REGIONAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Want to find something great to do this weekend, or plan ahead for a group tour? See our Calendar of Events below. There's something for everyone in historic Sullivan County and the entire region... Whether you are interested activities in the great outdoors, or simply want to go to a play or concert, check out our list.

Planning to host an event in the region? Send us an email with the details and we will review for listing on our website and social media, all free of charge! Email info to matthew.johnson@sullivancountytn.gov

April 2024

April 6, 2024 – Short Track Nationals, The Last Lap, Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd., Bristol, TN. The 5th Short Track U.S. Nationals: The Last Lap will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Along with the Vores Compact Touring Series, the CRA Street Stock Series and Midwest Modifieds Tour will be part of the event. For Additional information (866) 415-4158.

April 10, 2024 – John Oats, Doors at 6:30 pm/Show at 7:30 pm, Paramount Bristol, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. Sit back and experience a unique acoustic performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and American Songwriter Hall of Fame artist John Oates as he takes you on a musical time trip. Performing with a world-class percussionist, Oates showcases his acoustic guitar skills in an intimate, organic performance that touches on the roots of American pop music from pre-rock and roll to the present, woven together with fascinating insight and humor. For additional information (423) 274-8920.

April 12 & 13, 2024 – Bluegrass in the Blue Ridge, 2:30 pm on Friday and 12:00 pm on Saturday, Meadowview Conference Resort and Hotel, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN. Two days jam packed with great music with 16 different performers. For additional information (919) 779-5672

April 13, 2024 – Tonight is the Night: Paramount Bristol Story, Doors at 6:30 pm/Show at 7:30 pm, Paramount Bristol, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. For the first time ever, the full scope of Paramount Bristol’s legacy will be explored from the earliest days of State Street through its heyday as a movie palace, its brush with oblivion, the community effort behind its salvation, all the way through its status today as Bristol’s premier arts and entertainment destination. Nearly four years in the making, this full-length documentary features interviews with legendary performers like Marty Stuart and Bill Engvall, along with the voices and stories of dozens of community members who all share a Paramount connection. This film is a production of the City of Bristol, Tennessee’s Department of Community Relations in collaboration with Paramount Bristol. For additional information (423) 274-8920.

April 19-21 and 26-28 – Into The Woods, Kingsport Theatre Guild, 1200 E. Center St., Kingsport, TN. For additional information and show times (423) 248-2002

April 19-21, 2024 – Jurassic Quest, Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd. Bristol, TN. Don’t miss: life-size, sky scraping dinosaurs, One of a kind walking dinosaur rides, life size t-rex skull and incredible fossils. For ticket prices, times, and other information https://jurassicquest.shop/bristol-tn

April 25, 2024 – Glenn Miller Orchestra, Doors at 6:30 pm/Show at 7:30 pm, Paramount Bristol, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. In April 1935, Glenn Miller recorded, for the first time, under his own name. Using six horns, a rhythm section, and a string quartet, he recorded “Moonlight on the Ganges” and “A Blues Serenade” for Columbia. Less than three years later, they began breaking attendance records all up and down the East Coast. There were record-breaking recordings, as well, such as “Tuxedo Junction”, “In the Mood”, and “Pennsylvania 6-5000?” all sold in record numbers. For additional information (423) 274-8920.

April 27 – 28, 2024 – Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair, 4812 Orebank Rd., Kingsport, TN. Exchange Place's Spring Garden Fair will be held Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, from 12 - 5 p.m. at Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport, TN. Admission at the gate is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. Thousands of plants will be for sale - perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs - with the emphasis on natives, herbs, and heirloom plants (including a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes), along with garden-related arts and crafts. For additional information (423) 288-6071

April 27, 2024 – ESB Spring Fest 2024, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Northeast State Community College, 2425 Hwy 75, Blountville, TN. ESB Performance’s Spring Fest is one of the Tri-Cities most exclusive vehicle enthusiast Shows. Cars, Trucks, Classics, Muscles, Motorcycles, Military, and Off roads will be showcased. Just like last, this year’s show will include numerous vendors and loads of activities for all. For additional information (423) 217-0236.

May 2024

May 4th - Sullivan County Historical Preservation Association is hosting, The 1st annual Tennessee Dancing Gourd Festival the event will be held on the grounds of the Old Deery Inn May 4 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.  There will be "dancing gourd" contests, gourds to paint and gourds and seeds to buy.  There will be tours of Historic Blountville which will include peeks into some of the privately owned buildings not normally open to the public.  Additionally there will be a Craft Fair sponsored by the Friends of the Blountville Library at the Blountville United Methodist Church, booths of garden plants and hanging baskets, and food from Baked and Loaded Food Truck. At 5:30 pm S.R.S Paranormal will offer ghost story readings and a public investigation of the Old Deery Inn.

May 3 – 4, 2024 – Bowtie Nationals, Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd., Bristol, TN. The world’s largest all Chevrolet car show, with drag races, burn outs, swap meet and vendors. For additional information (866) 415-4158

May 4, 2024 – Craft and Vendor Fair, 10:00 am, Stickley Farm, 531 Timber Mill Private Dr., Bluff City, TN. Mark your calendars and Spring into Summer for the 3rd annual vendor fair. For additional information (423) 444-3494

May 11, 2024 – The Bristol Ballet Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, two shows at 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm, Paramount Bristol, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. Join Bristol Ballet for a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, live on stage on May 11! The play was first written in 1595, and first performed as a ballet in the 1960s to a beautiful score by Felix Mendelssohn, composed specifically for the story in 1826. This performance features all of the students and company members of Bristol Ballet, as well as community members and guest artists. The ballet tells the timeless tale of fairy mischief and mortal mayhem. Oberon, king of the fairies, fights with Titania, the queen of the fairies, over a child. For additional information (423) 274-8920.

