☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over the Model City today. High 86°F, Low 71°F. 22% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Fun Fest is still more than a week away and there are already people in Kingsport who have mentally blocked off the entire last two weeks of July. Nobody scheduled anything in late July. It just happens.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What early name for the Kingsport area referred to a mineral lick?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🎤 21st Annual Legislative BBQ Brings Lawmakers and Community Together
The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce hosted its 21st Annual Legislative BBQ on Wednesday, July 8, gathering state and local lawmakers alongside community members for a signature event built around the motto “be served by those that serve you.” Legislators served food to attendees and provided a recap of the recently completed legislative session. The event has become a longstanding tradition for connecting Kingsport residents directly with the people who represent them in Nashville.
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🎬 Alcohol License Approved for Soon-to-Open Kingsport IMAX Theater
The Kingsport Beverage Board recently approved an expanded beverage permit that includes coverage for the long-anticipated IMAX theater at Fort Henry Mall. Hull Property Group Vice President John Mulherin says construction is nearly complete, and the theater features the largest IMAX screen in production with 400 luxury recliner seats. The opening is timed to coincide with the release of the film The Odyssey, which was filmed entirely on IMAX cameras. The IMAX Grand Opening is listed on the Kingsport Chamber’s calendar for Friday, July 17, 2026.
🌡️ Salvation Army Kingsport Offering Heat Relief for Vulnerable Residents
With temperatures climbing across the region, The Salvation Army in Kingsport is stepping up to provide heat relief resources for vulnerable community members. Local residents in need of cooling assistance or other heat-related support are encouraged to reach out to The Salvation Army Kingsport for available services. The effort comes as Tri-Cities area health officials continue to monitor the ongoing heat concerns.
🏐 Fun Fest Outdoor Volleyball Tournament Open for Registration
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for its Fun Fest 2026 Outdoor Volleyball Tournament. The two-day event is scheduled to take place July 18–19 at Eastman Park at Horse Creek (2969 Sullivan Gardens Parkway). Additionally, Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department announced its “Pickle in the Park” pickleball tournament is returning to Fun Fest this year, with the three-day tournament set to take place at Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview.
📅 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 | Various locations across Kingsport
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 neighborhood gatherings or public events open to all — a warm-up to the full nine-day Fun Fest celebration beginning July 17.
🎬 Kingsport IMAX Grand Opening — July 17, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026 | Fort Henry Mall, Kingsport
The Kingsport IMAX Theater at Fort Henry Mall is on track to open July 17th. The theater features the largest IMAX screen in production with 400 luxury recliner seats, and the opening is timed to coincide with the release of The Odyssey, which was filmed entirely on IMAX cameras. A sneak peek event is also listed on the Kingsport Chamber’s calendar for the same day.
🎵 Lunchtime Live Concert: Bristol Lightning — July 17, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026 | Noon | Farmers Market Pavilion, Kingsport
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.
🏐 Fun Fest Outdoor Volleyball Tournament — July 18–19, 2026
Saturday–Sunday, July 18–19, 2026 | Eastman Park at Horse Creek, 2969 Sullivan Gardens Pkwy, Kingsport
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for its Fun Fest 2026 Outdoor Volleyball Tournament. The two-day event is scheduled to take place July 18–19 at Eastman Park at Horse Creek. Visit kingsporttn.gov to register.
🎶 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series — July 23–25, 2026
Thursday–Saturday, July 23–25, 2026 | J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport
This year’s Sunset Concert Series lineup includes Tauren Wells and We Are Messengers on Thursday, July 24, Bret Michaels and Edwin McCain on July 25, and Brad Paisley and Avery Anna on Saturday, July 26. Tickets are required for the Sunset Concert Series events. Check FunFest.net for full schedule details and ticket information.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Salt Lick, a name used for the Kingsport area in early records that referenced the natural mineral deposits that attracted both wildlife and early settlers to the region.