Northeast Tennessee

Believe in Bristol: Sounds on Sixth
2022-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Bristol, Bristol, TN, United States
Join the City of Bristol, Tennessee and Believe in Bristol in a new summer series in Downtown Bristol! 6th Street will become the beach party of your dreams, complete with musical entertainment from The Catalinas. $2 admission, come out donned in your beach apparel and enjoy a large beer garden, tasty bites, and chill beach vibes.
The Catalinas are an American beach music band from the late 1950s. Since the Catalinas formed in Charlotte, North Carolina, in late 1957, over 60 guitarists, keyboardists, trumpet players, drummers, bass players and singers have been a part of the band.

2022 TriPride Parade & Festival
2022-06-15
This will be the first city-wide public Pride Parade and Festival in Bristol. We are making history again this year by having the parade down State Street in both Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA. We are the first Pride event in the nation to occur in two states simultaneously! Go Bristol! The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and the festival begins immediately after, around 12:00 p.m

The TriPride Festival, presented by Eastman, is a FREE, good for all ages event that will feature live performances, vendors and exhibitors, health services, food trucks, and beer and liquor drinks. Previous years in Johnson City (2018) and Kingsport (2019) had an estimated 10,000 attendees!

While the TriPride Parade, presented by CITI, is open to the public, we are requiring FREE tickets to enter the festival grounds. This decision was made for a variety of reasons including giving us a more accurate head count to better understand our community. Most importantly, by making the festival a ticketed event, it allows TriPride organizers to better control protestors from disrupting our PRIDE fun inside the festival grounds.
Tickets are available online and will be available at the security gates on the day of the event. Day-of tickets will be available at the security gates.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series
2022-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Bristol’s longest-standing music traditions returns as the Sounds of Summer Concert Series kicks off its 25th anniversary season at the Downtown Center, 810 State St, Bristol, TN. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM each Tuesday & Thursday (June-August)

Bristol Border Bash
2022-06-03 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Border Bash Celebrates 22nd Anniversary in Historic Downtown Bristol!
2022 Summer Concert Series Lineup Announced
Bristol, TN/VA (May 19, 2022) – Border Bash celebrates it’s return to historic Downtown Bristol! Border Bash, Bristol’s premier summer concert series, is back for another amazing season starting June 3, 2022! Hosted by Believe in Bristol, Border Bash is about fun, family, great music, and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Border Bash, a free summer concert held annually, celebrates its 22nd Anniversary on State Street. The series includes children’s activities, arts & craft and food vendors, in addition to live music and much more. All the events will rotate along State Street this year, and the Star-Spangled July 4th Border Bash will be held in Cumberland Square Park.
“We are always excited when it’s time for Border Bash, but we are extra excited about this year’s lineup, which includes some local and regional acts taking the stage. It is an opportunity to bring great music to our downtown and bring the community together during the summer months. Believe in Bristol is proud to have brought this event to the community for over twenty years, and we’re ready to continue bringing live music to our community in historic Downtown Bristol,” stated Maggie Elliott, Executive Director, Believe in Bristol.
The Border Bash line-up for 2022 is listed below with headliners named first. Music will begin at 6:30pm:
June 3 – Buffalo Rose
The Soulamanders

June 17 – Mama Fuma
TJ Darnell

July 4 – Scythian
Florencia & The Feeling

July 15 – Swim in the Wild
Craig Street

August 5 – Tuatha Dea
Daniel Davis

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol and would not be possible without our community sponsors. Our sponsors in 2022 include City of Bristol, Tennessee, City of Bristol, Virginia, Tim and Kimberly Baker, Bank of Tennessee, Bill and Rose Marie Burriss, Citizens Bank, Anne and Ben Cowan, Robin and Margaret Feierabend, John and Brenda Fincher, Frank Goodpasture, Edward and Tina Hitt, Kil’n Time Contemporary Ceramic Studio, Middle Fork Records, Tres and Barbara Pigg, Mike and Linda Riley, Sessions Hotel, Tom and Barbara Smith, The Southern Churn, John and Ann Tickle, Dean and Karen Tillison, Earl and Peggy Wilson, Audrey Zaidi, 99.3 The X

Hospitality Sponsors: The Bristol Hotel, The Angry Italian, Vivian’s Table, Stateline Bar & Grille, Delta Blues, Quaker Steak & Lube, The Corner

Bristol: Journey's End (Las Posadas)
2021-12-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Journey’s End (Las Posadas)
Tuesday – December 14th
6:00 PM

Journey’s End is Bristol’s local interpretation of the Latino tradition of Las Posadas (The Inns). Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem is recreated as they go from inn to inn seeking lodging and the final inn welcomes them in and celebrates their arrival.