May 17 – 19, 2024 – State Street Tattoo Fest, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, The Foundation Event Facility, 620 State St., Bristol, TN. Over 70 tattooers from all over the Country tattooing all weekend long! Tickets Sold at the Door ONLY. For additional information (423) 573-7804.

May 18th, 2024 – We Pawsitively Love Our Community, Animal Shelter of Sullivan County, Tennessee (animalshelter-sullivancounty.org) 380 Masengill Rd Blountville, TN 37617 - The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County Inc. Is hosting an event to promote community awareness surrounding their mission and passions. Come out and enjoy this FREE Event 11:00am-3:00pm: Food Trucks, Bake Sale, Tour the Facility, meet and greet with our furry friends; and much, much more!

June 2024

June 1, 2024 – In the Pines, State St, Bristol, TN/VA, The very best in country music and beyond. In The Pines is a one-day event in downtown Bristol, TN + VA featuring four major touring artists and benefiting the Birthplace of Country Music. Pack your bags and step “in the pines” as we celebrate the roots and branches of American music. 4 Artists. 1 Day. 1 Stage. 1 Incredible Music Experience! For additional information (423) 573-1927.

June 7-9, 2024 – NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd., Bristol, TN. The NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals are set to take place at the historic Bristol Dragway from June 7 to June 9, 2024. This electrifying event is part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and promises high-octane action for racing enthusiasts. For additional information (866) 415-4158

June 7-9 and 14-16, 2024 – Theatre Bristol Presents: The Little Mermaid, Paramount Bristol, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and upon the 35th anniversary of the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages and one of Disney’s most successful musicals of all time. For show times and additional information (423) 274-8920.

June 28-29, 2024 – Country Thunder, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd., Bristol, TN. Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Cody Johnson, Lonestar & Trace Adkins Headline Bristol Country Thunder 2024. For additional information (866) 415-4158.

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ONGOING EVENTS

• Old Deery Inn and Museum. Step back in time as you visit this lovely hidden gem in downtown Historic Blountville! Tours include rooms of beautiful antiques inside the 2-story inn, and visitors will also enjoy seeing the dependency buildings including the old brick kitchen, slave quarters, blacksmith shop and more! A must-see for early Tennessee history! Tickets are $5 per person; suggested donation encouraged by Sullivan County Historic Preservation Association, children under 12 are Free. (423) 323-4660.
• TAMHA Traditional Appalachian Music Heritage Association holds jam sessions at 6PM every Friday at the Anderson Townhouse in historic downtown Blountville. Free and open to the general public. Anderson Townhouse is also home to the Ralph Blizard Museum
• Through a new partnership with Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a new affiliate location for the program, offering weekly music lessons at the museum for children grades 4-8 and beyond. JAM Kids introduces music through small group instruction on acoustic instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Students may bring their own instruments, or they can be provided as a loan while your child is participating in the program. Other instruments may be introduced as to be determined by instructors. Weekly classes will be held throughout the year, and students can join the program at any point in the year.Registration is required to participate in this program. You can download the Registration Forms and bring it with you when you drop off your child for their first lesson or complete it at the museum’s front desk upon arrival.  Each week, lessons will be filled based on arrival and capped at 30 students. Registration allows you to participate but does not guarantee your spot each week.
• Blountville Farmers Market, 12 Noon, each Thurs., April through October, located behind the old Sullivan County Courthouse at Blountville. Info at 423.323.4660.
• Cooper's Gem Mine, 11 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, and 12 Noon to 5 PM on Saturdays, from the 1st of April through October 31. For group tours and information, please call (423) 323-5680. Beginning in October 2015, an online store will be available at coopersgemmine.com and will include natural artifacts.
  
• Sullivan County Historical and Genealogical Society meets bimonthly at 7PM, 3rd Thursday evening of each month,Sullivan County Department of Archives & Tourism, downtown Blountville. Free admission. General public is cordially invited. (423) 323-4660.
• Sons of the Confederate Veterans, John Singleton Mosby Camp #1409, meets at 5:30PM, 4th Tuesday of each month, Randall's Restaurant, 120 Old Union Rd, Church Hill, TN.
• Sons of Confederate Veterans, Robert D. Powell Camp, meets at 7PM, 3rd Monday of each month, Rutledge House Community Center, Blountville, TN.
• Netherland Inn, Open Saturday and Sunday - May through October. Hours: 2pm to 5pm Admission: Adults $4.00 and age 6 and under $1.00. Group Tours: May through October by appointment- School, Civic and Church Groups Welcome!
• Bristol Farmers Market, May 1 thru October 31, Saturdays 7 AM to Noon, and Wednesdays 3 PM to 7 PM.
• Sullivan County Preservation Association, 3rd Thursday of each month, 7pm, Community Center at Blountville.
• Kingsport Farmers Market, 7 AM to 1 PM, Wednesdays and Saturdays, corner of Clinchfield and Center Streets. Info at 423.246.6550.
• Appalachian Ghostwalks, ongoing daily/nightly tours. Reservations required. Interested parties should call (423) 743-WALK (9255) for reservations.       

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED HERE! To have your event listed with us, email us or call (423) 323-4660.

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