Enjoyable Outdoor Activities in Johnson City, Tennessee:

Outdoor enthusiasts will love a weekend getaway to Johnson City, TN. Johnson City is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. The Tri-State area is also home to several state parks, making it a perfect destination for hikers, bikers, kayakers, and fishermen.  Johnson City is also home to Tennessee State University making it a popular place for the younger crowd too. 

Hiking at one of East Tennessee nearby State Parks:

Johnson City, Tennessee is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a great location for outdoor activities like hiking. Popular places to hike include Buffalo Mountain Park, Tweetsie Trails, Roan Mountian State Park, and Warriors Path State Park. Important to note, Johnson City is 45 minutes away from the famous Appalachian Trail.

Biking at one of Johnson Cities bike paths:

Explore the Tweetsie Trail, a rails-to-trails path that stretches 10 miles from Johnson City to Elizabethton.

Kayaking or canoeing on one of Johnson City’s rivers or lakes:

Rent a kayak or canoe for an afternoon adventure. Nature lovers will enjoy a paddle down the Nolichucky River, Watauga River, or South Holston Lake.

Fishing in a local fishing spot:

Cast a line at one of the local fishing spots such as Boone Lake, Watauga River, or South Holston Lake.

An Afternoon of Golfing:

Hit the links at one of the local golf courses such as Pine Oaks Golf Course or Johnson City Country Club.

Plan a family picnic:

Pack a picnic and head to Winged Deer Park or Founders Park for a relaxing afternoon. Make the day extra special with a picnic basket like this!

Play Disk Golf Games: 

Play a round of disc golf at Winged Deer Park or Harmon Field Park. If you need a disk golf set Amazon has them for an inexpensive price.

Swimming on those hot Summer Days:

Take a dip in the pool or go for a swim in the lake at Warrior’s Path State Park.

Tipton Haynes State Historical Site: 

Historic grounds and house for the history buffs. 

Things to do in Johnson City, TN at Night:

Travelers visiting small towns often have questions about what to do in the evenings. Glad to say, that Johnson City does offer a wide range of activities for both adults and families. Included below are some suggestions on what to do at night in this lovely city.

Go out to eat at a local restaurant:

Johnson City has a variety of restaurants that offer delicious food. Current top places to eat in Johnson City, VA include Juan Siao, Main Street Pizza, and Freibergs.

Watch a movie at The Tinseltown Cinema:

Head to the Tinseltown theater for a movie night with friends or family.

Attend a concert or show:

Check out the lineup at the Freedom Hall Civic Center or the Capitol Theatre for live music or theater performances.

Go for a walk:

Take a stroll through downtown Johnson City and enjoy the charming streets and storefronts.

Visit a brewery or winery:

Johnson City is home to several breweries and wineries that offer tours and tastings, such as Johnson City Brew, Yee-Haw Brewing Co, Watauga Brewing Company, and Great Oak Brewing.

Try your luck at a casino:

If you’re feeling lucky, head to the nearby Hard Rock Casino for a night of gambling and entertainment. This new casino entertainment area is located in nearby Bristol, TN VA.

Go bowling:

Bowl your heart out at Holiday Lanes is a great family-friendly indoor activity.

Attend a sporting event:

Catch a baseball game at TVA Credit Union Ballpark or a basketball game at the Freedom Hall Civic Center.

Annual Events and Festivals Held in Johnson City, Tennessee:

The best way to learn about a new destination is to join in on community events and festivals. Johnson City, TN holds several annual events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Blue Plum Festival:

Blue Plum Festival is a three-day event that takes place in downtown Johnson City every June. Visit for live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a 5K race.

Little Chicago Downtown Music and Arts Festival:

The Little Chicago’s downtown music and arts festival takes place in August. Guests will enjoy live music, art vendors, and food trucks.

Taste of Johnson City:

The Taste of Johnson City food festival takes place in September. This annual event showcases local restaurants and their specialties.

Christmas Parade:

This festive Christmas parade takes place in December. Attendees enjoy features of floats, marching bands, and appearances by Santa Claus.

Umoja Festival:

The Umoja annual event takes place in September. This event celebrates African-American culture with live music, food vendors, and cultural performances.

Johnson City Folk Festival

This two-day festival in October celebrates traditional Appalachian music. The Johnson City Folk Festival features live performances and workshops.

Bluegrass, White Snow:

This winter festival in January features bluegrass music, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza:

This beer festival takes place in April and features over 100 different craft beers to sample. Johnson City is a beer lovers’ town and this extravaganza is a perfect time to visit.

Bluegrass BBQ Festival:

The Bluegrass BBQ festival in May features live bluegrass music, food vendors, and a BBQ competition.

These are just a few examples of the many events and festivals that take place in Johnson City, TN throughout the year.  For those attending the Bluegrass Festival or any of the other popular annual events, book your hotel reservations in advance.  Hotels do become harder to find during these festivities. 

For the best place to stay in Johnson City, check out The Carnegie Hotel!