How does Bristol Celebrate Journey’s End?
Our inns are several downtown businesses and our innkeepers are various choirs and choral groups from the Bristol area. We will begin at the Downtown Center then process by candlelight with Mary and Joseph singing the traditional songs and various carols accompanied by instrumentalists.

Journey’s End lasts a little more than an hour. Restaurants will be taking dinner reservations and several of the downtown shops will be open. Come and celebrate Christmas in the heart of our community!

Bristol Christmas Parade
2021-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Bristol Christmas Parade
Thursday – December 2nd
7:00 PM

Thousands of area residents will be on State Street Thursday night, December 2nd for the Bristol Christmas Parade.The parade, which has been taking place in the downtown area for more than a century, is a program of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce.The nights festivities, which will start on Bob Morrison Blvd., make its way through the center of town before finishing up at the Train Station. As always, jolly ole Saint Nick will make his presence known, riding in the final float.

More than 150 floats from local businesses, civic and volunteer organizations, church groups, bands,schools, neighborhood groups, etc. make up the parade.

Bristol: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
2021-11-29 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Monday – November 29th
6:30 PM

Bristol’s Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Monday, November 29th at 6:30 p.m. at Cumberland Square Park in Historic Downtown Bristol. The event showcases the site’s nearly 50-foot Norwegian Spruce and its younger counterpart, a 25-foot Douglas Fir decorated with thousands of warm-white Christmas lights – about 30,000 of them – for a dramatic and joyous display.

Refreshments provided by Emmanuel Episcopal Church and The Bristol Hotel.
Special thank you to event sponsor: The Bristol Hotel

Bristol: Christmas Open House
2021-11-22 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Annual Christmas Open House
Monday – November 22nd
5:30 – 8:30 PM

Ready or not, it’s time to GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT!

Come kick off the holiday season with merriment and good cheer! The Open House has traditionally been a customer appreciation night when merchants stay open late, have special discounts, and refreshments are served at participating locations. Join us and support your downtown shops; it’s a great way to stimulate our local economy and find special one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Don’t miss an evening planned for the entire family’s enjoyment!

State Street will be transformed into Candy Cane Lane with festive lights and decorations, including downtown merchants participating in the Merry Merchants Window Decorating Contest with the same Candy Cane Christmas theme. Santa Claus will be making his first appearance of the season downtown, handing out candy canes, and Theatre Bristol will be caroling and showing off their Christmas Scenes window display.

Last, but certainly not least, a holiday favorite will once again return to State Street — Horse and Carriage Rides! Come to the Downtown Center (Farmer’s Market) to catch your ride through downtown. This year there will be an added horse drawn wagonette to increase ride opportunities! Prices for rides are as follows: $3 Wagonette / $7 for Horse & Carriage per person; $20 private ride on Horse & Carriage per couple; Ages 6 and under $1.

Downtown Bristol Christmas Open House
2021-11-22 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Ready or not, it’s time to GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT! Believe in Bristol will again sponsor the Annual Christmas Open House in Historic Downtown Bristol on Monday, November 22, 2021, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Come kick off the holiday season with merriment and good cheer! Santa Claus will be giving out candy canes, Bristol Ballet will have dancers in costume, there will be carolers amongst the early Christmas shoppers!
Last, but certainly not least, a holiday favorite has returned — Horse & Carriage Rides! Come to the Downtown Center (Farmer’s Market) to catch your ride through downtown, $5 per person.
“We look forward each year to showcasing our beautiful downtown to the community and surrounding areas. Our Believe in Bristol Downtown Open House is the perfect way to ‘kick-off’ the holiday season. This event offers something to every age, and we hope the attendees will feel the warmth and hospitality of Bristol” said Maggie Bishop, Believe in Bristol Executive Director.
Be sure to keep a look out for your favorite decorated window as the downtown merchants will be participating in the Merry Merchants Window Decorating Contest.
The Open House has traditionally been a customer appreciation night when merchants stay open late, have special discounts, and refreshments are served at participating locations. Join us and support your downtown shops; it’s a great way to stimulate our local economy and find special one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Don’t miss an evening planned for the entire family’s enjoyment

Bristol: Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors featuring 49 Winchester
2021-11-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Frontier Health Foundation & Bank of Tennessee Presents “euNoia A Well Mind Concert” 11/13/2021 at Cumberland Square Park in Bristol, VA!

