Upcoming Events
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Red, White & BOOM
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport’s fifth-annual Red, White and BOOM Independence Day Celebration returns on July 4th in Downtown Kingsport. This year’s event will feature food trucks, fireworks, live music and more! Red, White & BOOM will take place on Main Street in the Centennial Park area of downtown Kingsport.
Activities will take place throughout the afternoon and evening on Main Street. More than a dozen food trucks will line the street and many downtown restaurants will have modified hours to stay open longer. New this year, we’re excited to announce a hot dog eating contest, in partnership with Hot Dog Hut, and a kids’ watermelon eating contest. Stay tuned for additional details and times. Headlining this year’s free concert is Grand Funk Railroad. More entertainment will be announced soon. Kingsport’s Independence Day Fireworks will follow the performances, with an estimated start time of 9:45 p.m. The fireworks soundtrack with be livestreamed on Electric 94.9.
“We are so excited to be celebrating Red, White & BOOM’s fifth year in downtown Kingsport,” said Emily Thompson, Visit Kingsport’s Director of Fun Fest and Special Events. “This year is extra meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. We can’t wait to honor the legacy of our country while making memories with our community.”
This year we are excited to welcome headliner, Grand Funk Railroad. Known as The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad continues to make their mark on rock music with hits like We’re an American Band, The Loco-Motion and Some Kind of Wonderful among others. Founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, and writer/singer of the iconic “We’re an American Band”) and Mel Schacher (bass, the thunder behind the groove) are joined by a lineup of all-star talent: soulful lead vocalist and writer of 38 Special’s smash “Second Chance,” Max Carl; guitar slinger and veteran of Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band, Mark Chatfield; and the ever-versatile Tim Cashion (affectionately known as “Dr. Tim”), who – in the past – has hit the road with Bob Seger, on keys. Since 1969, Grand Funk Railroad has sold more than 25 million albums, had 19 charting singles, earned seven gold and 10 platinum certifications and has had eight Top 40 hits.
“We are proud to offer Red, White & BOOM as a free community event that allows families to gather together and celebrate the spirit of Kingsport,” said Chris McCartt, Kingsport City Manager. “Red, White & BOOM brings the opportunity to enjoy live music while also supporting our small businesses downtown.”
Red, White and BOOM is made possible by our sponsors: Cardinal Glass Industries, Eastman Credit Union, Spivey, King & Spivey, LLP, This is Kingsport, Tractor Supply, Food City, Express AV, Electric 94.9 and Visit Kingsport.
The event is free and open to the public. Grab a chair or blanket and bring the whole family to enjoy an evening of food, beverage, music and fireworks and celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with us. Follow Visit Kingsport on Facebook or Instagram, or visit redwhiteboomkpt.com for updates and additional information about Red, White and BOOM.
