Events in Tri Cities today

Set out for a casual walk along the Kingsport Greenbelt. Participants meet at the Center St trailhead.

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.

Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies offers a free monthly breastfeeding meetup that provides support, information, and encouragement in a welcoming setting. The gathering takes place at YWCA NETN SWVA in Bristol, Tennessee and is facilitated by accredited leaders from LLL. Children are welcome to attend.

The League of Ordinary Gentleman Dad Meetup Group gathers at Parenting Sweet for a community support meetup where fathers and father figures connect and build camaraderie. The focus is on sharing encouragement, discussing the realities of fatherhood, and exploring practical ideas that can strengthen family life. Conversations are welcoming and down to earth, with space to trade experiences and tools that can help at home. Open to all dads and those in fathering roles.

Cornhole takes center stage at The Sports Mill with a single elimination tournament and a $5 buy-in. Open to all experience levels, this gathering blends friendly company with competitive play. Enjoy cold drinks, test your toss, and see who walks away with bragging rights.

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.

Line Dance Lessons with Appalachian Boot Scootin' offers line dancing instruction and encourages bringing friends for a shared, fun experience.

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.

A special installment of the Tales of Our 250th series at The Jackson Theatre, presented with the McKinney Center, honors local history and America’s 250th through an evening of storytelling and performance. The program blends skits, historians, re-enactors, musicians, and other elements to weave together Jonesborough’s past and community heritage. Each gathering includes scenes from The First and Last Town in Tennessee, an original play by Anne G’Fellers-Mason that premiered at the McKinney Center and was featured in The New York Times. Guided by Jonesborough historian Paul Fink, portrayed by Tim Herron, the narrative highlights both pivotal events and everyday moments that connect the town to the broader American story. This evening features a presentation by Dr. William Hardy of MTSU and explores the stories surrounding the Battle of the State of Franklin in collaboration with the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. Presented by The Jackson Theatre and The McKinney Center. Admission is Pay What You Can. Support for this programming is provided in part by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, with additional support from the Historic Jonesborough Arts Foundation.

Welsh storyteller Daniel Morden, a keeper of the oral tradition, shares traditional tales gathered across the globe. His repertoire moves from Greek mythology to Celtic quests, punctuated by playfully bad dad jokes, all shaped by sharp wit, easy charm, and polished pacing. His storytelling has reached audiences from the Arctic to Australia, Haiti to Hawaii, and stages that include Broadway, London’s National Theatre, and the Royal Albert Hall. Highlights of his career include delivering the opening address at the Sydney Writers Festival, receiving multiple awards for his books, and earning Britain’s Hay Festival Medal for an outstanding contribution to the art of storytelling.

The Black Jacket Symphony brings Def Leppard’s Hysteria to life at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, performing the album in full with painstaking precision, then delivering a complete set of the band’s greatest hits. For more than a decade, this touring production has presented faithful renditions of over 40 classic rock albums to audiences across the United States, using a rotating lineup selected to capture each record’s exact sound. Every layer and tone is carefully recreated, and the performance is paired with dynamic visuals for a full rock and roll experience. 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.

An all new Jericho Shrine Circus production arrives at Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena in Johnson City, showcasing thrilling acrobatics, dynamic stunt acts, and animal performances for a family friendly experience. Animal rides and meet and greets with the performers are available. Early bird pricing is offered, with kids 12 and under free courtesy of Jericho Shriners and Carden Circus. Teenagers ages 13 to 18 are $18, adult general admission is $27, and box seats are $38. Prices include taxes and fees, with parking not included. Multiple showtimes are planned. Proceeds benefit Jericho Shriners.

Pressley Laton brings her alternative country and roots rock to Riverside Taphouse, delivering a show shaped by Appalachian influences, small-town stories, and a love of outlaw country and rock and roll. The Boone, North Carolina artist, winner of the 2026 MerleFest Band Contest, pairs bold, soulful vocals with gritty instrumentation and candid storytelling. Terry Hudson of rBeatz Radio captured the vibe as “Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Jo Dee Messina.” Her band is known for high-energy performances that connect in both festival settings and intimate listening rooms. Laton has appeared across the Southeast 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. She grew up singing in church with her mother in Stanly County, wrote her first song at age 10, and drew inspiration from standout female vocalists on country award shows. After graduating from Appalachian State University, she remained in Boone, first working in higher education before fully pursuing music. Years of live performance, songwriting, and collaboration have refined a sound that honors country roots while offering a fresh perspective. Her next full-length album, Wandering Kind, produced by Jason Scavone of Sioux Sioux Studio in Charlotte, is slated for release in the fall of 2026.

