Daily editionSaturday, August 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of August.
Culture
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts will launch its fourth Broadway season featuring four shows — Meredith Willson’s The Music Man playing January 26—28, TINA—The Tina Turner Musical on February 28—March 1, Shucked on May 5—7, and SIX on May 26—28.
Ticket holders can renew their seats from August 25 to September 11 while new season packages go on sale on October 2.
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Economy
The TN Department of Economic and Community Development announced $4 million in recovery grants for three Unicoi County businesses hit by Hurricane Helene in September—Foam Products, PlastiExports and PolyPipe will retain 166 workers and train displaced employees.
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Government
Johnson City City Commission passed an ordinance to change the alcohol cut-off time from 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. to address rising violent crime, with business owners having asked for Washington County Sheriff's Office night patrols; the city will notify local businesses and publish the ordinance before it takes effect in two weeks — downtown workers expect immediate impacts.
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Thursday night the Johnson City Commission passed a final ordinance with a 4–1 vote to ban on-premises alcohol sales after 1 a.m. Many spoke against the proposal with bar owners raising concerns over lost revenue and cuts to staff, and the rule will take effect once it is published in the local newspaper.
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Johnson City Events
Bladesmithing: Railroad Spike to Knife
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 · 1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Registration required — Get hands-on experience forging a knife from a railroad spike while learning about blacksmithing techniques.
Spirits of the Carnival
Thursday, August 28th, 2025 · 6-9 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Ticket required — Craft unique cocktails inspired by fairground flavors with charcuterie in a festive atmosphere.
Jam in JC 2025
Saturday, August 30th, 2025 · 12-2 p.m. — King Commons Park — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with music, food, and art at this vibrant outdoor festival.
2025 Tennessee State Pickleball Championships
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Memorial Park Community Center — Registration fees apply — Compete for medals in various pickleball divisions across multiple skill levels.
Soggy Doggy: Dog Swim
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Legion Street Pool — $5 per dog (2 dogs per handler) — Let your pups dive into a splash party with toys and fun at this dog-only swim event.
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 8 a.m.–4 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10 with breakfast, $6 without — Experience traditional sorghum making, enjoy local music, and savor a delicious biscuit and gravy breakfast.
Pierre Bensusan Concert
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Down Home — Tickets required — Experience the extraordinary guitar mastery of Pierre Bensusan bringing his unique sound to Johnson City.
Date Night in the Flower Field
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Harvey Family Farm — $75 per couple — Enjoy an intimate evening surrounded by blooms with a charcuterie spread and bouquet-picking experience.
Laniidae Live Concert
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 9-10:30 p.m. — Capone's — Ticket info not specified — Experience an incredible night of music featuring Laniidae, Mind the Drive, and The Dirty Secrets.
Shirefest
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 2-4:30 p.m. — Johnson City Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate the charm of the Hobbits’ Shire with storytelling, live music, and family-friendly festivities.