About this event

PRESENTS….
Our First Annual euNoia A Well Mind Concert!
Join us on November 13th at 6:00PM at Cumberland Square Park in Historic Downtown Bristol, VA.! Children 12 & Under FREE!
GATES OPEN @4 PM!
Bring A Chair! Bring your family! Bring your friends! Enjoy Awesome Food Trucks!
YOUR TICKET MAKES AN IMPACT!!

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Their newest album Dragons debuted at #1 Billboard Americana/Folk Albums, #1 Amazon New Albums, and #1 iTunes Singer Songwriter Chart and led to a career spanning feature in which Rolling Stone declared Holcomb as “One of Americana’s Most Popular Stars.”

Special Guest 49 Winchester!
From Russell County, VA. 49 Winchester delivers the poetically straightforward songs of singer/guitarist Isaac Gibson in a soulful electric live show. The band brings their rock & roll roots planted firmly in the traditions of mountain music!

Downtown Bristol Tailgate
2021-10-23
Believe in Bristol and Bristol, Tennessee Parks & Recreation are teaming up to bring the inaugural Downtown Bristol Tailgate on Saturday, October 23rd at the Downtown Center, located at 810 State Street.

The day of family fun will feature a cornhole tournament, kid’s activities, live music, beer garden, and college football streaming all day long. Downtown favorites, Delta Blues and Broad Street Diner, will be setup with some of their best sellers for sale to the those in attendance.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting this event with Parks and Recreation, as part of our new social sports league, especially because this is fun for the whole family,” said Maggie Elliott, Executive Director of Believe in Bristol. “The whole event will be fenced off as a beer garden so participants can play cornhole and mingle while checking in on the score of their favorite team.”

Rex Montgomery, Natalie Grace, and James Meadows will be providing live entertainment during the event, that runs from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Those interested in playing in the cornhole tournament can pre-register for $15 per individual at bristoltn.recdesk.com; day-of registration cost is $20 and ends at 12:15 PM. Cost of registration includes an event t-shirt, featuring a custom watercolor design by local artist Cari Seaton. Proceeds for the tournament will benefit Believe in Bristol’s downtown revitalization efforts.

This event is hosted by Believe in Bristol and Bristol, Tennessee Parks and Recreation. Special thanks to sponsors Holston Distributing, Tri-City Tent and Event, and Power Line Farms.

About Believe in Bristol:
As a Certified Main Street Community, Downtown Bristol has more to offer every day – more activities, more shops, more homes, more offices and more life. Believe in Bristol is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization composed of dedicated citizens, business owners, government officials and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering our communities identity, spirit and economy. For more information about Believe in Bristol, please visit www.believeinbristol.org.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
2021-09-10 - 2021-09-12
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion celebrates 20 years in Historic Downtown Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee September 10-12, 2021. Honoring the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which included the first recordings of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers and ushered country music into the mainstream, Bristol Rhythm digs deep into the roots of Appalachian music while lifting its branches to new heights. The festival offers more than 100 acts of live music on more than a dozen stages along State Street – from traditional bluegrass and classic country to Americana and indie rock.
Due to the vast influence of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, Bristol has been designated by Congress as “the birthplace of country music” and is home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Conveniently located just outside festival gates, the museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Session through beautiful film experiences, interactive touch screen exhibits, and much more. We highly recommend visiting the museum while you’re attending the festival!
For more information about festival lineup and the museum, visit our website.

