Events in Johnson City today

Discover an inviting introduction to Qigong that integrates movement, breath, and mindful awareness, centered on the classic Eight Brocades, a form with a thousand years of history. The session is led by Brian, who has practiced Qigong for 47 years. In China he worked as a Doctor of Acupuncture and earned a degree from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and his training included a formal apprenticeship within Daoist and Buddhist traditions. Drop-in participation is welcome. A suggested donation of 10 to 20 dollars is appreciated.

Sharon leads a gentle yoga session in The Lotus Room, often nicknamed Granny Yoga. It is welcoming to participants of all ages and abilities.

A recurring walking group at The Wellness Center walks the Greenbelt course. Participants park in the lower parking lot for Mammography.

This weekly, farmer-led market highlights 100 percent locally raised foods and goods from producers in and around Carter County, Tennessee, with an emphasis on natural, chemical-free practices. Shoppers purchase directly from the farmers and makers who grew or crafted each item. Offerings span pasture-raised meats such as beef, pork, lamb, goat and chicken, along with seasonal produce that includes greens, vegetables, fruits, berries and microgreens. You will also find mushrooms; dairy like raw cow milk, yogurt and butter; local honey; eggs and goat cheese. Pantry and bakery favorites range from seasonings, herbs and sauces to jams, jellies and sourdough bread, plus fresh-roasted coffee beans, desserts and other baked treats. Handmade pet treats, fresh-cut flower bouquets, live plants and natural skincare and household essentials share space with artisan creations such as woodworking and pottery. The market setting features live music and food trucks, and families will find a fenced playground for children. Restrooms, ADA parking and covered pavilions are available, making it easy to linger and enjoy the atmosphere at Kiwanis Park. Many vendors accept SNAP/EBT. A free produce program called Farmacy Fit welcomes participants of any age to take a short walk or do seated exercises in exchange for tokens that can be used for fruits and vegetables. The program is open to everyone, and more information is available at the market’s information booth.

Build a foundation in Ukrainian with a welcoming drop-in class led by Alisa, a multilingual instructor from Kharkiv who moved to the United States at 19 after the invasion of Ukraine. Sessions focus on core vocabulary, clear pronunciation, and practical everyday phrases. The goal is to help participants communicate at a basic level, hold simple conversations with Ukrainian speakers, and deepen their understanding of Ukraine’s culture and history. No registration is required. Contributions can be made through food or beverage purchases or a $5 donation to the teahouse nonprofit, which supports the space and its programming. The class takes place in the drawing room on the second floor. For questions, contact Alisa at 423-460-2853 or pilipets.alisa@gmail.com.

Yee Haw Yoga brings an all-levels, donation-based class to Founders Park in downtown Johnson City. Each month highlights a different local nonprofit, with details shared during the session and on social media, so every practice supports community causes. After class, participants can visit Yee-Haw Brewing Co. for a complimentary half pint. If the weather turns, the session moves to the covered pavilion.

Texas Hold'em games have shifted to a new schedule. Please reserve your seat at least two hours before play begins. Expect a relaxed night of cards where regulars and newcomers can connect, with the option to enjoy a cigar.

Enjoy a by-donation yoga class led by Angela Steel in the downstairs space at The Lotus Room. Everyone is welcome, whether new to yoga or more experienced. Contributions are appreciated, with a suggested range of $5 to $20.

Practice Spanish in a friendly setting at Johnson City Public Library. A conversation circle facilitated by bilingual volunteers brings together speakers at every level to practice, share, and encourage one another. Meetings are usually held in the Library's Jones Meeting Center, with select sessions taking place in the Library's Polly Peterson Room.

The Black Jacket Symphony brings Def Leppard’s Hysteria to the stage at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts with a concert that plays the album from beginning to end with meticulous detail, followed by a second set filled with Def Leppard hits. For more than a decade, this group has re-created more than 40 classic rock albums for audiences across the US, reaching over a million fans. Each performance features a handpicked lineup tailored to the music, aiming to mirror the original recording as closely as possible, along with a dynamic visual presentation. Tickets are $35 and $40, plus tax and fees.

Pack your fiber art materials and spend focused time on your own projects alongside other fiber artists at Johnson City Public Library. Enjoy relaxed conversation, exchange ideas, and make the most of a supportive creative setting as participants share tips while they work. For this session, the group meets in the library’s Polly Peterson Room.

Local Riftbound players meet for weekly Nexus Nights at 2 Dudes Gaming in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Prizing and the entry fee vary based on how many people attend.

A friendly Spanish language club welcomes participants at any level, including those just starting out. Most gatherings take place in the classroom and meditation space on the second floor of the teahouse. On the first Friday of each month the meetup moves to a different local restaurant for Spanish conversation, with the location shared during the week or available by texting the organizer. No advance signup is required, and walk-ins are welcome. Bring a notebook if you like, but no materials are necessary. To support the nonprofit teahouse, attendees are encouraged to purchase food or drinks, or make a $5 donation at the tea counter. Organized by Laura Lopez, who prefers to be contacted by text at 423-282-6547.

The Jericho Shrine Circus Spectacular brings a brand new production to Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena in Johnson City, featuring high flying acrobatics, daring stunts, and animal acts for all ages. Guests may arrive an hour before showtime for animal rides and a chance to meet the performers. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time, with complimentary admission for children 12 and under courtesy of Jericho Shriners and Carden Circus, $18 for teenagers ages 13 to 18, $27 for adult general admission, and $38 for box seats. All listed prices include fees and taxes, with parking not included. Multiple performances are scheduled across the run. Proceeds support Jericho Shriners.

Riverside Taphouse hosts Pressley Laton for a night of alternative country and roots rock shaped by Appalachian roots and small town tales. Based in Boone, North Carolina, this independent singer and bandleader pairs soulful, powerhouse vocals with gritty instrumentation and candid storytelling, landing somewhere between Southern rock swagger and polished country shine. Performing with her band, she is known for high energy sets that resonate in both festival settings and intimate listening rooms. Her path began singing in church with her mother in Stanly County, and she wrote her first song at age 10. Influenced by the commanding female voices she watched on country award shows, she developed a sound that balances conviction with vulnerability. After graduating from Appalachian State University and working in higher education, she committed to music full time, honing her craft through steady performances, writing, and collaboration across the Southeast, with appearances at MerleFest, Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, Antlers & Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival, Amos' Southend, The Evening Muse, Bird's Nest Listening Room, and The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. A MerleFest Band Contest winner, she also has a full-length album titled Wandering Kind on the way, produced by Jason Scavone at Sioux Sioux Studio in Charlotte.

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.