A live duo performs, delivering a two-person show in real time.

Navigate a clearly marked route spanning 6 to 8 miles across trails and fields. Aim for the ideal pace or take it easy and ride at a comfortable speed, with optional jumps and obstacles along the way. A refreshment stop awaits at the midway point. Entry is $40. Participants may RSVP to handle the waiver and arrange their start, or attend without advance notice. Friends are welcome to ride together on a private farm.

A new Poke-Kon Fest show comes to Johnson City, Tennessee at Holiday Inn Johnson City. This family friendly event features appearances by voice actors along with a variety of vendors and artists, creating a welcoming experience for fans of all ages.

Celebrate dedication and progress at a belt promotion ceremony highlighting achievements across the BJJ program. Professor Steve Bongiorno of South Jersey BJJ will present two Black Belt promotions to Coach Brian Duncan and Shane Vaughn, alongside additional advancements throughout the academy, including multiple Blue Belts and a Purple Belt. Students who plan to participate on the mats should wear a Gi. Seating will be available for parents, family, and other spectators. Students who are unable to attend may receive promotions during a later regular class. A small gathering is planned afterward at Bays Mountain Brewing Company, and the event is open to friends from neighboring academies and the regional BJJ community.

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 a premier regional event for distance runners. All races begin and end at the Pavilion at Founders Park in Johnson City. The event is organized by The Goose Chase, with electronic timing provided by We Run Events.

Outdoor painting takes place on Allandale’s front lawn during the Daniel Boone Antique Car Show. Registration is available. Canvases need an official event stamp on the back to qualify for awards. The event includes daily painting and an exhibition with awards in the Main Gallery at the Renaissance Center. Additional details are forthcoming.

A rain or shine micro crawler competition takes over the covered outdoor course at HobbyTown. Sign-ups happen first, the course briefly closes so organizers can set gates, then competition runs begin. Once the course is closed, only drivers called for their runs may be on track for the remainder of the event. Parking is limited, so participants are asked to leave the spaces directly in front of the store for customers, use the spots by the HobbyTown sign or the grass along the left side of the building, and carpool when possible. If using the grass, stage vehicles toward the far edge so others can line up behind without interrupting the event. Basic rules are kept straightforward to welcome newcomers, and updates will be posted around the outdoor course area and inside the store. Restrooms, power, and a vending machine are available. Entry is cash only at sign-in at $10 per class. When the shop closes later in the day, interior doors will be locked and course access will continue through the gated area on the left side of the building. Competition classes include 24th and 18th scale categories for both amateur and advanced levels. These require the appropriate base platforms for each scale, allow any tires, electronics, motors, chassis, and body types, and prohibit four wheel steering as well as front or rear dig. A Hardbody class calls for a flat skid, tires up to 60 mm, and a body or truggy cage that covers both axles. Buddy Class teams up two drivers who must each finish the course, uses any rig up to 1/18 scale, and does not allow four wheel steering. The SCX30 stock class is limited to Axial SCX30 vehicles with 5 inch gates, stock bodies with factory filler pieces used when accessories are removed, and no brass components except Injora brass steering links when upgrading to higher torque servos such as Injora or Reefs. Wheel and tire changes are permitted with aluminum beadlocks only, and the stock ESC can be paired with a Spektrum radio. Youth competitors 12 and under get their own class and may run either 24th or 18th scale rigs. For amateur 24th and 18th classes, and for unlimited and youth classes, gates are set to a consistent width and include a bonus option. Scoring is based on penalties, with the goal of finishing with the lowest total. Hitting a gate adds points for that gate and makes it dead, while in pro divisions both markers remain live and can be scored separately. Touching, lifting, or otherwise handling a truck during a run adds a significant penalty each time, returning to the pits for repairs adds more, and skipping or missing a gate also accrues points. Boundary penalties are not in use for this event. Fair play is mandatory. Cheating reports will be taken seriously, runs may be ended, and repeat issues can lead to disqualification or suspension from future competitions. If anything about the rules is unclear, questions can be addressed on site.

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.