Bristol’s Star Spangled Community-Wide Celebration
2021-07-04 16:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
Believe in Bristol is happy to announce the upcoming schedule for Bristol’s annual Independence Day celebration. The event, previously hosted by both Celebrate Bristol and Believe in Bristol, was forced to take a pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s July 4th Celebration is packed full of fun events and activities the whole family can enjoy, complete with a free Border Bash concert featuring Virginia Ground with Dave Eggar and Amythyst Kiah, but will be missing the major attraction of fireworks.
“During the early stages of event planning for July 4th, availability of fireworks and funding source were a significant challenge we were not prepared for,” said Maggie Elliott, Executive Director for Believe in Bristol. “The cancellations from 2020 put extra pressure on the pyrotechnic companies who service our area; they saw a decline in technician permit renewals at the same time demand went up, making fireworks unavailable to us for this year’s event.”
Believe in Bristol will not keep the lack of fireworks from diminishing an opportunity to gather the Bristol community for the holiday celebration, beginning with the annual July 4th parade. Those interested in being part of the parade may contact the Believe in Bristol office, or visit www.believeinbristol.org to fill out the entry form to participate.
SUNDAY, July 4 – Star-Spangled 4th of July
4:00 pm Parade Line-up on Bob Morrison Blvd
5:00 pm Bristol’s Independence Day Parade on State Street
6:00 pm Events in Cumberland Square Park
Special Recognition of all Veterans
Presented by Danny Hill
Family Fun Events in the Park Including:
Free Inflatables, “Eating Contests,” and more.
Food, Beverage, and Craft Vendors Available
BORDER BASH SUMMER CONCERT
7:00 pm VIRGINIA GROUND FEAT. DAVE EGGAR
After 10 years apart, Virginia Ground reunited, and within a year, they released their sophomore album, Valley of the Crow. In 2018 they were named a FloydFest “On the Rise” Band. Also in 2018, lead singer and guitarist, Jamen Denton grabbed the overall winning award for his songwriting at the Richard Leigh Songwriter’s Festival held annually in Abingdon, VA.
The band’s most recent EP, Radio Songs, self-released by Middle Fork Records in late 2018, is their most recent work.
These days, Virginia Ground plugs in more at shows as Denton plays lead on electric guitar. But the band never forgets their roots for those old crowd favorites when he picks up the acoustic and blends vocals and sound with original members, Jon McGlocklin singing harmonies and Will Outlaw on trombone, and newest members, Jim Denton on bass, and Noah Denton on percussion.
8:30 pm AMYTHYST KIAH
With an unforgettable voice that’s both unfettered and exquisitely controlled, the Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter expands on the uncompromising artistry she most recently revealed as part of Our Native Daughters, an all-women-of-color supergroup whose Kiah-penned standout “Black Myself” earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards.
When met with the transcendent quality of her newly elevated sound, what emerges is an extraordinary vessel for Kiah’s songwriting: a raw yet nuanced examination of grief, alienation, and the hard-won triumph of total self-acceptance.
This new studio version of “Black Myself” is a glorious collision of two vastly different worlds: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion, and the roots/old-time-music scene.
In addition, with Believe in Bristol is looking for hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers to add to their volunteer team, and there are a variety of shifts still available for the Star Spangled Celebration. If you are interested in donating your time, contact the Believe in Bristol office at info@believeinbristol.org for more information.
We would like to give our sponsors for 2021 a huge thank you for helping us make this event possible for our Bristol community! Bristol’s Star Spangled Celebration & Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol. Our sponsors in 2021 include City of Bristol, Tennessee, Bank of Tennessee, Blackbird Bakery, Eric & Christina Blevins, Bristol Tattoo Company, Burke, Powers & Harty Insurance, Mr. & Mrs. William Burriss, Jr., Dr. & Mrs. Ben Cowan, Robin & Margaret Feierabend, John & Brenda Fincher, Guthrie Dentistry, Edd Hill, Sara Beth Hitt & Kris Versteegen, J.A. Street & Associates, Kil’n Time Contemporary Ceramics Studio, Middle Fork Records, RE/MAX Results – Josh Taylor, Mike & Linda Riley, Tom & Barbara Smith, Spiegler & Blevins, CPAs, Strongwell, Dr. and Mrs. Earl Wilson, WQUT / WKOS. Hospitality Sponsors include Burger Bar, Delta Blues BBQ, Machiavelli’s, Quaker Steak & Lube, Stateline Bar & Grill, The Angry Italian, and The Sessions Hotel.
For more information, please visit www.believeinbristol.org.

Bristol: Border Bash
2021-06-04 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
After taking a pause in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Border Bash celebrates it’s return to historic Downtown Bristol! Border Bash, Bristol’s premier summer concert series, is back for another amazing season starting June 4, 2021! Hosted by Believe in Bristol, Border Bash is about fun, family, great music, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Border Bash, a free summer concert held annually, celebrates its return to State Street. The series includes children’s activities, arts & craft and food vendors, in addition to live music and much more. All the events will rotate along State Street this year, and the Star Spangled July 4th Border Bash will be held in Cumberland Square Park.

“We are always excited when it’s time for Border Bash, but this year is extra sweet after taking the year off in 2020 due to the pandemic. It is an opportunity to bring great music back to our downtown and bring the community back together during the summer months. Believe in Bristol is proud to have brought this event to the community for twenty years, and we’re ready to continue bringing live music to our community in historic Downtown Bristol,” stated Maggie Elliott, Executive Director, Believe in Bristol.

