This weekend in Johnson City, TN

Experience the new Poke-Kon Fest in Johnson City, Tennessee at the Holiday Inn Johnson City. This family friendly event features appearances by voice actors along with vendor booths and artist showcases.

A relaxed, creativity-focused meetup that welcomes everyone, from seasoned artists to first-time sketchers looking for a calm place to make art and connect. The atmosphere is supportive, with an emphasis on appreciating each person’s artistic path. Expect engaging touches like weekly challenges, sketchbook sharing, art mentoring, and a rotating topic or prompt to spark conversation and ideas. Work on a small personal project, draw from a provided still life, or begin something brand new. Please bring dry materials only, such as pencils, charcoal, or pastels, and skip glitter, inks, paints, glues, or other spillable supplies. The gathering takes place at Tea Table on the first floor. Seating is limited and may vary by room setup, with space for up to 10 participants. RSVPs are encouraged, though drop-ins are welcome. Purchasing food or beverages to support the teahouse nonprofit is encouraged. For questions, contact Benjamin Abbott with The FADE Initiative at benjaminabbott3@gmail.com or Laura Carlson at Laura@fadeinit.org.

Now in its 16th year, the Bluegrass Half Marathon is recognized as a leading race in the region. All races start and finish at Johnson City's Pavilion at Founders Park. The event is organized by The Goose Chase, with electronic timing provided by We Run Events.

HobbyTown hosts a covered outdoor micro crawler competition that runs rain or shine. Sign-in is on site, and class entry is cash only at $10 per class. Facilities include a restroom, power, and a vending machine for snacks and drinks. Once the course gates are set and timed runs begin, only drivers who are called for their runs may be on the track. When the shop is closed, interior doors are locked and course access continues through the gated area on the left side of the building. Parking is requested away from the storefront. Use the spaces by the HobbyTown sign near the road or the grass area on the left side of the building, and carpool when possible. If parking in the grass, start farther out to leave room for others. Please keep the front spaces open for store customers. Competition classes include 1/24 and 1/18 Amateur divisions with 10-gate courses plus a bonus option. Eligible bases are SCX24 or FCX24 for 1/24, and TRX4M, FCX18, or CR18P for 1/18. These classes allow any electronics, motor, chassis, and body, with no four wheel steering and no front or rear dig. Advanced 1/24 and Advanced 1/18 divisions increase course difficulty to 12 gates plus a bonus under the same build allowances and the same steering and dig restrictions. A Hardbody class requires a flat skid, tires up to 60 mm, and a body or truggy cage that covers both axles. The Buddy class pairs two drivers who must both complete a 10-gate course using any rig up to 1/18 scale. The SCX30 Stock class is limited to Axial SCX30s with 5 inch gates and stock bodies. Accessories and the spare tire may be removed only if the included delete or filler parts are used, and the roof glass must not be trimmed. No brass components are allowed except the Injora brass steering links when upgrading the servo to an Injora or Reefs unit. Wheels and tires may be changed, but brass rings or weights are not permitted, aluminum beadlocks only. You may link the stock ESC to a Spektrum radio. A Youth class for participants 12 and under features 10 gates and allows either 1/24 or 1/18 vehicles. Gate widths for Amateur 1/24 and 1/18, Unlimited, and Youth classes are set to 7 inches, including bonus gates. Scoring is straightforward. Hitting a gate is 5 points and kills that gate for the run, and in Pro classes each marker is live, so touching both is 10 points. Touching or lifting a vehicle, known as HOG, is 10 points and also applies on shelf sections. Returning to the pit for repairs is 20 points. Skipping or missing a gate adds 10 points. Boundary penalties are not used for this event. Lowest total points wins. The organizers will monitor for cheating, may end a run or issue warnings or disqualifications, and repeat offenses can lead to suspension. Questions about the rules are encouraged, and updates are posted at the outdoor crawler course area and throughout the store.

Experience live monthly jazz at Johnson Brothers Art and Music Center with food and drinks, presented by the Johnson Brothers Cultural Arts Series.

A drop-in discussion group focused on business books gathers at The Philosopher’s House in the Fireplace and Living Room on the first floor. Conversation centers on the current selection, and anyone who enjoys learning is welcome. No registration is required. Food and beverage purchases are encouraged to support the teahouse nonprofit, yet attendance is open regardless of ability to pay. For questions, contact the organizer, Jenna Tamayo, at 1jenna.tamayo@gmail.com. The reading lineup for the year features Radical Candor, The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, The Innovators Dilemma, Good Strategy, Bad Strategy, Financial Intelligence, Psychology of Money, The 80/20 Principle, Unreasonable Hospitality, Net Positive, Hooked, The Hard Thing about Hard Things, and The Slight Edge.