This Is Kingsport, Kingsport, Tennessee

“Living Worlds”
2026-06-28 12:00 - 12:45 (America/New_York)
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a410a66e8089:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

Wire Sculpture Class
2026-06-28 12:00 - 16:00 | The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby St, Kingsport, TN, 37660, United States
Learn to create striking three-dimensional art in this hands-on wire sculpture class!

Come make a Wire Sculpture!
Explore the creative possibilities of bending, twisting, and shaping wire as you work with line, movement, and form in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Through simple, accessible techniques, you’ll learn how to build expressive sculptural designs while developing confidence in your creative process.
Each session includes instructor-led projects designed to guide you step by step while allowing space for personal interpretation and experimentation. You’ll be supported throughout as you work with provided materials and explore different approaches to constructing with wire.
No experience is needed — this class is open to beginners and creatives of all skill levels. All materials are provided. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to create.
Age 12+ (Under 18 MUST be accompanied by a guardian)

About the Instructor…
Russell Lawson has over 30 years of experience working with wire, from creating intricate jewelry to designing large-scale wire sculptures. Currently, he is a Resident Artist at Fischman Gallery in Johnson City, TN. With an innate sense for design and extensive knowledge of tools and techniques, Russell’s expertise and creativity make him a captivating instructor and intriguing artist.

Turtle Keeper Talk
2026-06-28 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-07-02 14:00 - 14:30
Get to know these reptiles by seeing them up close and learn the secrets to their long lives. This is a free program with no registration required.

“Appalachian Skies”
2026-06-28 14:00 - 14:45
“Appalachian Skies” will take visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the spectacular Zeiss optical star projector instrument. Its fiber-optic generated star field is stunning and a pleasure to see. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience. You don’t want to miss it!
Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique! Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Marvel at their lore. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.
Show length ~ 45 min.

.avia-button-avb6a410a66eb2f4:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

SunWatch
2026-06-28 15:00 - 15:30
This free observing program is held by the dam and is offered every clear Saturday and Sunday at 3 – 3:30 p.m. in March-October.
Safely view the Sun in detail! Observe sunspots and more that reveal the Sun’s dynamic magnetic activity.
It is weather-dependent. If it is too cloudy, the program will be canceled.
This is a free event and does not require registration.

Herpetarium Keeper Talk
2026-06-28 16:00 - 16:30, 2026-06-29 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-06-30 17:30 - 18:00, 2026-07-01 14:00 - 14:30
Come meet our animal care staff and learn a little bit about our resident amphibians and reptiles. This is a free program. Pre-registration is not required.

“Living Worlds”
2026-06-28 16:00 - 16:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a410a66f0277:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

Fox Keeper Talk
2026-06-28 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-29 17:30 - 18:00, 2026-07-01 17:30 - 18:00
Come and meet our animal care staff and learn a little about our furry fox friends, Jamie and Sabra. This is a free program. Pre-registration is not required.

Summer Worship Nights with Ricky Martin and Billy Wayne
2026-06-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Kingsport, Broad Street, Kingsport, TN, 37660, United States
Summer Worship Nights 2026 wraps up with Night 5 in Downtown Kingsport!
Join us Sunday, June 28 from 7–9 PM on the 100 Block of Broad St for our final free outdoor night of live worship, music, community, and encouragement.
Featuring:
Ricky MartinBilly Wayne
This is the closing night of Summer Worship Nights, and we’re believing it will be a powerful evening as people from across the city come together to worship, connect, and be encouraged.
Bring a chair, invite your friends and family, and come be part of one more unforgettable night in the heart of downtown Kingsport.
100 Block of Broad St, Downtown Kingsport Sunday, June 28 7–9 PM Free Event
Worship. Connect. Be encouraged.

“Living Worlds”
2026-06-29 12:00 - 12:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a425f7ab456a:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

“Appalachian Skies”
2026-06-29 14:00 - 14:45
“Appalachian Skies” will take visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the spectacular Zeiss optical star projector instrument. Its fiber-optic generated star field is stunning and a pleasure to see. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience. You don’t want to miss it!
Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique! Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Marvel at their lore. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.
Show length ~ 45 min.