The Border Bash line-up for 2021 is listed below with headliners named first. Music will begin at 7:00pm:

June 4 – Tan & Sober Gentlemen
Loose Leaves

June 18 – Tray Wellington Band
Honey Badgers

July 4 – Amythyst Kiah
Virginia Ground featuring Dave Eggar

July 23 – CASH Revisited
Zach McNabb & The Tennessee Esquires

August 13 – Josh Daniels Grateful Band
These Undowners

August 27 – Abby Bryant & The Echoes
Donnie & The Dry Heavers

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol and would not be possible without our community sponsors. Our sponsors in 2021 include City of Bristol, TN, Bank of Tennessee, Blackbird Bakery, Mr. & Mrs. William Burriss, Jr., Dr. & Mrs. Ben Cowan, Dr. & Mrs. John Fincher, Guthrie Dentistry, Edd Hill, Sarah Beth Hitt & Kris Versteegen, J.A. Street & Associates, Kil’n Time Contemporary Ceramics Studio, Middle Fork Records, RE/MAX Results – Josh Taylor, Mike & Linda Riley, Tom & Barbara Smith, Spiegler & Blevins, CPAs, Strongwell, Dr. and Mrs. Earl Wilson

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Adult Prom Volume III: Prom through the Decades
2020-03-07 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York)
Relive your high school glory days: dust off that old dress, tux, or suit, or use the night as an excuse to look good and have fun!
About this Event
Join us for Believe in Bristol’s spring fundraiser, Dancing Downtown: Adult Prom Volume III: Prom through the Decades! Join us Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Foundation Event Facility and party with a purpose!
This event includes all your favorite prom staples from balloon arches and cheesy prom photos to finger foods and a DJ with the added bonus of games and a bar! Nominate your friends and vote for King and Queen, dance the night away with our DJ, and create fun memories along the way – all while supporting a local nonprofit organization! This event is open to anyone and everyone over the age of 21. Relive your high school glory days: dust off that old dress, tux, or suit, or use the night as an excuse to look good and have fun!
Individual and couple tickets will be available for sale both at the Believe in Bristol office and online for $25 and $40 respectively. Tables will be available for purchase through the Believe in Bristol office only at $300 for 8 seats (table quantity limited). Tickets include entry, food, one drink, and dancing ’til you drop. King and Queen nominations and votes, extra drinks, games, and official prom photos will be cash only.
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Dancing Downtown: Adult Prom Volume III is a fundraiser for Believe in Bristol; all proceeds will benefit the Main Street Program and downtown revitalization efforts. For more information, please contact the Believe in Bristol at 423-573-2201 or info@believeinbristol.org.
As a Certified Main Street Community, Downtown Bristol has more to offer every day more activities, more shops, more homes, more offices and more life. Believe in Bristol is a nonprofit 501 ( c ) 3 organization composed of dedicated citizens, business owners, government officials and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering our communities identity, spirit and economy.

Bristol: Annual Christmas Open House
2019-11-25 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
A Holiday Tradition in Historic Downtown Bristol:
You are cordially invited to the Annual Christmas Open House
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Historic Downtown Bristol as Believe in Bristol welcomes the holiday season with the Annual Christmas Open House on Monday, November 25, 2019, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Come kick off the holiday season with merriment and good cheer! The Open House has traditionally been a customer appreciation night when merchants stay open late, have special discounts, and refreshments are served at participating locations. Join us and support your downtown shops; it’s a great way to stimulate our local economy and find special one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Don’t miss an evening planned for the entire family’s enjoyment!

Santa Claus will be giving out candy canes and Bristol Ballet will have dancers in costume. Be sure to keep a look out for your favorite decorated window as the downtown merchants will be participating in the Merry Merchants Window Decorating Contest with the theme: Favorite Christmas Movie. Last year’s winner, Brown Edwards, won the Tacky Christmas theme with a wonderfully creative scene display from a holiday favorite: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Last, but certainly not least, a holiday favorite will once again return to State Street — Horse and Carriage Rides! Come to the Downtown Center (Farmer’s Market) to catch your ride through downtown, $5 per person, children 5 and under are free.
“We look forward each year to showcasing our beautiful downtown to the community and surrounding areas. Our Believe in Bristol Christmas Open House is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. This event offers something for every age and interest, and we hope everyone who attends will feel the warmth and hospitality of Downtown Bristol,” said Maggie Elliott, Believe in Bristol Executive Director.
For more information about the Christmas Open House, please call 423-573-2201 or visit www.believeinbristol.org.

