☀️ Today’s Weather
Light rain. High 79°F, Low 64°F. 31% chance of rain. Grab an umbrella if you’re heading out today!
😄 Only in Kingsport
The Twilight Alive concert series kicks off this Friday and Fun Fest doesn’t start for two more months — and Kingsport residents are somehow already debating which one is the real start of summer.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Eastman Chemical Company is one of the largest employers in the region and has deep roots in the Model City — but in what year was Eastman Chemical Company officially spun off as an independent, publicly traded company from its former parent corporation, and what was the name of that parent company?
Answer: Eastman Chemical Company was spun off from Eastman Kodak Company in 1994, becoming an independent publicly traded corporation while continuing to operate its flagship manufacturing complex in Kingsport, Tennessee.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Public Library to Host Virtual Chat with ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Author
The Kingsport Public Library is setting up a virtual author chat featuring the writer behind the popular sci-fi/fantasy series Dungeon Crawler Carl. The event offers local readers a chance to connect with the author directly from Kingsport. Check the library’s announcements for date and registration details.
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.
‘Twilight Alive’ Concert Series Returns to Downtown Kingsport
Downtown Kingsport’s beloved free outdoor concert series, Twilight Alive, is returning for another season of Friday night live music on the 100 block of Broad Street, beginning at 7 p.m. The 2026 season kicks off on May 29 with an Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute and runs through mid-July, with upcoming performances including Carson Peters and Iron Mountain on June 5 and KP & The Classics on June 19. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy food from downtown restaurants and on-site vendors.
Kingsport Announces Memorial Day Changes and Closures
The City of Kingsport has announced that city offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday. Garbage and trash/yard waste collection routes will not be adjusted for the holiday. Residents should check kingsporttn.gov for full details on any service changes.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Kingsport Community Celebrates Public Works Day
The City of Kingsport recently held its annual Public Works Day at the Farmers Market, celebrating the workers who keep the city running. The event highlighted the wide range of services provided by the Public Works Department, from water and sewer operations to streets and sanitation. Residents had the chance to meet city employees and learn about the essential infrastructure that supports daily life in the Model City.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Asphalt Preservation Project Planned for Lynn Garden Area
The City of Kingsport has announced an upcoming asphalt preservation project in the Lynn Garden area. The project is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve road conditions across Kingsport’s neighborhoods. Residents in the area should watch for updates on timing and any traffic impacts.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
📅 Upcoming Events
Kingsport Splash Pads Open for Summer Season
Kingsport’s two splash pads are open for the 2026 summer season as of today, Saturday, May 23. Visit kingsporttn.gov for locations and hours.
Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM
Location: MeadowView Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN
The Smoky Mountain Fan Fest returns to Kingsport for another year of celebrity meet-and-greets, panels, vendors, cosplay, and more. Tickets and VIP packages are available. Visit the event listing for full details.
Twilight Alive – Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute (Season Kickoff)
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, 7:00 PM
Location: 100 Block of Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
The 2026 Twilight Alive summer concert series kicks off with an Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute performance. The event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy food from downtown restaurants and vendors.
May Final Friday Food Truck Rally
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Kingsport
The May edition of the Final Friday Food Truck Rally comes to downtown Kingsport. Visit the event listing for details on participating vendors and activities.
E-Sports Specialty Camp – Kingsport Parks & Recreation
Date: June 1–4, 2026, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
Location: V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex Douglass, Kingsport
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting a week-long e-sports specialty camp for youth. For registration details, visit kingsporttn.gov.
Twilight Alive – Carson Peters and Iron Mountain
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
Location: 100 Block of Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
The second night of the 2026 Twilight Alive Summer Concert Series features Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. Free and open to the public.
Twilight Alive – KP & The Classics
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026, 7:00 PM
Location: 100 Block of Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
The Twilight Alive summer concert series continues with a free performance by KP & The Classics. Free and open to the public.
Twilight Alive – HOOCH: Music on the Rocks
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026, 7:00 PM
Location: Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
Twilight Alive continues with HOOCH: Music on the Rocks performing on Broad Street. Free and open to the public.
Kingsport’s Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 5:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Kingsport, TN
Kingsport’s annual Independence Day celebration returns to Main Street. Visit local event listings for the full schedule of activities.
Fun Fest 2026
Dates: July 17–25, 2026
Location: Various locations across Kingsport; Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium
Kingsport’s signature summer festival, Fun Fest, returns for nine days of events across more than 50 locations and 100-plus events throughout the city. The Sunset Concert Series will feature Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole (July 23), Daughtry and Switchfoot (July 24), and LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne (July 25). Visit funfest.net for the full schedule.