☀️ Today’s Weather
Light drizzle today with a high of 79°F and a low of 71°F — 73% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Fun Fest starts in less than a week and Kingsport is also getting its first IMAX theater this Wednesday. July in the Model City isn’t a month so much as a full-time job.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What museum at the Netherland Inn complex is housed in a reproduced bank barn?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Fun Fest Block Party Weekend Wraps Up Today
Block Party weekend is the pre-kickoff of Fun Fest, with this year’s dates set for July 10, 11, and 12. Neighborhoods and community groups across Kingsport have been hosting gatherings — from private get-togethers to open public parties — to warm up for the main festival. Fun Fest 2026 is scheduled to run July 17–25.
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NFL Rookie Joey Aguilar Brings Football Camp to Kingsport
Former University of Tennessee quarterback and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Joey Aguilar recently held a football camp in Kingsport, giving local youth a chance to work with a rising NFL talent. Aguilar has maintained ties to the region and visited to support the community with the youth-focused event. For more details on the camp, visit the link below.
Friday Night Events Moved Indoors Due to Weather
Several Kingsport events scheduled for Friday, July 11, were relocated indoors due to inclement weather. The disruptions affected outdoor gatherings that had been planned as part of the weekend’s festivities. Organizers worked to keep events going by shifting to indoor venues.
📅 Upcoming Events
Fun Fest 2026 — Kingsport’s Annual Nine-Day Festival
Fun Fest 2026 runs July 17–25, with more than 100 events at over 30 locations across Kingsport. Events include food trucks, fireworks, hot air balloons, sporting events, and road races. The Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium features Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole (July 23), Daughtry and Switchfoot (July 24), and LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne (July 25). The Fun Fest Parade takes place Friday, July 17, at 6:30 PM in Downtown Kingsport.
Full schedule and details at funfest.net
A Civil War Evening w/ Leslie Goddard — Pre-Fun Fest Event
A Civil War Evening with Leslie Goddard is a pre-Fun Fest event scheduled for July 13. This is one of several history-themed offerings tied to Fun Fest, where history enthusiasts can enjoy presentations, exhibits, and commemorative events, some specifically honoring America’s 250th Anniversary. Visit funfest.net for location and time details.
Lunchtime Live Concert Series — Bristol Lightning at the Farmers Market Pavilion
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 17. Led by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar, the eclectic band combines bluegrass, folk, classical, hip-hop, and tap dance.
Fun Fest Day at the Ballpark — July 19
Fun Fest Day at the Ballpark takes place July 19, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 PM at 800 Granby Road, Kingsport (Ballad Health Field at Hunter Wright Stadium). The family-friendly event brings the community together for baseball, entertainment, music, games for kids, and giveaways. Tickets are discounted if purchased at the Fun Fest Store; gate prices are also available.
Broad Street Boogie — Following the Fun Fest Parade, July 17
Immediately following the Fun Fest Parade, attendees can join the Broad Street Boogie, presented by Holston Medical Group, featuring Sons of Sailors: A Jimmy Buffett Cover Band. The show takes place around 8 p.m. in the 100 Block of Broad Street.
Fun Fest Medallion Hunt — July 18–25
The 2026 Fun Fest Medallion Hunt, presented by Kubota of Kingsport, will feature one medallion hidden each day between July 18–25, with clues released on the Kingsport Fun Fest Facebook page and Instagram account (KptFunFest). Watch for bonus medallions as well. Visit funfest.net for full details.
CJ’s Summer Heat, Part 8 — Today, July 12
CJ’s Summer Heat, Part 8 is happening today, Sunday, July 12, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM at 516 G Morelock St, Kingsport, TN. Visit the event listing for full details.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Museum of Pioneer Transportation, which preserves and interprets the history of frontier-era travel and the various ways early settlers moved through the region.