Downtown with Dolly

Join us in Downtown Jonesborough on Friday, September 25, from 12 to 8 p.m. for Downtown with Dolly, a celebration honoring the life, music and legacy of Dolly Parton, our beloved Queen of Appalachia. This event is in conjunction with many other cities recognizing Dolly on nine-two-five, September 25, as communities come together to celebrate the incredible impact she has made through her music, Appalachian heritage, generosity and lifelong commitment to children’s literacy.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy special menus at participating downtown restaurants, hear Dolly’s music throughout town and take part in activities celebrating her life and legacy. Families are invited to visit the Washington County Book Bus, where children can choose a free book and participate in a variety of Dolly-themed children’s activities and crafts.

The Christopher Taylor Cabin will be transformed into Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home for the day. Visitors can step back into Appalachian life while celebrating Dolly’s deep connection to her Tennessee roots. The Heritage Alliance will also host a specialCommunity Quilt of Many Colors project. Community members are invited to add a heartfelt message to a quilt square, which will be sewn together on-site at the cabin as a lasting tribute to the community’s celebration of Dolly.

The Cuppa, Cuppa, Cuppa Cobbler Competitionwill begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of the International Storytelling Center. Contestants are invited to enter their favorite cobbler recipe, with any flavor welcome. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the entries and cast their votes for their favorite. First, second and third place winners will receive a Dolly-themed prize, along with Food City gift cards. First place will receive a $100 Food City gift card, second place will receive a $50 gift card and third place will receive a $25 gift card. The prizes are sponsored by the Jonesborough Tourism Department. For competition details and information on how to enter, visit jonesborough.com/Dolly.

Be sure to visit Jonesborough’s Storybook Trail, located just behind the International Storytelling Center at Jimmy Neil Smith Park. Children will be able to pick up copies of Imagination Library books to take home and enjoy.

The Jackson Theatre will also celebrate with free showings of Steel Magnolias at 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The 8:30 p.m. showing will be dependent upon weather conditions for Music on the Square. Monetary donations will be accepted to benefit the Jonesborough/Washington County Library.

The celebration will also coincide with the final Music on the Square of the season, giving visitors even more reason to spend the evening in Downtown Jonesborough. A beloved Jonesborough summer tradition, Music on the Square brings live outdoor music to the heart of downtown, and local folk bandYARN will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 25, on the steps of the Washington County Courthouse for the season finale.

The Jonesborough Area Ministerial Association (JAMA) will also be on-site during Music on the Square from 7 to 9 p.m., collecting donations to support the local food pantry. Community members are encouraged to stop by and help support local families in need.

From music and food to books, crafts, Appalachian traditions, and community connections, Downtown with Dolly will be a day filled with the heart, humor and joy that Dolly Parton has shared with generations. Come celebrate Dolly, celebrate Appalachia and celebrate the power of a community coming together, nine-two-five style! Attendees are encouraged to dress in pink, butterflies, and Dolly-themed attire! For cobbler competition registration and additional information, please visit jonesborough.com/Dolly.