Bristol, Tennessee, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee, will host a lively weekend with events from September 19 to 21, including the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and Ironman 70.3 Race. The Rhythm & Roots festival will feature diverse musical performances, food trucks, vendors, and a fireworks display. Nearby, Elizabethton celebrates Covered Bridge Days, and Greeneville hosts a cultural event offering food from over 15 nations. Additionally, the Ironman 70.3 Race anticipates participation from about 2,500 triathletes, showcasing athletic talent while impacting local traffic and roadways.
Exciting Weekend Events in Bristol, Tennessee
Bristol, Tennessee is set for a vibrant weekend filled with festivities from Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21, featuring the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and the Ironman 70.3 Race. These events promise to attract attendees from across the region, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival will kick off on Friday and run through Sunday, showcasing performances from diverse local and regional artists. Festival-goers can look forward to a jam-packed schedule of live music, food trucks, and vendors throughout the weekend, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. This annual event celebrates the musical heritage of the region and unites communities through the love of music and culture.
Additionally, Elizabethton will host Covered Bridge Days this weekend, a community event honoring local church and community members for their contributions to relief efforts. The event will conclude with a fellowship meal inviting everyone to join in celebration.
In Greeneville, a unique cultural event hosted by the Notre Dame Catholic Church will feature food from over 15 nations, entertainment, vendors, and raffle games. This gathering is expected to create a lively atmosphere, promoting diversity and community engagement.
Moreover, history enthusiasts will enjoy a reenactment of the story of the Overmountain Men at Sycamore Shoals. Complementing this historical event, live Celtic music and festival games celebrating Hobbit culture and Appalachian heritage are also scheduled, further enriching the weekend’s offerings.
On Sunday morning, Bristol will also see the second Ironman 70.3 race with approximately 2,500 triathletes participating. Starting at 6:25 AM and ending by 4 PM, the competitive race will begin and finish at the Ironman Village located at Columbia Point Marina. The event will consist of a challenging 56-mile bike route affecting key roadways throughout Richland and West Richland.
Attendees planning to attend the Ironman event are advised against using certain roads due to expected heavy traffic. A free shuttle service will be available for athletes and spectators, beginning at 4 AM on race day, transporting participants to Columbia Park and Ironman Village. Special parking areas for shuttle pickups are established at 651 Mansfield St. and 825 Jadwin Ave..
Due to the race’s impact on local roads, temporary no parking signs will be posted on Spengler Street, with violators risking towing at their own expense. It is crucial for emergency vehicles to have unimpeded access during the race hours, and individuals are encouraged to call a designated hot line, 509-713-2742, for navigational assistance concerning the Ironman traffic.
Additionally, the Washington Department of Transportation has alerted residents about expected delays on Highway 240 starting at 6:30 AM on race day, urging travelers to plan their routes accordingly. Boat launches at Columbia Point Marina, Leslie Groves, and Howard Amon Park. will be closed from September 19 to September 21, ensuring safety during the events.
With a mix of music, cultural experiences, and athletic challenges, this weekend in Bristol, Tennessee promises not to disappoint those looking for entertainment and community engagement.
FAQ
- When does the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion take place? The festival starts Friday, September 19, and runs until Sunday, September 21.
- What activities are featured at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion? Attendees can enjoy performances from multiple artists, local and regional groups, vendors, food trucks, live music, fireworks, and more at the festival.
- What is Covered Bridge Days? Covered Bridge Days takes place in Elizabethton this weekend and includes a community service honoring church and community members for their relief efforts, followed by a fellowship meal.
- What kind of food will be available at the Notre Dame Catholic Church event? The event will provide food from more than 15 nations, alongside entertainment, raffles, vendors, and games.
- What is the Ironman 70.3 race? Richland will welcome approximately 2,500 triathletes for the second Ironman 70.3 race on Sunday morning, September 21.
- What are the start and finish times for the Ironman race? The Ironman race runs from 6:25 AM to 4 PM, with the start and finish at Ironman Village at Columbia Point Marina.
- How will the race affect traffic? The race’s 56-mile bike route will affect key roadways throughout Richland and West Richland; motoring along certain roads on Sunday morning is advised against due to expected heavy traffic.
- Is a shuttle service available for the Ironman event? Yes, a free shuttle service will transport athletes and spectators to Columbia Park and Ironman Village starting at 4 AM on race day.
Key Features of the Weekend Events
| Event | Date | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion | Sept. 19-21 | Live music, food trucks, vendors, fireworks |
| Covered Bridge Days | Sept. 19-21 | Community service, fellowship meal |
| Notre Dame Catholic Church Event | Sept. 19-21 | Food from 15 nations, entertainment, games |
| Ironman 70.3 Race | Sept. 21 | Triathletes, bike route, road closures |
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Additional Resources
- WJHL: Weekend Events in Bristol
- Wikipedia: Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion
- Chicago Tribune: Tri-Cities Business Expo
- Google Search: Ironman 70.3 Race
- Tri-Cities Business News: Ironman Event
- Google Scholar: Covered Bridge Days
- Tri-City Herald: Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ironman 70.3
- NavigaCloud: Event Images
- Google News: Tri-Cities 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.
