☀️ Today’s Weather
Rain expected today with a high of 81°F and a low of 61°F. 24% chance of rain — grab an umbrella just in case.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a transit system, a brand-new IMAX theater opening next month, a dental continuing education program, and Fun Fest on the horizon. The Model City keeps adding amenities — at some point the nickname stops being aspirational and starts being a spoiler.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Fun Fest was created to promote unity, harmony, fellowship, and what else?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
News Channel 11 Gives Back to Second Harvest Food Bank for Founder’s Day of Caring
News Channel 11 recently participated in a community giveback effort for Second Harvest Food Bank of Tennessee as part of its Founder’s Day of Caring. The initiative highlights the ongoing need for food assistance resources across the region. Visit the link below for more details on how to support Second Harvest Food Bank.
Sponsored by
Crosscut Tree Services
Got a tree that’s leaning, dying, or just getting a little too comfortable with your roofline? Terry and the crew at Crosscut handle it all — removal, trimming, and 24/7 emergency service when a storm doesn’t wait for business hours. They’re local, they’re licensed, and if you’ve seen their reviews, you know they show up on time and do the job right the first time. Free quotes. No pressure.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Meet Your Neighbor: Glitz, Grunge, & Grace
“Glitz, Grunge, and Grace” is a great name — what’s the story behind it?
People often ask you to describe yourself in three words. When I was coming up with the name for my graphic tee business six years ago, that’s exactly what I did. Glitz, Grunge, & Grace is the three words I’d use to describe me as a person and the vibe I wanted for my small business.
You’re carrying work from 50 local artisans — how did that come together?
Many of our artisans started as our customers and fellow vendors at local markets. When I started making Tees for Every Weirdo and vending at markets, I ran into a lot of local artisans looking for a place where their weird art “fit,” so I decided to build a place where all weirdos were welcome. Since then we’ve evolved and added my husband, Ricky, who runs the tattoo side. There are so many unique artisans here I couldn’t pick just one — we have everything from freeze-dried candy and 3D-printed fidgets to crystals and oddities.
What do you want people in the Tri-Cities to know about supporting a shop like this?
We’re completely family owned and operated. I run the shop side with our daughter, and Ricky runs the tattoo side with our son in training. When you bring your weird niece to her new favorite store, you’re supporting several small businesses in the community at once. We’ll also be collecting donations for The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue during July for their “Christmas in July Supply Drive” — they have a booth in our shop with all proceeds going to the rescue.
Visit Glitz, Grunge, & Grace at glitz-grunge-grace.square.site or call (423) 726-2002.
📅 Upcoming Events
3rd Annual SouthEast Crab & Cider Feast
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2026
Location: Gypsy Circus Cider House, Kingsport
The 3rd Annual SouthEast Crab & Cider Feast takes place at Gypsy Circus Cider House in Kingsport on Saturday, June 21. The event offers all-you-can-eat fresh Blue Crabs, Fish & Chips, one complimentary craft beer or beverage, and music in a family-friendly environment. Tickets are limited — check the event page for availability.
Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Centennial Park area, Downtown Kingsport
Kingsport’s fifth-annual Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM on Main Street in the Centennial Park area of Downtown Kingsport. The event features food trucks, live music, and fireworks. Grand Funk Railroad will headline the free concert, with fireworks to follow at approximately 9:45 PM.
More info at VisitKingsport.com
Fun Fest Block Party Weekend
Dates: July 10–12, 2026
Fun Fest’s pre-kickoff Block Party Weekend is set for July 10, 11, and 12. Block parties can be private neighborhood gatherings or public events open to anyone. Visit funfest.net for details on how to host or find a block party near you.
Fun Fest 2026
Dates: July 17–25, 2026
Location: Locations across Kingsport; Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium
Fun Fest, Kingsport’s signature nine-day summer festival, runs July 17–25, 2026 at locations across the city. This year’s 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 festival also includes hot air balloons, a parade, The Taste food event, a street fair, and much more.
Long Island Iced Tea Trail — Throughout June
Dates: Throughout June 2026
Location: Downtown Kingsport and participating locations
Throughout the month of June, you can enjoy all things Long Island Iced Tea in Downtown Kingsport as part of Visit Kingsport’s relaunched LIT Trail. Local restaurants, bakeries, and specialty stores are offering their own themed creations — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — celebrating Kingsport’s claim as the birthplace of the drink. For a full list of participating stops, visit Visit Kingsport’s website.
More info at VisitKingsport.com
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Cooperation, reflecting the civic spirit behind the festival’s founding and its goal of bringing the Kingsport community together each summer.