☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 88°F and a low of 69°F; 26% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Fun Fest is still nine days away and people are already strategizing their parking like it’s a military operation — Warriors Path, side streets, a cousin’s driveway off Fort Henry. Every Kingsport summer starts the same way.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What is the name of Dobyns-Bennett High School’s stadium?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🗳️ Kingsport Beverage Board Approves Expanded Permit Including IMAX
The Kingsport Beverage Board recently approved an expanded beverage permit that includes coverage for the long-anticipated IMAX theater at Fort Henry Mall. Construction has been underway at Fort Henry Mall on the new IMAX theatre, which is expected to open in 2026, adjoining the existing NCG Cinemas. The beverage board’s approval marks another milestone for the project as it moves closer to opening day.
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📋 Kingsport Police Department Opens 2026 Citizen Survey
The Kingsport Police Department has launched its 2026 citizen survey, inviting residents to share their feedback on local policing. As part of the CALEA accreditation process, the Kingsport Police Department periodically conducts a survey to solicit constructive feedback from the citizens whom they are sworn to protect and serve. The survey covers aspects such as the public’s opinion on the KPD’s overall performance, the competency of its officers and employees, and the attitude and behavior of law enforcement. Residents are encouraged to participate online at the KPD’s official page.
🏪 Tri-Cities Golf Carts Opens New Kingsport Location
Tri-Cities Golf Carts recently cut the ribbon on a new location in Kingsport, marking a significant expansion for the local business. The company also recently gave a tour of its new showroom and discussed the history of the business. Kingsport residents can visit the new showroom to explore their offerings.
📅 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 2026 Block Party Weekend — July 10–12, 2026
Block Party weekend is the pre-kickoff of Fun Fest, with this year’s dates running July 10th, 11th, and 12th. Block parties can be a private neighborhood gathering of friends, a public party anyone can attend, or anything in between. It’s the warm-up to Kingsport’s beloved annual festival before the full nine-day event kicks off July 17.
🎶 Eshta Egyptian Street Food at High Voltage — July 11, 2026
Eshta Egyptian Street Food will be at High Voltage on July 11, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. High Voltage is located in Kingsport. For more details, visit the High Voltage events page.
🎪 Fun Fest 2026 — July 17–25, 2026
Fun Fest is a nine-day festival filled with family-friendly events and activities, with more than 100 events taking place throughout Kingsport in over 30 locations — from food trucks, fireworks, hot air balloons, sporting events, and road races. Jeremy Camp kicks off the Sunset Concert Series on Thursday, July 23rd with opener Katy Nichole, and Daughtry headlines the Friday night concert on July 24th with Switchfoot opening. A Fireworks Spectacular will immediately follow Saturday’s show, with the Sunset Concert Series taking place at J. Fred Johnson Stadium.
🎵 Lunchtime Live Concert: Bristol Lightning — July 17, 2026
For the final concert in the 5th annual Lunchtime Live Concert Series, the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library & Archives are hosting Bristol Lightning at the Farmers Market Pavilion at noon on Friday, July 17th. Led by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar, this eclectic band combines bluegrass, folk, classical, hip-hop, and even tap dance.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, the longtime home of Dobyns-Bennett athletics and a venue closely associated with Kingsport’s sporting and community life.