☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over Kingsport today — High 86°F, Low 67°F, with a 21% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport starts gearing up for Fun Fest so far in advance that by the time the parade actually arrives downtown, half the city already has a full schedule memorized, a lawn chair in the car, and an opinion about which concert night is worth the ticket price.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What former African American school is remembered as an important part of Kingsport’s education history?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🏠 Single-Family Home Permits Lead Kingsport’s June Building Report
Kingsport’s latest monthly development report shows that single-family home permits were the top category for building activity in June. The city has also recently entered Fiscal Year 2027 with a balanced budget and a strong general fund balance, according to city officials. The permit data reflects continued residential construction momentum heading into summer.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
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📅 Upcoming Events
🍝 SMILE Foster Closet Gift-a-thon & Spaghetti Dinner — July 10, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026 | Doors 5:00 PM, dinner 5:15–7:00 PM, drawing 7:30 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport
A spaghetti dinner and prize drawing benefiting SMILE Foster Closet and the local foster families they support. Dinner is $3 per person ($3.50 to-go). Gift-a-thon tickets are $2 each or six for $10, with no limit on entries. Every prize is worth at least $50, including themed baskets, gift cards, and event tickets.
🎉 Fun Fest Block Party Weekend — July 10–12, 2026
Friday–Sunday, July 10–12, 2026 | Citywide, Kingsport
Block Party Weekend is the pre-kickoff to Kingsport’s annual Fun Fest celebration. Block parties can be private neighborhood gatherings or public events open to all — check the Fun Fest website and social media for public party listings near you.
🎶 Lunchtime Live Final Concert: Bristol Lightning — July 17, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026 | Noon
Farmers Market Pavilion, Kingsport
The Friends of the Kingsport Public Library & Archives are hosting Bristol Lightning as the final act of the 5th annual Lunchtime Live Concert Series. Bristol Lightning is led by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar and blends bluegrass, folk, classical, hip-hop, and tap dance.
🎡 Fun Fest 2026 — July 18–26, 2026
Saturday, July 18 – Saturday, July 26, 2026
Multiple locations across Kingsport (Downtown, Dobyns-Bennett High School/J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Allandale Mansion, Kingsport Farmers Market, and more)
Kingsport’s signature nine-day summer festival features more than 100 events at over 30 locations, including hot air balloons, road races, a parade, food trucks, kids’ activities, and the Sunset Concert Series. This year’s Sunset Concert Series headlines include Jeremy Camp (July 23), Daughtry with Switchfoot (July 24), and Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes (July 25), all at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. The Crazy 8s 8K Road Race — this year doubling as the USATF National 8km Championship — takes place July 18.
🏊 Fun Fest Night Swim at Kingsport Aquatic Center — July 20, 2026
Monday, July 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Kingsport Aquatic Center
The Kingsport Aquatic Center is hosting a special evening swim session in connection with Fun Fest. Visit the city’s website for ticketing and additional details.
🎸 Fun Fest Sunset Concert: Jeremy Camp & Katy Nichole — July 23, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport
Jeremy Camp kicks off the Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series with opener Katy Nichole. Tickets are available at the Fun Fest Store (400 Clinchfield Street) and at FunFest.net. Note: Fun Fest has a Clear Bag Policy for all stadium concerts.
🎸 Fun Fest Sunset Concert: Daughtry & Switchfoot — July 24, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026 | 7:00 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport
Daughtry headlines the Friday night Fun Fest Sunset Concert with Switchfoot opening. Tickets are available at the Fun Fest Store and at FunFest.net.
🎸 Fun Fest Sunset Concert: Brothers Osborne & LeAnn Rimes — July 25, 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport
Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes close out the 2026 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series on Saturday night. A Fireworks Spectacular will immediately follow the show. Tickets are available at the Fun Fest Store and at FunFest.net.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Douglass High School, which served Kingsport’s African American students during the era of segregation and holds an important place in the city’s educational and civil rights history.