Family events in Tri Cities, TN

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation brings back Bites by the Bridge, a monthly outdoor food truck court at Covered Bridge Park in Elizabethton. Now in its third year, each gathering features a rotating mix of local food trucks offering lunch, snack, and dessert options. Tents and tables are provided for convenience, and lawn games are available for guests of all ages. It is a simple way to enjoy a break in the park, whether you are stepping out from work, meeting friends, or spending time with family. Grab something to take with you or settle in for a relaxed meal outdoors. The food truck lineup for this edition will be announced soon.

Downtown Elizabethton lights up for the Artsy Vibes edition of this summer series, highlighting community connection, live entertainment, elevated shopping and dining, and family-friendly activities in a historic and welcoming setting. Pick up a BINGO card from Gold Sponsor Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank, then explore four featured spots across downtown. Savor the Mobile Food Rally at Crossroads Craftworks with Taco 51, Tin Can Diner, J+D's Snack Shack, and The Tasty Traveler. Enjoy the free Play Yard on Armed Forces Dr with Traveling Bear Mini Golf, yard games courtesy of Elizabethton Library Adult Programs, and a table from Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank. Unwind in the Social Garden on Post Office Street, and browse the Market in the Park at Covered Bridge Park, where a special pop-up from the Elizabethton Farmer's Market brings eight vendors offering fresh seasonal produce, USDA meat, sourdough, jams and jellies, artisan soaps, goat dairy products, pottery, and coffee beans. Live music sets the tone with performances by Jazz Daddies, Mark Larkins, Dave Carney, Just Chuck, and Some Old Friends. Community Main Street members include First Christian Church and the Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition. 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. This community celebration is made possible by sponsors including Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank as Gold Sponsor and Silver sponsors Citizens Bank, Northeast Community Credit Union, and Tour Carter County.

The Hot Bristol Night Car Show takes place in Bristol, TN/VA and includes an on site TV shoot. Presented by American Steel and Concrete and First Bank & Trust Company, the event will host the filming of an episode of Sam's Garage with Sam Mahdavi, which is slated to air on MotorTrendTV, MAVTV, and REV'N.

Admission is free at Citizens Bank Stadium at Elizabethton High School. The concession stands will be open.

Now in its fifth year, the Meals on Wheels of Kingsport Cruise-In brings together vehicles of every kind for a friendly showcase. Expect food trucks, prizes and awards for favorites, plus dash plaques for the first 100 vehicles to register. There is no preregistration or registration fee, and donations are welcome. If it rolls, it is welcome to be part of the show.

Peppermint Farm hosts a craft fair and farmer’s market that highlights creativity, community, and homegrown charm. Local artisans, growers, and bakers gather in the heart of Boones Creek for a friendly market experience featuring handmade crafts, fresh produce from regional farms, and homemade baked goods. Food trucks offer fresh, delicious options, and the setting is family friendly with plenty to discover. Whether searching for unique gifts, picking up fresh goods, or spending time on the farm, visitors can support local creators and enjoy the inviting atmosphere of Peppermint Farm.

Johnson City Krystal Cruise-In Car Show features a cruise-in style showcase open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Participant entry is $10. Special guests include NASCAR legends Brownie King and Brad Teague.

Held at the Bluff City Little League grounds, this community farmers market welcomes local farmers, vendors, and food trucks to inquire about participating. Vendor donation options include a full-season rate of $60 or $5 per individual Saturday, and food trucks or trailers are $10 for each Saturday they set up. To safeguard against scams, inquiries should contact the Bluff City Family Committee via social media or connect with Farmers Market Coordinator Jolie Stigall for approval before any payment link is issued through the official website. The setting near the lake provides a charming, one-of-a-kind backdrop, with a quaint atmosphere and nearby businesses adding to the experience.

The tenth edition of the Baby & Family Expo brings together families and caregivers at YWCA NETN and SWVA for a free, family-focused showcase of services, products, and community resources for babies and young children. The first 200 attendees receive goodie bags, adding a little extra excitement to a day designed to make it easy to explore everything in one place. Attendees can browse specialty and unique items for all ages, place bids in a silent auction, and gather information on activities and programs for children. Those who visit every vendor will be entered into a grand prize drawing made possible by event sponsors. Throughout the expo, find demonstrations and resources covering pregnancy and childbirth, baby care and development, and babywearing. Car seat safety information and on-site checks are offered in partnership with Buckle Up Appalachia. Parenting tips and classes are available through the Appalachian Parenting Education Network and Parenting Sweet, alongside AHH Babies World Breastfeeding Week information. Families can also sign up children for area dance, theatre, and other programs, and learn about YWCA childcare, afterschool, and parenting resources. The Appalachian Promise Parenting Education Network is supported by a grant from Ballad Health’s Population Health Community Health Initiative, part of the STRONG Accountable Care Community. Support from Ballad Health’s Population Health Department advances efforts that give children a strong start, expand access to community resources, build resilience, and foster learning across the region.

Bundles of Joy Diaper Distribution Day provides support for anyone in need, including individuals picking up on behalf of someone else. The aim is simple... to help make sure diapers reach the people who need them.

Enjoy a fun day tubing on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, TN. This outing is great for friends and families and also works well for corporate gatherings, team building, family reunions, scouts, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Reservations must be made prior to the day of the trip to ensure availability.

