts, a basketball shooting wall, a splash pad, a playground, and more. This is the second BlueCross Healthy Place in the city, following the BlueCross Healthy Place at the Kingsport Miracle League Complex, which opened in 2020. The BlueCross Foundation provided $6.5 million for the construction of the Healthy Place and an additional $1.3 million for maintenance, bringing the total investment to $7.8 million.
🎵 Fun Fest Announces 2026 Sunset Concert Series Lineup
Kingsport’s beloved summer festival has revealed its headliners for the 2026 Sunset Concert Series, and music fans have a lot to look forward to this July. Fun Fest 2026 runs July 17–25. The newly announced concert lineup includes major national acts — visit the link below for the full schedule of performers and dates.
🎭 Kingsport Theatre Guild to Open “Exit Laughing”
The Kingsport Theatre Guild is gearing up to present its next production, the comedy “Exit Laughing.” The announcement has generated buzz locally ahead of the show’s opening. Visit the link below for details on performance dates, ticket information, and how to attend.
🔥 Prescribed Burn at Bays Mountain Conducted for Second Consecutive Year
Bays Mountain Park recently completed a prescribed burn for the second year in a row, continuing an important land management practice for the park’s ecosystem. Prescribed burns help maintain healthy forest conditions by clearing out undergrowth and reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. Residents near the park may have noticed smoke in the area during the burn.
🌿 Tennessee Plant Show Coming to Kingsport on May 9
The Tennessee Plant Show 2026 Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration is happening on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 8:00 AM onwards at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport, TN. This show is a great opportunity for plant lovers to find unique varieties and connect with growers from across the region — visit the link below for full details on vendors, admission, and hours.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Fusion at Ridgefields
Kingsport has no shortage of places to eat, but Fusion at Ridgefields brings something different — Tex-Mex, Italian, and American cuisine all under one roof, from a locally owned kitchen with over 36 years of experience. Fresh tacos, handcrafted pasta, seafood dishes, signature cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere that works for a Tuesday lunch or a weekend night out. Curbside and carry-out available too.
fusionkingsport.com | (423) 390-1153
📅 Upcoming Events
🛍️ SMILE Rummage Sale: Shop for a Cause
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall — 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport
All proceeds support local foster families through SMILE Foster Closet. Fill a grocery bag with clothes for $5, or during the last hour (1–2 PM) fill an entire tote for $25. Toys, housewares, baby gear, holiday decor, and more available by donation. Foster families shop for free — check in with a volunteer when you arrive.
Donation drop-offs accepted Friday, April 10 from 5:30–7:30 PM. No knives, guns, or inappropriate items please.
🔥 Iron Pour Scratch Mold Workshops — Kingsport Cultural Arts
Kingsport Cultural Arts is bringing back its popular Iron Pour event on April 18 during the Kingsport ARTS Festival. To participate, you must first attend one of the remaining scratch mold workshops where you’ll scratch a unique design into a 5-inch sand mold — which will then be cast with molten iron by sculpture artist Joe Bigley and his team. Cost is $23 per person. Ages 18+ (children 6–17 welcome with an adult). All materials provided.
Remaining workshop dates: April 11 (2–4 PM), April 17 (6–8 PM)
Location: The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby Street, Kingsport
Register on Eventbrite or visit artskingsport.org for more info.
🎨 Kingsport ARTS Festival 2026
The Kingsport ARTS Festival will be presented by Engage Kingsport and Kingsport Cultural Arts Office on April 18th, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the 100 block of Shelby Street in Downtown Kingsport. The festival celebrates local artists and makers, connecting citizens to the creative community. Highlights include the Iron Pour with sculpture artist Joe Bigley and a variety of local artisans.
Visit artskingsport.org for full details
🍴 Taste of Small Business Kingsport
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM
MeadowView Convention Center
Sample bites from over 20 local restaurants, meet the owners, and enter to win door prize giveaways. Tickets are $30/person in advance (non-refundable) or $40 cash at the door if not sold out. All proceeds go to the participating small business restaurants. Tickets are available at most participating restaurants.
🌿 Tennessee Plant Show 2026 — Mother’s Day Weekend
The Tennessee Plant Show 2026 Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration is happening on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 8:00 AM onwards at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport, TN. A great opportunity for plant enthusiasts to browse unique varieties and meet growers from across the region. Visit the link below for vendor and admission details.
🎪 Fun Fest 2026 — Save the Dates!
Fun Fest 2026 runs July 17–25. The beloved annual festival features more than 50 locations and 100+ events spanning nine days across the city. The 2026 Sunset Concert Series lineup has just been announced — head to the link below for headliner details and to stay up to date on all things Fun Fest.
Visit funfest.net for full details