☀️ Today’s Weather
Mainly clear skies over the Model City today — High 92°F, Low 61°F, with just a 2% chance of rain. A great day to be outside!
😄 Only in Kingsport
You know you’re in Kingsport when the city is simultaneously opening an outdoor water park, finishing an IMAX theater, and still has someone asking if you’ve tried the ribs at Phil’s Dream Pit. The Model City does not slow down.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Holston Army Ammunition Plant has a long history tied to the production of military-grade explosives. But what branch of the U.S. federal government owns the Holston Army Ammunition Plant — and under what broader category of facility is it officially classified?
Answer: The Holston Army Ammunition Plant is owned by the U.S. Army (Department of Defense) and is classified as a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) facility — meaning the U.S. government owns the property and infrastructure while a private contractor manages day-to-day operations.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Aquatic Center Set to Open Outdoor Water Park May 23
Summer is almost here — the Kingsport Aquatic Center is gearing up to open its outdoor water park for the 2026 season on May 23. The water park will be open daily from May 23 through July 31, then switch to weekends only in August and September through Labor Day. Season passes are currently on sale for those looking to make the most of the summer.
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IMAX Opening Date and Other Projects Discussed at Kingsport BMA Meeting
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently discussed the anticipated opening date for the new IMAX theater at Fort Henry Mall, along with other ongoing city projects. The IMAX theater has been one of the most closely watched development projects in Kingsport, and officials provided an update on its timeline at the meeting. Check the link below for the latest details.
Third Kingsport Defendant Sentenced in COVID-19 Tax Credit Fraud Scheme
A third Kingsport-area defendant has been sentenced in connection with a COVID-19 employment tax credit fraud scheme. The case has resulted in multiple sentencings following a federal investigation into the fraudulent claims. Visit the links below for more on the case and its outcomes.
Suspect Identified After Explosive Devices Found in Abandoned Kingsport Home
Authorities have identified the suspect found in connection with explosive devices discovered in an abandoned Kingsport home, following an incident that prompted evacuations in the Lynn Garden neighborhood. Kingsport Police Department’s bomb disposal team responded to the scene and destroyed the devices. The investigation remains ongoing.
Bays Mountain Fire Tower Trail: A Steep Hike with Sweeping Views
A feature spotlight on the Bays Mountain fire tower trail highlights one of Kingsport’s most rewarding — and challenging — hikes, offering wide panoramic views for those willing to make the climb. Bays Mountain Park, the largest city-owned park in Tennessee, continues to draw visitors looking for outdoor adventure right in the heart of the Model City.
📅 Upcoming Events
Kingsport Aquatic Center Outdoor Water Park Opens — May 23, 2026
The Kingsport Aquatic Center’s outdoor water park officially opens for the 2026 summer season on Saturday, May 23. The park will be open daily through July 31, then weekends only through Labor Day. Season passes are available for purchase online or at the KAC front desk. Visit swimkingsport.com for full details.
Barre on the Barge — Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM
A unique fitness experience comes to Bays Mountain Park — Barre on the Barge is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, beginning at 10:00 AM at Bays Mountain Park. For full event details and registration, visit the event listing online.
Twilight Alive featuring Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute — Friday, May 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Twilight Alive returns to Broad Street in downtown Kingsport on Friday, May 29, starting at 7:00 PM, featuring an Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute act. The Twilight Alive series brings free live music to the heart of downtown throughout the season.
Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026 — May 29–31, 2026 | Starting at 3:00 PM (Friday)
The 7th annual Smoky Mountain Fan Fest returns to the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport from May 29–31, 2026. The pop culture convention features celebrity meet-and-greets, panels, vendors, cosplay, and more. Tickets and VIP packages are available now.
Read more and get tickets at SmokymountainFanFest.com
Second Harvest Food Bank Golf Classic — Saturday, May 30, 2026
The 33rd Annual Second Harvest Golf Classic tees off on Saturday, May 30, raising funds to fight hunger across Northeast Tennessee. For registration and event details, visit the Kingsport Chamber event calendar.
See more at KingsportChamber.org
Common Thread ABA 5K & Fun Run — Saturday, June 6, 2026
The Common Thread ABA 5K & Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Kingsport. For full event details and registration information, check local event listings.
Twilight Alive featuring KP & The Classics — Friday, June 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Twilight Alive continues its summer concert series on Broad Street in downtown Kingsport on June 19, starting at 7:00 PM, with a performance by KP & The Classics.
Twilight Alive featuring HOOCH (Music on the Rocks) — Friday, June 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Twilight Alive brings HOOCH to Broad Street in downtown Kingsport on Friday, June 26, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM for another evening of free live music in the heart of the city.