☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies with a high of 85°F and a low of 66°F — 42% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy, Kingsport!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport is the only city where you can watch turtles race in the morning, attend a comic convention in the afternoon, and catch a free Garth Brooks tribute concert downtown at night — all on the same Friday.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Fun Fest is one of Tennessee’s most celebrated summer festivals, drawing visitors from across the region every July. In what year did Fun Fest first begin, and what is the name of the outdoor stadium where the Sunset Concert Series headlining shows are held each year?
Answer: Fun Fest first began in 1981. The Sunset Concert Series headlining shows are held at J. Fred Johnson Stadium, located at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport.
🔝 Top Stories
Heavily Armed Police Active in Kingsport; Some Residents Evacuated
A significant law enforcement presence was reported in Kingsport on May 28, with heavily armed officers active in the area and some residents evacuated from their homes. Details on the nature of the incident are continuing to develop. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow guidance from local officials.
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Kingsport PD May Get Body Cameras, Pending BMA Approval
The Kingsport Police Department may soon be equipped with body cameras if a proposed ordinance is approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Mayor Paul Montgomery noted the city had been working toward this goal for years and recently secured a funding source to make it happen. Officers and residents alike have been asking for the cameras, and city leaders say the move will create greater transparency for both police and the community.
Domtar Responds to Federal Lawsuit Over Plant Odors
Domtar Paper Company has responded to a federal lawsuit concerning odors emanating from its Kingsport plant. The company’s response addresses complaints from residents and others regarding the smells associated with the facility’s operations. Details of the response and the ongoing legal proceedings are continuing to unfold.
Michael Price Named Executive Director of Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Michael Price has recently been named as the new Executive Director of the Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority. The appointment marks new leadership for the agency, which oversees housing programs and redevelopment initiatives in the Model City. Further details on Price’s background and plans for the role are expected.
Kingsport Aquatic Center to Undergo $1.5 Million in Upgrades
The Kingsport Aquatic Center is set to receive a significant renovation later this year following the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s recent approval of the project. The upgrades, totaling $1.5 million, are expected to improve the facility for swimmers and visitors alike. The aquatic center recently opened for the 2026 season and continues to be one of the area’s most popular warm-weather destinations.
Former Vol & NBA Player Grant Williams Coming to Kingsport in June
Charlotte Hornets forward and University of Tennessee alumnus Grant Williams is set to appear at a fundraiser event and dinner in downtown Kingsport on June 5. Williams will be at HBZ Cards in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club Night of Champions Fundraiser event. The appearance will include an autograph signing session as part of the event.
📅 Upcoming Events
Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026
Date: May 29–31, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM on Friday
Location: MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN
Kingsport’s popular comic convention and pop-culture fan fest returns for another year. The event draws thousands of attendees and features celebrity guests, vendors, and fandom fun for all ages.
More info at smokymountainfanfest.com
Boys & Girls Club Night of Champions – Grant Williams Appearance
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2026, 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: HBZ Cards, 217 Broad Street, Suite 100, Downtown Kingsport
Charlotte Hornets forward and UT alum Grant Williams will appear at this Boys & Girls Club fundraiser event and dinner in downtown Kingsport. Williams will sign autographs from 2:00–2:45 PM as part of the Night of Champions event.
Fun Fest 2026 – Sunset Concert Series
Dates: July 17–25, 2026 | Sunset Concerts: July 23 (Jeremy Camp & Katy Nichole), July 24 (Daughtry & Switchfoot), July 25 (LeAnn Rimes & Brothers Osborne)
Location: J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport
Kingsport’s beloved annual summer festival returns July 17–25, featuring nine days of events across 50+ locations. The Sunset Concert Series headlining shows will be held at J. Fred Johnson Stadium and feature major national recording artists across multiple nights.