Fun Fest is synonymous with summer in Kingsport but it can be a bit overwhelming for someone who’s never experienced it before. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or it’s a yearly tradition, we’ve put together the ultimate Fun Fest Guide to help you make the most of your festival experience.

Fun Fest is a nine-day festival filled with family-friendly events and activities. More than 100 events take place throughout Kingsport in over 30 locations. From food trucks, fireworks, hot air balloons, sporting events, road races and so much more, there’s something for everyone to do.

For the Kids – 

Fun Fest is packed with family-friendly activities, but some events are designed especially for the kids! From interactive activities and games to pageants, fishing and more, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for your kids to play, learn and create lasting summer memories.

 

 

• Little Miss Fun Fest Pageant (Pre Fun Fest Event – July 12)
• Fun Fest Fishing Derby (July 18)
• Charlie Browder Fun Fest Football Camp (July 18)
• Touch-A-Truck at Downtown Street Fair (July 18)
• Kingsport Carousel’s Birthday Party (July 18)
• Hamlett-Dobson Farm Fest (July 19)
• Allandale Family Picnic (July 19)
• Family Comedy Night featuring The Magic of Joseph Young (July 19)
• Soccer Clinic (July 20)
• Summer in the Park at Warriors’ Path State Park (Daily from July 20-25)
• Kids Central (July 20)
• Splash Dance at Kids Central (July 20)
• Putt-Putt Fun Fest Tournament (July 21)
• Dollar Day at Bays Mountain (July 22)
• Basketball Knockout Tournament (July 22)
• Giant Screen Outdoor Movie (July 22)
• Kingsport Parks & Recreation Fortnite Tournament (July 23)
• Self Defense for Teens (July 23)
• Field Trip: Duncan MMA (July 24)
• Meet the Owl at Warriors’ Path (July 25)
• Survive the Fest Kids Edition (July 25)

For the Foodie –

Come hungry because Fun Fest serves up a little bit of everything! Explore food trucks and vendors from around the region offering a variety of festival favorites, sweet treats and more. Whether you want to stick with the classics or search for your new favorite meal, there’s a flavor to meet every craving.

 

• Downtown Street Fair (July 18)
• Allandale Family Picnic Food Truck Rally (July 19)
• Sweet Treats with Chocolate Elegance (July 20, 21, 23)
• The Taste (July 22-25)

For the Music Lover –

 

Music is at the heart of Fun Fest. The festival begins and ends with live music. From chart-topping, nationally recognized artists to cover bands and community favorites, there’s a soundtrack for every taste.

 

 

• In God We Trust Patriotic Musical (July 12)
• Friday Lunchtime Live w/ Dave Eggar & Bristol Lightning (July 17)
• Patriotic Tribute “The Voice, The Pen & The Sword” by LampLight Theatre (July 17, 18, 19)
• Broad Street Boogie (July 17)
• Big Lon’s Vinyl Record Expo (July 19)
• The Eternals Gospel Concert (July 19)
• Appalachian Express Chorus (July 20, 21)
• Pink Floyd: Fun Fest in the Planetarium (July 22)
• Sunset Concert Series – Jeremy Camp, with opener Katy Nichole (July 23)
• Sunset Concert Series – Daughtry, with opener SWITCHFOOT (July 24)
• Sunset Concert Series – LeAnn Rimes & Brothers Osborne (July 25)

For the Art Enthusiast – 

Creativity shines at Fun Fest! Throughout the festival, you’ll find ample opportunities to browse local art, watch artists at work and create your own masterpieces. Art lovers will discover inspiration around every corner and get a special look at some of the things that make Fun Fest and the Kingsport community unique.

 

• Trash Barrel Paint-In (Pre Fun Fest Event – July 14)
• Chalk Walk at Downtown Street Fair (July 18)
• Bays Mountain Gem & Mineral Show (July 18, 19)
• Brushstrokes Fun Fest Canvas Class (July 18)
• Lazy Days of Summer Handmade Market (July 19)
• Quilting for America250 (July 22)
• Hot Air Balloon Rally (July 24, 25)

For the History Buff – 

Step back in time during Fun Fest and explore some of the stories that helped shape the region and nation. History enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of presentations, exhibits and commemorative events, some specifically honoring America’s 250th Anniversary, while celebrating our community’s heritage.

 

• A Civil War Evening w/ Leslie Goddard (Pre Fun Fest Event – July 13)
• Fun Fest at Netherland Inn (July 18)
• Hamlett-Dobson Farm Fest (July 19)
• Allandale Mansion Tours at Allandale Family Picnic (July 19)
• Fun Fest Car Show Cruise-In (July 25)
• Battle of Island Flats 250th Anniversary Commemoration (July 25)

For the Sleuths – 

 

Calling all puzzle and mystery solvers! Fun Fest has some specially curated events just for you. You can test your instinct and observation skills while exploring and discovering Kingsport in a new way. You never know where the next clue might take you!

 

 

 

• Rediscover Kingsport Scavenger Hunt (Daily from July 17-25)
• Fun Fest Medallion Hunt (Daily from July 18-25)
• Fun Fest Bingo (July 21)
• Fun Fest Singo (July 21)
• Prairie Justice Murder Mystery (July 22)
• Survive the Fest (July 25)

For the Readers –

Book lovers unite! Connect with local authors, dive deeper into local stories and celebrate the magic of the written word. A variety of literary-themed events will give you the opportunity to extend your imagination, learn about a regional figure or discover your next favorite read.