Push! Film Festival
2019-10-12
PUSH! Film Festival has released its film and workshop lineup for the 2019 festival, held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol! Now in its 5th year, PUSH! has a variety of films and related programs planned for Saturday, October 12, 2019, including screenings of juried short films focused on Tennessee and Virginia, two curated feature films, an awards ceremony and reception, and an educational and fun hands-on workshop.

The Programming Committee reviewed over 50 films submitted in order to select a diverse and thought-provoking lineup of short films. All of the shorts were either made in Virginia or Tennessee or made by a filmmaker from one of those states. These will be screened from 3:00 to 6:00pm. There will also be two feature films screened at the festival: Blaze, inspired by the life of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, and Labyrinth, the 1986 cult classic featuring David Bowie as the Goblin King.

This year’s PUSH! workshop – InstaFilm Bristol – is sure to be a favorite. Led by Josh Mancuso, InstaFilm Bristol is a 4-hour crash course and film competition with films produced solely through Instagram Stories. This event will be held on October 12 from 11:00am to 3:00pm; it is free and open to the public (ages 13+) with an optional lunch available for $5.

Festival passes are $25 and give festivalgoers entry to the short film screenings, Blaze, and the awards ceremony and reception. To see the full lineup, the schedule of events on October 12, and to buy your tickets, visit www.pushfilmfest.com. You can also purchase tickets at the Believe in Bristol office at 20 6th Street, Bristol, Tennessee. Please check out the festival’s online store at www.pushfilmfest.com for cool festival merchandise.

Festival attendees should note that because seating is limited, film attendance will be based on a first-come, first-served basis at each film venue. The film screenings, workshop, awards ceremony, and reception will all be held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Special thank you to the Tennessee Entertainment Commission and Virginia Film Office for continued support of PUSH! Film Festival.

About PUSH! Film Festival
PUSH! Film Festival, held in Historic Downtown Bristol, TN/VA, hosts a variety of curated movies, workshops and presentations about film, along with screenings of juried shorts, features, and films focused on Tennessee and Virginia.

Lost State Distilling Ribbon Cutting
2019-08-29 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)

Food City Family Race Night - Downtown Bristol, TN/VA
2019-08-14 13:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
FREE and back downtown where it belongs. The August edition of the famed Food City Family Race Night will be Wednesday, August 14th. Food City Family Race Night will feature tons of music, food, vendors, race cars and NASCAR Drivers.

Hot Bristol Night Car Show
2019-08-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)

Bristol's Star Spangled Celebration with The Cleverlys
2019-07-04
Thursday, July 4th, 2019 Schedule
4:00 PM: Parade Line-up on Morrison Blvd. (Contact Believe in Bristol for a parade application!)
5:00 PM: Bristol’s Independence Day Parade — State Street
6:00 PM: Events in Cumberland Square Park including:
Special Recognition of all Veterans
Presented by Danny Hill
Family Fun Events in the Park
Inflatables, “Eating Contests”, and much more.
Food, Beverage, and Craft Vendors Available for Purchase
Free Watermelon
Sponsored by Kroger
Great American Lions Club Rubber Duck Race
Cumberland Square Park/Beaver Creek Basin
Border Bash Concert
8:00 PM: The Cleverlys
Fireworks begin at 10pm! Bring and blanket and enjoy the show!

Bristol: Sounds of Summer Concert Series
2019-06-04 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series, formerly the Full Moon Jam, will start June 4th and run through September 26th. Concerts will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7-9pm from June — September at the Downtown Center (Country Music Mural), 810 State Street.
Bring a lawn chair or come early to grab one of the 350 chairs provided on-site. Refreshments are sold in the concessions area for a nominal fee. Clean, well-stocked restrooms also available.
Bands subject to change without notice. For more information visit the City of Bristol TN website.

Bristol Border Bash
2019-05-17 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
Bristol, VA/TN (May 6, 2019) – Celebrating 20 years in Historic Downtown, Border Bash—Bristol’s premier spring/summer concert series—is back for another amazing season starting May 17, 2019! Hosted by Believe in Bristol, and the Cities of Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee, Border Bash is about fun, family, great music, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Border Bash, a free summer concert series held annually May through August, celebrates its 20th anniversary including children’s activities, arts & craft and food vendors in addition to live music and much more. All the events will rotate on State Street this year, and the Star Spangled July 4th Border Bash will be held in Cumberland Square Park.

“We are always excited when it’s time for Border Bash. It is an opportunity to bring great music to our downtown and bring the community together during the summer months. Believe in Bristol is proud to have brought this event to the community for twenty years,” stated Maggie Bishop, Executive Director, Believe in Bristol.