Designed for the youngest theater fans, roughly ages birth to five, and their caregivers, this playful session blends beloved songs, rhymes and other engaging moments to entertain while nurturing early learning. Parents can connect over coffee and bagels and explore helpful parenting resources from across the region. Supported by Bristol Bagel and Bakery, Parenting Sweet, Ballad Health, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Bring your child for weekly music lessons through JAM Kids at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The small-group classes focus on acoustic instruments common to the Appalachian region, like guitar, banjo, and fiddle, and kids in grades 4-8 (and beyond) can join in any point during the year. Registration is required, and the fee is $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons. Students may bring their own instruments or borrow one while participating.

Step into George and Martha Washington’s world with a family-friendly, first-person presentation at The Jackson Theatre. You’ll hear engaging stories from America’s founding era as the Washingtons come to life on stage. This runs from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and tickets are $15.

Downtown Elizabethton becomes a hub for standout cars, shopping and small-town festivities along Elk Avenue. This recurring cruise in returns throughout the season, with one edition expanded into an all-day show and another featuring a Trunk of Treat theme. If rain impacts the event, it moves to the following week.

Enjoy a fun float on the Watauga River in Elizabethton with a tubing outing suited for families and friends, corporate groups and team building, reunions, scouts, and bachelor or bachelorette celebrations. Reservations are required in advance and cannot be made on the day of the trip.

Spend a day tubing the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee. The experience works well for friends and families, corporate gatherings, team-building groups, family reunions, scouts, and bachelorette or bachelor parties. Reservations are required before the day of the trip, with a cutoff at 6 pm the night before.

At Kingsport Public Library, preschoolers can enjoy a friendly story time led by librarians, along with a visit from the United WE READ table offering a free book, an accessory, and helpful resources. This program is intended for children ages 3 to 5.

Join for Story Time at Surgoinsville Public Library, featuring stories and crafts. It runs on Mondays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Musicians from the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra host a hands-on instrument exploration at Johnson City Public Library in the Jones Meeting Center. Families can discover how different instruments sound and try playing them with guidance from orchestra members. Registration is not required. Capacity is limited, and admittance will be determined by order of arrival. Tickets are available at the Children’s Desk upon arrival.

AHU offers youth soccer each spring and fall with a mission to give every player a place to learn the game and enjoy it. Two pathways are available to match different experience levels and goals. The Recreational League welcomes both newcomers and returning players who want to build skills, grow confidence, and be part of a team in a supportive, low-pressure setting. Players meet twice per week on a consistent weekday and on Saturdays, while U4 groups meet once weekly on Saturdays. Teams are organized using player evaluations, age, school, and, when possible, special requests, and they are led by volunteer coaches, often parents. Games are played in an in-house league. Players who attend practices regularly receive equal time on the field, and everyone is recognized with an award at the end of the season. A team jersey is provided by the first game day. Players will need athletic wear, soccer cleats, shin guards with socks, a soccer ball, and a water bottle. The Development League, called Tribe Soccer, serves players who already understand the rules and are ready for a more challenging environment with a strong emphasis on skill development, teamwork, commitment, and competition. Training takes place two to three times each week on a set weekday and on Saturdays. Rosters are built through assessments and a modified draft. A licensed professional coach leads all training sessions, with volunteer coaches assisting during practices and on game days. Teams compete both in the in-house recreational league and in the Tennessee Valley Soccer League against clubs from other organizations. Every participant receives an end-of-season award. Players are required to purchase a uniform kit and should also have black shorts, black socks, white socks, shin guards, soccer cleats, a soccer ball, and a water bottle.

Books in Bloom is a free story time held right on the flower farm. Bring a blanket or chair, plus sunscreen and water or snacks for the time outdoors.

Enjoy a relaxing tubing trip on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee, tailored for groups of all sizes. It works well for families, corporate gatherings, team building, family reunions, scouts, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Reservations must be made ahead of time, with booking closing at 6 p.m. the evening before the trip. Call to reserve your spot.

This weekly, farmer-led market is dedicated to offering the community 100 percent locally raised foods and goods, with purchases made directly from farmers in and around Carter County, Tennessee. Vendors prioritize natural, chemical-free practices to bring fresh, local options to the table. Find a wide range of items, including pasture-raised meats such as USDA beef along with pork, lamb, goat, and chicken. Shop in-season produce like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, berries, and microgreens, plus culinary mushrooms. Dairy options include raw cow’s milk, yogurt, and butter, and there are eggs from pasture-raised hens, goat cheese, and honey from local producers. Stock the pantry with spice blends, herbs, sauces, jams, jellies, and sourdough bread, and treat yourself to freshly roasted coffee beans, baked sweets, desserts, and other snacks. There are handmade treats for pets, bouquets of freshly cut flowers, live plants, natural body care and household products, and artisan crafts including woodworking and pottery. Live music and food trucks add to the atmosphere, and children can enjoy an enclosed playground. Restrooms, ADA parking, and pavilions help make it a comfortable evening outing. Many vendors accept SNAP and EBT. The free Farmacy Fit program welcomes all ages to earn tokens for produce by taking a short walk or doing light chair exercises. Visit the information booth for details.

Enjoy a leisurely tubing outing on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee, ideal for a wide range of groups. Families and friends, corporate teams, reunions, scout troops, and bachelorette or bachelor parties can all take part. Advance reservations are required, with a cutoff at 6 pm the evening before the trip. Call to book.

A home volleyball game will be held at Heritage Baptist Church. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 and up, payable by cash or PayPal. Please enter the gym from the lower parking lot.

Celebrate Alfred Hitchcock with a screening of Dial M for Murder (1954), a classic thriller from Hitchcock Fest 2026. Academy Award winners Grace Kelly and Ray Milland star in the story of a tennis pro who discovers his wife is having an affair and hatches an intricate plot to get rid of her, only for the plan to go dangerously off course. This event is rated TV-PG, with a running time of 105 minutes.