 

 

• Behind the Book Festival (July 18)
• Chapter by Chapter Book Club (July 20)
• After Hours Book Club (July 23)
• Summer Reading Celebration (July 25)

For the Outdoorsman –

Fun Fest provides the perfect backdrop to take advantage of Northeast Tennessee’s natural beauty. A variety of outdoor activities create a space to enjoy the fresh air while still participating in the festival fun. From Bays Mountain and Warriors’ Path State Park to community parks and playgrounds, you can enjoy the summer sun in a variety of ways.

 

• Birding Kingsport Bird Walk (July 18, 20, 23)
• Fun Fest Day at the Ballpark (July 19)
• Primitive Fire Building (July 20)
• Fun Fest Pool Party (July 20)
• Introduction to Sculling (July 21)
• Sunset Kayak Float (July 22)
• Kingsport Moose Riders Bike Show & Luau (July 23)

For the Athlete – 

 

Up for a challenge? Ready to get moving? Fun Fest has just the thing for you! There are a variety of events and competitions for all athletic skills and abilities. Whether you’re running, playing a sport, competing in a relay or cheering from the sidelines, there’s a place for you to embrace your competitive spirit.

 

• Adult One Pitch Softball Tournament (July 11, 18)
• Pickle in the Park (July 16, 17, 18)
• Fun Fest Wiffleball (July 17, 18, 20, 21, 25)
• FiA Free Ladies Workout (July 18, 20, 23
• Adult Outdoor Volleyball Tournament (July 18, 19)
• Disc Golf Clinic (July 18)
• Tri Star Triple Crown (July 18)
• Crazy 8s Race (July 18)
• Rocky Top Golf Play Days (July 20, 24, 25) 
• F3 Men’s Workout (July 21, 23)
• Sinking Waters Hike (July 21)
• Bays Blaze 10K (July 21)
• Basketball Knockout Tournament (July 22)
• Moonlight Hike at Bays Mountain (July 23)
• Fun Fest Disc Golf Tournament (July 25)

For the Pet Parent – 

Who said Fun Fest was just for people? There’s something for your four-legged friend as well! Pet-friendly events give animal lovers and their furry friends a chance to get in on the fun. Whether you’re showing off your pup or meeting fellow pet enthusiasts, you’ll find some tail-wagging moments during Fun Fest.

 

• PEAK’s Fun Fest Dog Show (July 20)
• FurFest (July 21)
• Walk N’ Wag (July 22)

For the Movers & Shakers – 

 

When you hear music, does it make you want to dance? If so, you’re in luck! Fun Fest provides a variety of events for you to hit the dance floor. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or someone who just likes to groove, you’ll find plenty of reasons to move your feet throughout the festival.

• Senior Social – Sneaker Soiree (July 18)
• The Has Beens Big Band Dance (July 20)
• Boot Scootin’ on Broad: Boots & Bling Edition (July 21)
• Community Square & Round Dance Party (July 21)

3 must do things (that are completely free) –

 

Nothing says community pride like a parade. Kick off Fun Fest by joining us for our annual parade (July 17). Watch as marching bands, colorful floats, horses and local organizations fill the streets of downtown Kingsport with energy and excitement. Bring your chair and enjoy a front-row seat to the spirit of Fun Fest.

 

There’s something unforgettable about seeing more than a dozen hot air balloons inflated and glowing. The Hot Air Balloon Rally (July 24) offers a picture-perfect experience, watching balloons light up against the evening sky. Breakfast with the Balloons (July 25) welcomes visitors to see the balloons take flight and fill the sky. These larger-than-life balloons combine wonder and beauty to provide some of the most memorable moments of Fun Fest.

 

 

Closing out Fun Fest is the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular (July 25). Known for bringing a dazzling display of color and light, the fireworks serve as the finale to the fun. Every year, families and friends gather all around Kingsport to take in the breathtaking show. 

Pro tip: if you’re inside J. Fred Johnson Stadium for the Sunset Concert Series, stay to watch the fireworks from your seats. The stadium is filled with music that syncs up to the firework show. If you aren’t in the stadium, some of the best viewing spots are on Fort Henry Drive near Memorial Park or at the Fort Henry Mall.    

Heading out to Fun Fest? Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) bring with you.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water
• Portable phone charger
• Lawn chair or blanket
• Patience
• A sense of adventure and community pride

Leave at home:

• Weapons
• Outside Alcohol
• Drones
• Pets (unless they are service animals or specifically permitted at an event)
• Valuable items you don’t want to risk losing throughout the day
• Bad attitudes

Plan your visit today!

Fun Fest events go on rain or shine. Events may need to be delayed due to weather, but we try to not cancel any event if possible. In the event of severe weather with thunder and lightning, events will stop or be delayed until we receive an “all clear” from the fire marshal. In those extreme cases, please be cautious and return to your vehicle or the nearest facility. Do not wait it out under a tree, tent, etc.

For information on registration or tickets, click here. You can click each event above for more details, and you can find a full schedule of events here.

A little planning can go a long way! Stay hydrated, dress comfortably and enjoy all that Fun Fest has to offer!

At its core, Fun Fest is a celebration of community spirit and pride. From neighborhood block parties to volunteer-led and sponsor-driven events, the festival brings people together each summer to experience Kingsport in new ways. Rooted in shared traditions, Fun Fest reminds residents and visitors just what makes Kingsport special.