2023 Jonesborough Days Festival

Tennessee’s Oldest Town is excited to host the 2023 Jonesborough Days Festival on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2. This event includes family activities, live music, handmade local crafts, a patriotic parade and fireworks.

This festival is free and open to the public. The festival hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1 and 12 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. The festival begins Saturday, July 1 at 10 a.m. with a parade to kick off the festivities. Activities, music and contests will continue throughout the weekend. The fireworks display starts at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 2 to wrap up the celebration.

Jonesborough Days is voted as one of the top events in the southeast and is known for its community patriotism and nostalgic atmosphere. A pre-event is planned this year including a Kick-Off Dinner on Thursday, June 29 starting at 6 p.m. with a new menu and entertainment. Tickets for the festival fundraiser are on sale now.

During the festival there will be various entertainment and activities taking place throughout the historic district on both days.

Doc’s Front Porch will feature a variety of storytellers and musicians on the International Storytelling Center Plaza during Saturday and Sunday.

Children will have many activities to do in Discovery Park on Saturday and Sunday located on the lawn of Central Christian Church. Discovery Park will offer various activities for children and their families. Heritage games will be hosted by the Heritage Alliance in front of the Christopher Taylor Cabin. Patriot Park will take place behind the International Storytelling Center in Jimmy Neil Smith Park. There will be children’s activities, that include carnival games and prizes, bouncy houses, a dunking machine and inflatables. Have a chance at dunking a favorite coach, teacher or police officer in the dunking machine for a small donation. Proceeds will benefit the Jonesborough Athletic Boosters.

The Main Stage entertainment kicks off on Saturday, July 1 with a Cornbread Competition at 8 p.m. on Courthouse Square beside the Washington County Courthouse in downtown Jonesborough. Following from 8:45 to 10 p.m., Jonesborough Days will host Hannah Dasher. Dasher is a Nashville country music artist. Learn more about her here.

Jonesborough Days will host Shotgun Willie Live, a world-class tribute to Willie Nelson, on Sunday, July 2 from 8 to 10 p.m. There will also be country music trivia with Ryan Budds Trivia prior to the show from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The festival will conclude on Sunday, July 2 at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display. Viewing of the show can be seen throughout the town limits. 96.3 The Possum will air music synced with the fireworks show.

Parking is available at the Jonesborough Middle School for $5 per car and a free shuttle will run all weekend long. For a complete event schedule, tickets or more information about Jonesborough Days, call 423.753.1010 or visit JonesboroughDays.com. Applications for volunteers are available as well.

This year’s festival sponsors include 96.3 The Possum, American Home, Boomtown & Co., Bright Ridge, the Carnegie Hotel, Central Christian Church, the Chamber of Commerce/ Jonesborough, Johnson City, Washington County, The Crystal Raven, Eastman Credit Union, First Horizon Foundation, Food City of Jonesborough, Heritage Alliance, Holiday Inn of Johnson City, HomeCraft Gutter Protection, Ingles, International Storytelling Center, McLeod Organics, MoonPie, Sharp Business Systems of Tennessee, Stafford Custom Graphics, State of Franklin Chapter, and National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Walmart and Visit Johnson City.

###

About the Town of Jonesborough: A unique 18th century town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough’s natural beauty, charming architecture, and storytelling heritage have attracted visitors worldwide. Stay a day, a week or forever, and create your own stories in beautiful Historic Jonesborough. Visit www.jonesborough.com for more information.