The Border Bash line-up for 2019 is:

May 17 – 7:00 pm, Magus and the Movers
8:30 pm, Kirk Fleta

June 7 – 7:00 pm, Fritz & Co.
8:30 pm, Mr. Nobody & The Extras

June 21 – 7:00 pm, Bella Raye
8:30 pm, South Hill Banks

July 4 (Thursday) – 8:00 pm, The Cleverlys

July 19 – 7:00 pm, Jake Quillin
8:30 pm, 49 Winchester

August 2 – 7:00 pm, Magnolia Boulevard
8:30 pm, Holler Jake with Dave Eggar

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol and the Cities of Bristol. Border Bash would not be possible without our community sponsors. Our sponsors in 2019 include Bank of Tennessee, Birthplace of Country Music, Blackbird Bakery, Bristol Herald Courier, Camellia Digital, Coca-Cola, Dr. & Mrs. Ben Cowan, Express AV Productions, Dr. & Mrs. John Fincher, Framed, Jeff & Terri Gregory, Knoxville TVA Employee Credit Union, Lost State Distilling, Merrill-Lynch, Anna Morgan, Dale & Joneen Sargent, Tom & Barbara Smith, The Bristol Hotel, John & Ann Tickle, Tri-City Tent & Event, Turtleson, and Dr. & Mrs. Zaidi.

Bristol: 2nd Annual Dancing Downtown Adult Prom
2019-02-23 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
You asked and we listened, Adult Prom is back! Believe in Bristol is gearing up for our spring fundraiser, Dancing Downtown: 2nd Annual Adult Prom! Join us Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Foundation Event Facility and party with a purpose!
This event includes all your favorite prom staples from balloon arches and cheesy prom photos to finger foods and a DJ with the added bonus of games and a bar! Nominate your friends and vote for King and Queen, dance the night away with our DJ, and create fun memories along the way — all while supporting a local nonprofit organization! This event is open to anyone and everyone over the age of 21. Relive your high school glory days: dust off that old dress, tux, or suit, or use the night as an excuse to look good and have fun!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Individual and couple tickets will be available for sale both at the Believe in Bristol office and online (BIBadultprom2.brownpapertickets.com) for $25 and $40 respectively. Tables will be available for purchase through the Believe in Bristol office only at $185 for 8 seats (table quantity limited). Tickets include entry, food, one drink, and dancing ’til you drop. King and Queen nominations and votes, extra drinks, games, and official prom photos will be cash only.
Dancing Downtown: 2nd Annual Adult Prom is a fundraiser for Believe in Bristol; all proceeds will benefit the Main Street Program and downtown revitalization efforts. For more information, please contact the Believe in Bristol at 423-573-2201 or info@believeinbristol.org. As a Certified Main Street Community, Downtown Bristol has more to offer every day – more activities, more shops, more homes, more offices and more life. Believe in Bristol is a nonprofit 501 ( c ) 3 organization composed of dedicated citizens, business owners, government officials and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering our communities identity, spirit and economy.

Noon Years Eve
2018-12-31 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Noon Years Eve (Kids Event)
December 31 | Quaker Steak and Lube

Have you ever wanted to celebrate a countdown with your kids on New Years but don’t want to mess their schedules up? Or maybe you have adult plans for the night and would like to share the experience with your children still? We have the solution! We will host a countdown for kids to celebrate the New Year at 12pm Noon on New Years Eve. We will have sparkling grape juice and party favors for the kids to enjoy. Come and celebrate this event with us and your little ones!

The Bristol Hotel: New Years Bash
2018-12-31 08:30 - 2019-01-01 08:30 (America/New_York)
New Years Bash at The Bristol Hotel
December 31 | Bristol Hotel

Book our New Year’s Package and get exclusive access to The Bristol Hotel’s New Year’s Eve party! This private party will be held in The King Ballroom at The Bristol Hotel on December 31st, 2018 from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM. In addition to heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, dance floor and champagne toast at midnight, guests will be allowed early check in (2 PM), late check out (2 PM), champagne & chocolate covered truffles upon arrival, and breakfast for two.
Still no plans for New Year’s Eve? We’ve got you covered. We’re hosting a private event with a just a few tickets left. $100 per person will get you access to the private event! While you’re here, be sure to check out our wonderful restaurant, Vivian’s Table, and our award winning rooftop bar and lounge, Lumac. Please call the front desk at 276-696-3535 for more details!

