Family events in Johnson City, TN

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation brings back Bites by the Bridge, a monthly outdoor food truck court in its third year at Covered Bridge Park. Each installment features a rotating mix of local vendors serving lunch, snacks, and desserts, with tents and tables available for convenience and lawn games for all ages. The August lineup includes Build-A-Bowl, The Tasty Traveler, Sunset Slush TN, Diggy Donuts, and Jolene's plain & fancy. Attendees can pick up food to go or enjoy a relaxed meal in the park.

The season’s final First Friday brings an Artsy Vibes theme to historic Downtown Elizabethton, filling the area with community connection, live entertainment, elevated shopping and dining, and activities for families. Attendees can pick up a BINGO card from Gold Sponsor Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank and explore four featured spots that anchor the evening: the Mobile Food Rally at Crossroads Craftworks, the Play Yard on Armed Forces Dr, the Social Garden on Post Office Street, and Market in the Park at Covered Bridge Park. The Mobile Food Rally features Taco 51, Tin Can Diner, J+D's Snack Shack, and The Tasty Traveler. The Play Yard offers Traveling Bear Mini Golf, yard games courtesy of Elizabethton Library Adult Programs, and an Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank table. Market in the Park presents a special pop up from eight Elizabethton Farmer's Market vendors with fresh seasonal produce, USDA meat, sourdough, jams and jellies, artisan soaps, goat dairy products, pottery, and coffee beans. Live music comes from Jazz Daddies, Mark Larkins, Dave Carney, Just Chuck, and Some Old Friends. Community Main Street members participating include First Christian Church, Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition, Royal Church, and The Moonflower Meadow. Participating businesses include AMJ Boutique & Co., August Muse, Auntie A's Barkery, Better Beauty Studio, Booty Judy's Corner Pocket, Breaker Barber, Cannon's Fine Home Furnishings, Chamber and Visitors Center, Cottage Boutique, Covered Bridge Creamery, Crate & Cream, Crossroads Craftworks, Dino's Restaurant, Duck Crossing Antiques, Eagle Center Antiques, East TN Cigar Co., Elizabethton Escape, Fire Pizza, Fletcher's Homemade, Franciene Signature Salon, Hellbender Outfitters, Jiggy Ray's Pizzeria, Lantern Real Estate, Made on Elk, Parrot Emorium, Pedals on Rails, Peddler's Emporium, Red 5 Revived, Riverside Taphouse, Sassy Moments Boutique, Sizzlin' Games, SOME Apparel, Sweetsie Treatz, Teal and Company Boutique, The Coffee Company, The Curious Moon Apothecary, The Vintage Elk, The Wicked Whit Metaphysical, and Thoughtful Vintage. Sponsors include Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank as Gold Sponsor, Citizens Bank, Northeast Community Credit Union, and Tour Carter County as Silver Sponsors, and Brightspeed as Bronze Sponsor.

At Peppermint Farm, a friendly market blends a craft fair with a farmers market, bringing together local artisans, growers, and bakers in Boones Creek. Browse unique handmade pieces, pick up fresh produce from regional farms, and enjoy homemade baked goods. Food trucks offer a range of freshly prepared options, and the setting welcomes families with plenty to discover. Whether you are searching for a one of a kind gift, stocking up on farm fresh finds, or simply enjoying time on the farm, there is something for everyone.

This cruise-in style car show at the Johnson City Krystal welcomes cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Entry is $10. NASCAR legends Brownie King and Brad Teague will appear as special guests, bringing a touch of racing heritage to the gathering.

Enjoy a fun tubing outing on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee, ideal for friends and families, corporate groups, team building, family reunions, scouts, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Reservations are required prior to the day of the trip, with a cutoff at 6 pm the night before, and booking is completed by phone.

Explore a monthly market featuring local artists, crafters, and makers. Browse handmade goods and purchase directly from the people who create them. For vendor matters, communicate only with Crossroads Craftworks. Do not respond to messages from others claiming to handle vendor contacts, and do not send money to strangers.

Step into history with a family-friendly presentation featuring George and Martha Washington. Nationally recognized historical interpreters bring the Washingtons to life through first-person storytelling, sharing stories from America’s founding era and highlighting their lives and legacy. Tickets are $15.

Downtown Elizabethton comes alive with a car cruise-in that pairs eye-catching vehicles with local shopping and a welcoming hometown atmosphere. These evening gatherings unfold along Elk Avenue throughout the season. If weather interrupts, the event moves to the following week, keeping the fun rolling without missing a beat.

A summer concert features Matthew West with live music. Gates open before the show, and the church is purchasing 30 tickets for the concert.

Enjoy a relaxing tubing outing on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee. This river float is suited for friends and families, corporate gatherings, team building, family reunions, scouts, and bachelor or bachelorette groups. Reservations are required in advance, with a cutoff the night before the trip, and booking is handled by phone.

Head out for a tubing trip on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee, suitable for a wide range of groups. It is set up for families and friends, corporate gatherings and team building, reunions, scout groups, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Reservations are required ahead of time, with a cutoff at 6 pm the evening before the trip, and booking is handled by phone.

An interactive musical instrument petting zoo takes place at the Johnson City Public Library in the Jones Meeting Center. Members of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra guide families as they explore and try a variety of instruments. No registration is needed. Capacity is limited and spots are given in order of arrival. Tickets are available at the Children's Desk upon arrival.

Books in Bloom is a free story time held right on the flower farm. Bring a blanket or chair, and plan to have sunscreen and water (or snacks) for your visit.

Tube the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee on an outing suited for friends and families, corporate gatherings and team building, family reunions, scouts, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Reservations are required in advance, with a 6 pm deadline the evening before the trip.

Enjoy a river tubing experience on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, TN. It is suited for friends and families, corporate gatherings, team building, family reunions, scouts, and bachelorette or bachelor celebrations. Reservations are required before the day of the trip, with a cutoff at 6 pm the night before, and booking is handled by phone.

Strengthen your dog’s come-when-called skills with a focused recall workshop in Johnson City, Tennessee. Training centers on getting prompt responses to their name when distractions are present, building motivation, trust, and consistent performance at home, in the yard, or out in public. Participants practice creating high value for returning to the handler, using leashes and long lines to shape behavior, and working through temptations such as other people, other dogs, interesting scents, and movement. The session also covers marker-based communication for clearer cues and includes practical drills designed to carry over into everyday life. Dogs must be at least 10 weeks old and up to date on bordetella, distemper and parvo, and rabies vaccinations. Enrollment is kept small so each participant receives individual attention from the trainer. Instruction is led by Roy with The Classy Canine, LLC. After purchase, expect a welcome text with details about your lessons within 48 hours.