.avia-button-avb6a425f7ab72f3:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

“Living Worlds”
2026-06-29 16:00 - 16:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a425f7aba4b4:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

Stained Glass: Teardrop Suncatchers
2026-06-30 10:00 - 14:00 | The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby St, Kingsport, TN, 37660, United States
Learn traditional stained glass techniques from start to finish.

Choose from an assortment of glass colors, textures and transparencies to completely customize it into a one of a kind piece. You’ll learn how to cut glass, grid it to fit a pattern, apply copper foil and finally solder it all together. This is a beginners class, perfect for anyone that’s curious about the process and techniques that go into making Tiffany Style Stained Glass.

Please wear close-toed shoes and natural fibers like cotton/wool (jeans and a t-shirt work great). All long hair should be pulled back.
Age 10+, under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Joy Riggs started making Stained Glass in 2000. Her passion for it ultimately led her to open Studio 116 in Kingsport where she specializes in custom stained glass panels and whimsical suncatchers. Joy loves to create unique pieces based on her customers’ ideas, and enjoys the challenge of trying something different.

“Living Worlds”
2026-06-30 12:00 - 12:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fd89d4:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

Raptor Tour
2026-06-30 14:00 - 14:30
Meet with one of our Naturalist Interns or Staff and walk around the Raptor Center with us. Hear some interesting facts and stories about these amazing animals!

“Appalachian Skies”
2026-06-30 14:00 - 14:45
“Appalachian Skies” will take visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the spectacular Zeiss optical star projector instrument. Its fiber-optic generated star field is stunning and a pleasure to see. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience. You don’t want to miss it!
Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique! Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Marvel at their lore. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.
Show length ~ 45 min.

.avia-button-avb6a43b46fdb1eb:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

“Living Worlds”
2026-06-30 16:00 - 16:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fddf57:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

Evening Paddle
2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Bays Mountain Park, 853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN, 37660, United States
Enjoy the peaceful sounds of a summer evening, viewing the sunset while exploring the reservoir.
Guests are required to bring their own canoe/kayak/s.u.p. along with a Type III PFD (personal floatation device) vest style. Guests can unload watercrafts near the upper portion of the dam. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $10 per person for non-members. Members will receive a 50% discount.
This is a limited participation event for 20 guests. Sign up online below.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fe14e2:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here for tickets!

“Living Worlds”
2026-07-01 12:00 - 12:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fe3f1f:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

“Dark Matter Mystery”
2026-07-01 14:00 - 14:45
“Dark Matter Mystery” takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics – the search for dark matter. We know today that approximately a quarter of the Universe is filled with a mysterious glue known as dark matter. We know that it is out there, but we have no idea what it is made out of.
In this program you will learn why we know that dark matter exists and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer. Join the scientists on their hunt for dark matter with experiments in space and deep underground. Will they be able to solve… the Dark Matter Mystery?
Show length ~40 min.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fe6cde:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

“Living Worlds”
2026-07-01 16:00 - 16:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fe8a4c:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

Wolk Keeper Talk
2026-07-01 17:30 - 18:00
Come meet our animal care staff and learn a little bit about our resident wolves. Free program. Pre-registration is not required.

“Living Worlds”
2026-07-02 12:00 - 12:45
Earth is a planet shaped by life. From the forests that help stabilize our climate, to the winds carrying life-sustaining water and oxygen to far-flung parts of the globe, the fingerprints of life are visible even from many light years away.
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth liveable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances—and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
Show length ~25 min.
This program is followed by a quick look at the constellations, planets and other celestial wonders visible in the night sky from our region.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46fee0d5:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets

“Dark Matter Mystery”
2026-07-02 14:00 - 14:45
“Dark Matter Mystery” takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics – the search for dark matter. We know today that approximately a quarter of the Universe is filled with a mysterious glue known as dark matter. We know that it is out there, but we have no idea what it is made out of.
In this program you will learn why we know that dark matter exists and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer. Join the scientists on their hunt for dark matter with experiments in space and deep underground. Will they be able to solve… the Dark Matter Mystery?
Show length ~40 min.
.avia-button-avb6a43b46ff0c4f:hover {background-color: #444444 !important;color: #ffffff !important;transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.03); }Click here to register online for tickets
