Bristol, TN, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Barter Theatre’s Artistic Producing Director Katy Brown has announced the upcoming season’s lineup of shows centered around a family theme. The announcement promises to provide engaging, family-friendly entertainment, appealing to locals and visitors. In addition, several local events are planned, including live performances, festivals, and community activities, underscoring the vibrant cultural scene in the Bristol area.
Bristol, TN – Barter Theatre’s Artistic Producing Director Katy Brown has unveiled the 2025 season’s lineup of shows, centered around a family-focused theme. This announcement positions the theater as a key player in delivering engaging, family-friendly entertainment in the region. The upcoming season is highly anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
In addition to the season reveal, a series of vibrant local events will unfold in the coming weeks, starting with the 6th Annual Gospel Singing on September 20. This event will feature performances by Faithful 2, Cause One, and Kelley Begley, taking place at Observation Knob in Bristol, Tenn., from 1 to 4 p.m.
The weekend of September 19-21 will see the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, marking its 24th annual festival along State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol. The festival offers weekend passes priced at $179.99, with children aged 12 and under entering for free, promising an array of musical talent and entertainment.
On September 20, the Chilhowie Community Apple Festival, themed “Apple Roots Run Deep,” will kick off with a beauty pageant, continuing into the following weekend from September 26-28. Meanwhile, Marion will also participate by hosting a classic car cruise-in on September 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Marion Farmers Market, complete with live music for attendees to enjoy.
The Barter Theatre will present the Tony-nominated thriller ‘Deathtrap’ from September 19 to November 1 at the Gilliam Stage, an intriguing play that delves into themes of truth and deception. Additionally, performances of “Ruth: A Story of Devotion,” emphasizing loyalty and redemption, will be held on weekends from September 19 to 28 at LampLight Theatre in Kingsport.
September 20 also marks the Friends of WCSO’s Community Car Show in Jonesborough from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing various car divisions and supporting local community programs. Event-goers seeking outdoor activities can register for ‘Signs of the Season: A Greenbelt Nature Walk’ hosted by Kingsport Parks and Recreation on September 20 at 9 a.m., with a limit of 10 participants requiring preregistration.
Other noteworthy events on September 20 include the MMA Fight Night at Riverview Elementary in Grundy, VA, with tickets ranging from $25 to $35 benefiting Buchanan County flood victims, and the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon spanning a challenging 65.2-mile course with biking, kayaking, and running segments.
The “Overmountain Muster” event will take place at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park on September 20 and 21, featuring colonial-era demonstrations for history enthusiasts. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will also bring its Artmobile exhibition to Historic Downtown Bristol from September 17-21, with free public access.
Looking ahead, National Public Lands Day on September 27 will provide various volunteer opportunities across Virginia’s State Parks, while the Fall Folk Arts Festival in Kingsport is set for September 27-28, showcasing traditional arts and crafts with admission priced at $5 for ages 12 and up. Additionally, B.R.A.K.E.S. will offer free lifesaving teen driver training at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 27-28.
Lastly, the 245th anniversary of “The Gathering at Sycamore Shoals” will be commemorated with a memorial service and living history demonstrations on September 20. The Barter Theatre will also showcase ‘Murder for Two,’ a musical comedy filled with mystery and humor, with performances scheduled through November 2.
This extensive array of events underscores the community’s commitment to cultural engagement and family-oriented programming, providing numerous opportunities for entertainment and social connection in the Bristol area.
FAQs
What is the theme for Barter Theatre’s 2025 season?
The theme for Barter Theatre’s 2025 season is centered around “family.”
When will the 6th Annual Gospel Singing take place?
The 6th Annual Gospel Singing is on September 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Observation Knob in Bristol, Tenn.
What are the dates for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion?
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will occur on September 19-21 along State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol.
What kinds of events can people expect in the Bristol area?
The Bristol area will feature various events including concerts, festivals, car shows, nature walks, and theater performances.
Key Features Overview
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barter Theatre’s 2025 Season Theme | 2025 | Bristol, TN | Family-focused theme |
| 6th Annual Gospel Singing | September 20 | Observation Knob, Bristol, TN | Featuring Faithful 2, Cause One, and Kelley Begley |
| Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion | September 19-21 | Historic Downtown Bristol | Weekend passes at $179.99; free entry for kids 12 and under |
| Chilhowie Community Apple Festival | September 20-28 | Chilhowie, VA | Themed “Apple Roots Run Deep” |
| Classic Car Cruise-In | September 20 | Marion Farmers Market, Marion, VA | 6-9 p.m. with live music |
| ‘Deathtrap’ | September 19 – November 1 | Gilliam Stage, Barter Theatre | A Tony-nominated thriller |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kingsport Welcomes a Month Full of Engaging Events
Autumn Music Festivals to Light Up Virginia
Morristown Hosts Annual Festival on the Green
Quirky Virginia Towns to Explore
Kingsport Summer Community Events and Activities
Exploring Tennessee’s Charming Downtown Strips
Bristol School Welcomes New Renovated Tod Houston Field
Community Events Scheduled for June
Bristol Motor Speedway Prepares for MLB and NASCAR Events
Vote for Your Favorite NASCAR Cup Series Venue
Additional Resources
- Herald Courier
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- Nashville Scene
- Google Search: Barter Theatre 2025 season
- HC Press
- Google Scholar: Historical Association
- Tukios Websites
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apple Festival
- Lowe Funeral Home
- Google News: MMA Fight Night
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.
