Daily editionFriday, September 5th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of September.
Community
BrightRidge and TVA mark 5 years of their Home Uplift Program that gives lower-income homeowners free upgrades such as HVAC replacements, insulation, and window caulking to help lower energy bills.
They have upgraded 330 homes so far and will improve nearly 45 more through July 2026 — including a new Holston Habitat for Humanity development in Johnson City — as each home investment averages about $12,000 and saves nearly $400 a year.
WCYBRead more
Culture
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts has announced its 2025-26 season lineup that will offer Broadway classics, new musicals and family favorites to meet diverse community interests.
The schedule will feature the return of Elf: The Musical and Riverdance—along with the debut of Shucked and a series of concerts and interactive shows for fall, holiday and spring.
The East TennesseanRead more
Neon Trees will headline the fall Student Government Association concert at ETSU on October 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall—student tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Sept. 16 at Carrier Center, faculty tickets on Sept. 24, and public tickets online beginning Oct. 1 with alt-pop singer Lisa Heller opening the show.
WCYBRead more
Education
Students facing food insecurity and rising costs have access to several support services in the community.
ETSU’s Dean of Students office connects students with resources like the on-campus food pantry, while Good Samaritan Ministries and the Community Health Center provide food and healthcare assistance.
The East TennesseanRead more
Internationally acclaimed author John Green is set to speak as the keynote at ETSU’s Festival of Ideas on Feb. 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts—ticket reservations will be available later this fall.
The East TennesseanRead more
The Robertson Center offers students a new space for support & community growth and will hold its grand opening on Sept. 15 from 3-5 p.m. in Room 210 of the D.P. Culp Student Center, where Dr. Patricia E. Robertson will make special remarks at 3:30 p.m.
The East TennesseanRead more
Buctainment welcomed students back with a new mechanical bull at the first home football game on Aug.30—this fall the group will host a poolside Moana screening on Sept.11, Fall Fest with carnival rides on Oct.16 and ongoing trivia and karaoke nights at Pepper's on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. They are planning a Trunk or Treat event in October to further involve student organizations.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
ETSU Buccaneers defeated Murray State 45-17 in their season opener at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium on August 30—ETSU scored early touchdowns and held control throughout the game.
They will play University of Tennessee Knoxville next week at Neyland Stadium.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Sip into Fall: Seasonal Cocktail Making
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Cost not specified — Celebrate the arrival of fall with cocktails and mini charcuterie boards featuring warm spices and local flavors.
Contra Dancing at Mulligan's
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Mulligan's Irish Pub — Free entry — Experience the joy of classic contra dancing with guidance from the Jonesborough Historic Dancing Society.
Appalachian Fair Home Show
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 12-6 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Free admission — Discover local and national vendors showcasing home improvement ideas and products.
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Mercer Bears Football Game
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 · 5:30-7:00 p.m. — William B. Greene Jr. Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling NCAA Division I clash between the Buccaneers and the Bears.