Fun Fest was created to offer Kingsport residents a variety of arts and entertainment events with the goal of bringing people of all ages together to have a great time, and it’s certainly been a success. Today, Fun Fest hosts more than 100,000 residents and visitors each year!
While the initial theme of Fun Fest was “Community Unity,” it was an exercise in togetherness to get the first year’s festival off the ground in 1981.
Dozens of Kingsport’s employers stepped up with financial support and innumerable volunteers helped with planning and logistics. For many years, the festival chair was an unpaid position and the Board consisted of community groups, sponsor representatives, and individuals with donations of their time and talent.
Fun Fest was created to offer Kingsport residents a variety of arts and entertainment events with the goal of bringing people of all ages together to have a great time, and it’s certainly been a success. Today, Fun Fest hosts more than 100,000 residents and visitors each year!
Most festivals are just 2-3 days long, or even just one day. Fun Fest blows those numbers out of the water with nine full days of music, arts and crafts, food, sporting events, and so much more. In fact, approximately 100 events are slated for this year’s Fun Fest between July 15th and 23rd.
Another aspect that sets Fun Fest apart from other festivals is that events, most of which are free and open to the public, are spread out over dozens of locations throughout the city, making it a true citywide experience.
The unofficial kickoff event of Fun Fest is the annual Fun Fest Block Party, to be held July 8-10 this year. Kingsport residents take this event seriously, with many competing to win the Best Block Party of the Year Award. Neighborhoods, groups, and organizations can qualify as official Fun Fest Block Parties; just be one of the first 100 groups to return an application. Deadline to register is June 30th. Each official Block Party will receive a free Block Party Kit, which includes posters and souvenir cups.
The Fun Fest Parade officially kicks off the festival on Friday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Clinchfield and West Center streets. Deadline to register is July 14th.
Perhaps the events that draw the most festivalgoers to Fun Fest are the live music performances. This year, the Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series will feature:
- July 21: Zach Williams (“Chain Breakers”) with special guests Shane & Shane
- July 22: Jamey Johnson (“In Color,” High Cost of Living”) with special guest Colt Ford
- July 23: Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird”) with special guest Dalton Dover
Fun Fest has a Clear Bag Policy for the stadium concerts. Coolers are not allowed in the stadium and all items will be subject to search. Clear bags should not exceed 12”x6”x12” and approved bags will be available for purchase outside of the stadium.
To close out the festival with a bang, the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular will take place immediately following the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert on July 23rd.
Additional events include:
July 15:
ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band
Scavenger Hunt starts
Senior Fest
Fun Fest Parade
July 16:
Fishing Derby
Plein Air Art Show starts
Downtown Street Fair
Touch-a-Truck
July 17:
Outdoor Volleyball Tournament
Big Lon’s Vinyl Record Expo
Lazy Days of Summer Handmade Market
Miss Kingsport and Miss Sullivan County Pageant
Allandale Family Picnic Tours and Croquet
Eternals in Concert
July 18:
Pool Party
Kids’ Central
Picnic for the Physically and Mentally Challenged
The Extraordinaires
Appalachian Express Chorus
Peak’s Fun Fest Dog Show
July 19:
Baseball Skills Camp
Putt-Putt Tournament
Sunshine Tie Dye
Community Square and Round Dance
July 20:
Basketball Knockout Tournament
The Taste starts
Evening Zipline
Outdoor Movie – Encanto
July 21:
Moonlight Hike at Bays Mountain
Crazy 8s 8K Run
Zach Williams
July 22:
Disc Golf Tournament
Hot Air Balloon Glow
Jamey Johnson
July 23:
Breakfast with the Balloons
Car Show and Cruise-In
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Eastman Fireworks Spectacular
July 21:
Music at the Mansion: 80 Years of Movie Music
This list is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Check the Fun Fest website for details and a full schedule of events!
Enjoy getting together with family and friends at this year’s Fun Fest!