☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy rain expected today. High 86°F, Low 72°F — 24% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy, Kingsport!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport just opened the region’s only IMAX theater — the same week Fun Fest is running. Somewhere out there, a local is trying to decide between a 70-foot screen and a hot air balloon, and honestly that’s a perfectly reasonable problem to have.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The former Douglass High School site is now associated with what community facility?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport’s IMAX Theater at Fort Henry Mall Is Now Open
The IMAX Theater at Fort Henry Mall is officially open after several years of planning. The theater is a 7,000-square-foot standalone structure and is home to the region’s only IMAX screen. Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt said he is excited to revitalize the property and for Kingsport to become a part of the evolving film industry, emphasizing the importance of bringing an IMAX theater close to home.
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Kingsport Marks 50 Years Since Returning Long Island of the Holston to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Kingsport is commemorating the 50th anniversary of returning the Long Island of the Holston — a site of deep historical and cultural significance — to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The landmark is considered one of the most sacred sites in Cherokee history. The anniversary serves as a moment for the community to reflect on the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Three Arrested After Pursuit Involving Stolen Vehicle in Kingsport
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested three individuals following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle and license plate in Kingsport. The incident led to the suspects being taken into custody. Additional details about the charges and circumstances are available from the source.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎉 Fun Fest 2026 — Now Through July 25
Fun Fest runs July 17–25 and 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. Highlights still to come include the Sunset Concert Series, Medallion Hunt, Giant Screen Outdoor Movie, Hot Air Balloon Rally, and the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular. Visit funfest.net for the full schedule.
🎵 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series – Jeremy Camp & Katy Nichole
Thursday, July 23 — Jeremy Camp with opener Katy Nichole at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. J. Fred Johnson Stadium is a high school baseball/football stadium; general admission is festival-style where you bring your own chair (without spike legs) or a blanket and sit on the field. Tickets available at funfest.net/tickets.
🎵 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series – Daughtry & Switchfoot
Daughtry headlines the Friday Night Concert on July 24, with Switchfoot opening at J. Fred Johnson Stadium, starting at 7:00 PM (gates open at 5:00 PM). Tickets available at funfest.net/tickets.
🎵 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series – LeAnn Rimes & Brothers Osborne + Eastman Fireworks Spectacular
The Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series with double headliners LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne is happening on Saturday, July 25, from 6:30 PM at J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport. The Fireworks Spectacular will immediately follow Saturday’s show. Tickets available at funfest.net/tickets.
📚 Behind the Book Festival – July 19
The Behind the Book Festival returns to Kingsport, hosted by the Kingsport Public Library and featuring more than 50 local and regional authors. The event takes place on the first floor of Fort Henry Mall on July 19 starting at 10 a.m. It’s a free opportunity for book lovers to meet writers from across the region.
🌿 Fun Fest Allandale Family Picnic – July 19
Fun Fest’s Allandale Family Picnic, presented by Brightspeed, is happening on Sunday, July 19, from 3:00 PM at Allandale Mansion, Kingsport. For more details, visit funfest.net.
🎬 Fun Fest Giant Screen Outdoor Movie: Zootopia 2 – July 22
Fun Fest’s Giant Screen Outdoor Movie featuring Zootopia 2 is happening on Wednesday, July 22, from 7:00 PM at Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport. For more details, visit funfest.net.
🐾 4th Annual Fun Fest Walk n’ Wag – July 22
The 4th Annual Fun Fest Walk n’ Wag with BarkBound & Healthy Kingsport is happening on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 PM at 694 Clinchfield St, Kingsport. For more details, visit funfest.net.
🏪 Midsummer Vendor Market – Coming This Weekend
A Midsummer Vendor Market is set to be held in Kingsport. For specific date, time, and location details, check the source link below.
🥗 9th Annual Lazy Days of Summer Handmade Market – July 19
The 9th Annual Lazy Days of Summer Handmade Market is happening on Sunday, July 19, from 11:00 AM at Kingsport Farmers Market. For more information, visit the Kingsport Farmers Market.
🎸 Fun Fest Medallion Hunt – July 18–25
The 2026 Fun Fest Medallion Hunt, presented by Kubota of Kingsport, hides one medallion per day between July 18 and July 25, with clues released daily on the Kingsport Fun Fest Facebook page and Instagram account (@KptFunFest). Visit funfest.net for clue times and full rules.
🍔 July Final Friday Food Truck Rally – July 31
The July Final Friday Food Truck Rally is happening on Friday, July 31, from 5:00 PM in Downtown Kingsport. For more details, check local event listings.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex, a community facility that honors the legacy of the school and the community it served.