Abingdon, VA, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Barter Theatre’s artistic director, Katy Brown, has announced a captivating fall season focused on the theme of ‘family,’ featuring various performances from September 19 to November 1. The season opens with the thrilling, Tony-nominated play ‘Deathtrap.’ Additionally, the community can engage in exciting events, such as Art Lab’s fifth anniversary celebration, B.R.A.K.E.S. teen driver training program, and Camp Firefly, along with other local festivities.
Abingdon, VA – Barter Theatre’s artistic director, Katy Brown, has announced an exciting fall season that focuses on the theme of “family,” with performances scheduled to entertain and engage audiences. Running from September 19 to November 1, the season will kick off with “Deathtrap,” a Tony-nominated thriller that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
As the fall season unfolds, the community is also invited to participate in various upcoming events. One highlight is the celebration of Art Lab’s fifth anniversary set to take place on September 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA. This free event will feature open studios from resident artists, demonstrations using a variety of art mediums, self-serve art stations, an ice cream truck, and an Art Crawl offering chances to win door prizes. Participants can sign up for this anniversary event at the museum’s website.
In addition to the Art Lab celebrations, Bristol, TN, will host the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe), a free national teen driver training program on September 27 and 28. The sessions will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway and will consist of three-hour programs at various times on both days. Registration for this program is available through their official website.
Another key event on September 27 is Camp Firefly, organized by Ballad Health, which assists children and families dealing with grief. This annual event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Warriors’ Path State Park and will include individual sessions with counselors, grief support activities, and a memorial ceremony at the end of the camp.
Meanwhile, the Chilhowie Community Apple Festival will start with a beauty pageant on September 20, running through September 28 and featuring various vendors celebrating the region’s apple harvest.
Additional events in the region include a Disc Golf Tournament on September 27 at Borden Park in Kingsport, TN, as well as the Fall Folk Arts Festival taking place on September 27-28 at Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport, TN. The theatrical performance “Heroes of Faith: Ruth,” based on the biblical story, will also run on select dates in late September.
As part of ongoing community engagement, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is seeking feedback on a new master plan, which will include a public meeting on September 27. Furthermore, various public events and festivities are planned throughout the region for National Public Lands Day, including volunteer workdays and the Grayson Highlands State Park Fall Festival on September 27-28.
Event Overview
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Deathtrap | September 19 – November 1 | Barter Theatre |
| Art Lab’s 5th Anniversary | September 27 | William King Museum of Art, Abingdon, VA |
| B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Driver Training | September 27-28 | Bristol Motor Speedway |
| Camp Firefly | September 27 | Warriors’ Path State Park |
| Chilhowie Community Apple Festival | September 20-28 | Chilhowie |
| Disc Golf Tournament | September 27 | Borden Park, Kingsport, TN |
| Fall Folk Arts Festival | September 27-28 | Exchange Place Living History Farm, Kingsport, TN |
FAQ
What is the theme of Barter Theatre’s fall season?
When is Art Lab’s fifth anniversary celebration?
What are the activities included in the Art Lab anniversary celebration?
What is B.R.A.K.E.S. program about?
What is Camp Firefly?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ricky Skaggs Returns to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Paramount Bristol Supports Local Schools with Giving Initiative
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Kicks Off
Barter Theatre Announces Family-Focused Season Lineup
Kingsport Welcomes a Month Full of Engaging Events
Upcoming Events in the Tri-Cities Area
Upcoming Family and Arts Events in Southwest Virginia
Additional Resources
- Virginia Living: Barter Theatre
- Wikipedia: Barter Theatre
- Herald Courier: Community News
- Google Search: Barter Theatre
- Atlas Obscura: Barter Theatre
- Google Scholar: Barter Theatre
- Speedway Digest: Barter Theatre Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barter Theatre
- HCPress: Theatre Director Announcement
- Google News: Barter Theatre
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.
