Kingsport’s yearly summer celebration is back! Bringing enjoyment to Kingsport for more than 40 years, Fun Fest has a rich history of gathering people together with laughter, community and entertainment. The festival is held over nine days with 100+ events in more than 50 locations across the city. The fun kicks off July 14, and here are some can’t-miss activities. 

Launch into summer with the Fun Fest Parade. 

Come see the official Fun Fest kickoff with a parade through downtown Kingsport! Set up a chair and watch as floats fill the streets for a procession the whole family will enjoy. The parade will begin at Clinchfield and West Center streets, travel down Center Street, make a turn onto East Sullivan Street, navigate from Sullivan Street through Church Circle and end back at Clinchfield Street. 

The parade will be held on Friday, July 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Performers, artists and food trucks, oh my! – don’t miss the Downtown Street Fair. 

There is something for everyone at the Downtown Street Fair on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.! Enjoy street performers, aerial trapeze, Irish step dancing, artists, musicians, international exhibits and a variety of traditional and ethnic food trucks. 

You also can marvel at the amazing Chalk Walk art as competitors sketch away on the streets of Downtown Kingsport, get hands-on with heavy-duty construction and emergency vehicles at Touch-A-Truck and experience the makers and creators from throughout the region at #MadeInKingsport. 

Make a splash at the Fun Fest Pool Party! 

Beat the heat and enjoy special admission prices of $5 per person to the Kingsport Aquatic Center on Monday, July 17, from 4-8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy waterslides, climbing structures and play areas with water cannons, a lazy river, splash pad, trivia, games and giveaways throughout the evening. 

Insider tip: Admission to the Fun Fest Pool Party is only $4 if you are wearing the 2023 Fun Fest shirt! Get yours at kingsport-fun-fest.square.site. 

Enjoy a night, or three, of music with the Sunset Concert Series. 

Whether it’s country or rock, bluegrass or contemporary, listening to music with friends and family is a Kingsport favorite. Make sure to get tickets to the Sunset Concert Series packed with three nights of artists. Performances will be held at the J. Fred Johnson Stadium and seating will be first-come, first-served. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on the artificial turf field or sit in the stands on either side of the stage. 

The Contemporary Christian concert on Thursday, July 20, opens with Dove Award winner and Tennessee native Ellie Holcomb. Headliner Danny Gokey is a Grammy-nominated, K-LOVE Male Vocalist of the Year, Dove Award winner and American Idol finalist. He has a pop, contemporary Christian sound that is a favorite of millions. Tickets can be purchased at freshtix.com/events/fun-fest-thursday-2023. 

Friday, July 21, see JOHNNYSWIM, a soulful songwriting husband and wife duo. You might recognize their single “Home” as it famously became the theme to HGTV hit “Fixer Upper.” Best known for the band’s emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies, Boyz II Men will round out the night with hit favorites like “End of the Road,” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “I’ll Make Love To You.” Tickets can be purchased at freshtix.com/events/fun-fest-friday-2023. 

Slide on your cowboy boots, grab your hat and come Saturday, July 22, to see country music rising star Brittney Spencer open for Clay Walker and Chris Lane. Racking up 30 charted singles and 11 number ones, Walker boasts a raspy and rugged sound that is influenced by rhythm and blues. Lane has over 1.4 billion on-demand streams and three number ones with hits like “Howdy,” “Stop Coming Over” and “Fill Them Boots.” Tickets can be purchased at freshtix.com/events/fun-fest-saturday-2023. 

Capture the perfect photo as hot air balloons float on the horizon. 

Witness multiple hot air balloons of all different colors and shapes take to the skies. Attendees can enjoy seeing the balloons inflate and take flight at sunrise, during the evening and at dusk. Bring your chairs or blankets to Legion Field next to the Civic Auditorium and on Fort Henry Drive. 

The Hot Air Balloon Glow at dusk will be on Friday, July 21, from 8-9 p.m. The sunrise and evening Hot Air Balloon Rally will be on Saturday, July 22, from 7-8:30 a.m. and 7-8 p.m.  

End your summer day with a stunning night watching the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular! 

Say farewell to this year’s Fun Fest summer celebration with a beautiful night watching fireworks dance across the sky. Following the Sunset Concert Series on Saturday, July 22, fireworks will take off in a symphony of light starting at 10 p.m. 

The fireworks are viewable from J. Fred Johnson Park and Highland Park. 

Visit funfest.net to see the full event details and schedules, make your own can’t-miss itinerary plan and purchase merchandise!