News Summary
Kingsport is alive with summer activities, including the upcoming Fun Fest Parade, theater productions at Barter Theatre, and various community celebrations. Families can enjoy events such as the Kingsport Carousel’s 10th Birthday Bash and the Behind the Book Festival. Additionally, residents can participate in health initiatives, book signings, and musical performances throughout the month, making this a vibrant season for all.
Kingsport is bustling this July with an array of community events, performances, and health initiatives designed to engage residents and visitors alike. From thrilling theater productions to free health checks, the summer schedule is packed with exciting activities for all ages.
Parade and Road Closures for Fun Fest
On July 18, downtown Kingsport will temporarily close several streets for the annual Fun Fest Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Clinchfield Street will close from Market Street to Clay Street at 10 a.m. for parade lineup preparations. Other street closures along Center and Clinchfield will arise 30 minutes before the parade starts. Detour signs will help direct traffic, and all road closures will be lifted following the event.
Theater Highlights
In the world of performing arts, the Barter Theatre in nearby Abingdon is presenting the courtroom drama A Few Good Men from June 14 to August 16. Additionally, a new play titled Mountain Mamas explores the lives of women coal miners and runs until August 9. The themed selections for Barter Theatre’s 2025 season emphasize the importance of family, adding depth to their line-up.
Upcoming Productions
The Bristol Academy of Music will offer the charming The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition with performances on July 18 at 7 p.m. and July 19 at 3:30 p.m., showcasing local talent aged 8-16. Additionally, Theatre Bristol will present the regional premiere of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory over two weekends—July 18-20 and July 25-27—at the Paramount Bristol.
Community Celebrations and Fairs
Residents can enjoy the 10th Birthday Bash at the Kingsport Carousel on July 19, featuring free rides and various activities from 3 to 5 p.m. That same day, the Kingsport Downtown Street Fair will host live performances, children’s activities, and food vendors, promising a day full of fun and entertainment.
More Community Events
A monthly Contra Dance sponsored by the Alleghany Arts Council will take place on July 18 at the Sparta United Methodist Church, adding an energetic community gathering to the mix. On the health front, the Move Mountains Medical Clinic will provide free comprehensive health checks and dental services at the Health Wagon campus and the University of Virginia at Wise on July 18-19.
Literary and Music Events
Book lovers can attend the Behind the Book Festival at the Kingsport Public Library on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which will feature over 50 authors. The weekend will also host a Symphony of the Mountains concert on July 26 at UVA Wise, celebrating Celtic music with a free performance.
Early Auditions and Musical Gatherings
Those interested in the performing arts can participate in auditions for Theatre Bristol‘s upcoming shows, including The Odd Couple and The Mockingbird Sings, scheduled from July 19-23. Additionally, an Old Time Music Jam is set for July 27 at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, inviting fans of traditional folk music to join the community celebration.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
Continuing through to August 17, Barter Theatre will stage Frozen – The Broadway Musical, a delightful production that centers on the themes of love and sisterhood—perfect for family outings this summer.
Faithful 2 Performances
Also on the calendar for July 20, faith-based musical events by Faithful 2 will take place across multiple locations, adding a spiritual note to the vibrant summer activities in the region.
Health and Community Support
The community continues to support initiatives during July with various health, dental, and veterinary clinics, alongside community engagement programs designed to provide essential services. These efforts enhance the quality of life and foster connections among residents.
With so much to offer, Kingsport is set for an engaging summer filled with art, culture, health, and community spirit, inviting everyone to participate and enjoy.
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Additional Resources
- Farris Funeral Service: Bobby Sherrill
- Wikipedia: Kingsport
- Herald Courier Community News
- Google Search: Barter Theatre
- Hamlett Dobson: Benjamin Rolston
- Google Scholar: Community Events in Kingsport
- Tukios Website: Tribute Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kingsport
- Legacy Obituary: Mary Boye
- Google News: Kingsport Community Events
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
