Good morning, Johnson City.

NASCAR driver Ty Dillon visited Johnson City's Niswonger Children's Hospital on Thursday where he gave stuffed animals, toys and signed baseball items to children during his fourth visit.

He said he loves to see their smiles—especially as he looks forward to racing at Bristol this weekend—while sharing joy.

A 17-year-old motorcyclist died after his motorcycle collided with a left-turning pickup truck on N Elm Avenue in Unicoi County when he tried to evade police by passing several vehicles on a double-yellow center line; authorities said the pickup driver was injured.

Today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission invited male job applicants from Kickback Jack’s restaurants in Tennessee to contact its office about a sex discrimination lawsuit alleging the chain failed to hire male candidates for non-managerial front-of-house positions since December 2019. The suit was filed in federal court in September and covers locations in Tennessee—North Carolina and Virginia, including the Johnson City branch and a planned new site in Bristol.

On Wednesday around 5 p.m., Johnson City police responded to shots fired on the 1000 block of North Boone Street and found shell casings—no injuries were reported, no suspects have been identified, and authorities are investigating the incident.

The Final Frontier: A Symphony Pops Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience an out-of-this-world concert featuring iconic theme music from Star Trek, E.T., and Apollo 13.

Dear Evan Hansen

7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a poignant and powerful musical that explores the complexities of belonging in the age of social media.

Below 7 Band Performance

9 PM – 1 AM — Capone's — Free entry — Experience a lively night of music with the Below 7 band hailing from Virginia and Tennessee.

Farm to Glass Cocktail Class

6-8 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Costs vary — Enjoy a hands-on cocktail class featuring locally sourced ingredients paired with delicious bites.

Come From Away Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Check venue for pricing — Experience the inspiring true story of stranded passengers and the kindness of a small town during a historic moment.

Come From Away Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the uplifting true story of 7,000 passengers and a small Newfoundland town's warm embrace after 9/11.

Thirsty Orange Beer Festival

1-6 p.m. — Founders Park — $ — Sample over 150 unique beers and enjoy local craft brews at the 12th annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza.

Paint and Sip Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Wild Wing Cafe — $35 — Unleash your creativity while enjoying a fun night of painting and sipping wine.