☀️ Today’s Weather
Thunderstorms today — High 88°F, Low 71°F, with a 61% chance of rain. Stay dry out there, Kingsport!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a Lunchtime Live concert series at the library, a Twilight Alive concert series downtown, a Sunset Concert Series at the stadium, and a Red, White & BOOM on the Fourth — and somehow locals still ask, “Is there anything to do this summer?”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Kingsport version of the Long Island Iced Tea story credits a Prohibition-era character known by what nickname?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Fire Department to Get New Fire Station 2
Kingsport’s Fire Department is set to receive a brand-new Fire Station 2, replacing the current aging facility. The announcement marks a significant investment in public safety infrastructure for the city. More details on the project timeline are expected to be shared as planning moves forward.
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Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration — July 4, 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 starting at 5:00 p.m. (Fireworks at approximately 9:45 p.m.)
Location: Main Street, Centennial Park area, Downtown Kingsport, TN
Kingsport’s fifth-annual Red, White & BOOM celebration returns to downtown on the Fourth of July. The free, public event features food trucks, live music, and fireworks, with rock legends Grand Funk Railroad headlining the free concert. New this year: a hot dog eating contest and a kids’ watermelon eating contest. Fireworks will be shot from Cement Hill behind Citizens Bank. Electric 94.9 FM will broadcast the fireworks soundtrack for those watching from other locations.
More information at visitkingsport.com
Twilight Alive: Departure — The Journey Tribute Band — July 10, 2026
Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport, TN
The Twilight Alive summer concert series continues with Departure, a tribute to the legendary rock band Journey. The outdoor concert is part of Kingsport’s popular Friday night downtown music series.
More information at thisiskingsport.com
Fun Fest Block Party Weekend — July 10–12, 2026
Date/Time: Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: Kingsport, TN
Fun Fest’s Block Party Weekend serves as the pre-kickoff to Kingsport’s signature summer festival. Block parties can be private neighborhood gatherings or public events open to all. Fun Fest itself runs July 17–25, 2026 and features 9 days, 50+ locations, and 100+ events including the Sunset Concert Series headlined by Brothers Osborne, LeAnn Rimes, Daughtry, and Jeremy Camp.
More information at funfest.net
Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series: Jeremy Camp & Katy Nichole — July 23, 2026
Date/Time: Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport, TN
The Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series kicks off with Christian artists Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole performing at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. This is one of four headline concerts during the 2026 Fun Fest.
More information at funfest.net
Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series: Daughtry & Switchfoot — July 24, 2026
Date/Time: Friday, July 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport, TN
Rock acts Daughtry and Switchfoot take the Fun Fest stage on Friday night at J. Fred Johnson Stadium as part of the 2026 Sunset Concert Series.
More information at funfest.net
Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series: LeAnn Rimes & Brothers Osborne — July 25, 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport, TN
The 2026 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series closes out with country stars LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne performing at J. Fred Johnson Stadium on Saturday evening.
More information at funfest.net
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Old Man Bishop, a local figure said to have created the Long Island Iced Tea recipe during Prohibition in the Kingsport area, though the drink’s true origin is debated.