Journey's End
2018-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Journey’s End
December 18 | Downtown Bristol

December 17, 2018 (Bristol TN/VA) – On Tuesday, December 18th at 6:00 PM, Journey’s End will again take place in Historic Downtown Bristol! Journey’s End is Bristol’s local interpretation of the Latino tradition of Las Posadas (The Inns). Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem is recreated as they go from inn to inn seeking lodging and the final inn welcomes them in and celebrates their arrival.
How does Bristol Celebrate Journey’s End?
Our inns are several downtown businesses and our innkeepers are various choirs and choral groups from the Bristol area. We will begin at the Downtown Center then process by candlelight with Mary and Joseph singing the traditional songs and various carols accompanied by instrumentalists.

This year Mary will be played by Lydia McCraw and Joseph will be Nick Meredith. Along the way choirs from Redeemer Lutheran Church will be at Shanghai; Central Presbyterian Church at Cameo Theatre; Emmanuel Episcopal Church at Stateline Bar & Grille; State Street United Methodist at Cranberry Lane; Theatre Bristol at the former Wells Fargo, and First Presbyterian Church at The Paramount Center for the Arts. Joseph and Mary will be escorted by Prince and Lucky from Dreamland Alpacas (Please, no dogs in attendance as we do not want to scare the live animals).

Afterwards a small reception will be held at The Paramount Center for the Arts with refreshments provided by Aramark of King University. There will be no street closure for this event, but traffic will be slowed by a rolling police barricade.

A special thank you to the Cities of Bristol, Dr. Frank and Rev. Ann Aichinger, Pete Buhls, Robert Campbelle, Marcia Cooper, Dr. Pat Flannagan, Samantha Gray, Robert Greene, Rev. Grace Kim, Lydia McCraw, David and Debbie McLeish of Dreamland Alpacas, Nick Meredith, Paramount Bristol, Lea Powers, Bryan Underwood, Rev Sam Weddington, Chris & Stephanie Yoder, and primary event sponsors for the evening is Believe in Bristol for providing luminaries and helping hands.

Be sure to stick around after Journey’s End for Bristol Virginia Senior Showchoir’s annual Christmas Show, a beloved holiday tradition at The Paramount. This year’s show features holiday magic and pageantry along with familiar songs of the season.

Journey’s End lasts a little more than an hour. Restaurants will be taking dinner reservations and several of the downtown shops will be open. Come and celebrate Christmas in the heart of our community!

Please visit believeinbristol.org or call 423-573-2201 for more information.

Downtown Bristol Annual Christmas Open House
2018-11-19 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Ready or not, it’s time to GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT! Believe in Bristol will again sponsor the Annual Christmas Open House in Historic Downtown Bristol on Monday, November 19, 2018, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Come kick off the holiday season with merriment and good cheer! Santa Claus will be giving out candy canes, Bristol Ballet will have dancers in costume, and choirs from Tri-Cities Christian School will perform at 6:30 pm.
Last, but certainly not least, a holiday favorite will return this year — Horse and Carriage Rides! This year we will have two pickup and drop off locations. Come to the Downtown Center (Farmer’s Market) or HomeTrust bank parking lot to catch your ride through downtown, $5 each person for one way and $8 for both ways. Children 5 and under are free.
The Open House has traditionally been a customer appreciation night when merchants stay open late, have special discounts, and refreshments are served at participating locations. Join us and support your downtown shops; it’s a great way to stimulate our local economy and find special one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Don’t miss an evening planned for the entire family’s enjoyment!

“We look forward each year to showcasing our beautiful downtown to the community and surrounding areas. Our Believe in Bristol Downtown Open House is the perfect way to ‘kick-off’ the holiday season. This event offers something for every age, and we hope the attendees will feel the warmth and hospitality of Bristol,” said Maggie Bishop, Believe in Bristol Executive Director.
Be sure to keep a look out for your favorite decorated window as the downtown merchants will be participating in the Merry Merchants Window Decorating Contest.
For more information about the Christmas Open House, please call 423-573-2201 or visit www.believeinbristol.org.

PUMPKIN PALOOZA AND DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREATING
2018-10-27 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
It’s time for the Annual Pumpkin Palooza and Trick-or-Treating on State Street! On Saturday October 27, 9am to 12 noon, kids of all ages can come to the Farmers’ Market at the Downtown Center, 810 State Street for a spooktacular event! Hosted by Bristol Tennessee Parks & Recreation Department and Believe in Bristol, there will be fun and games galore — children can decorate a pumpkin with a variety of fun craft materials. There will be treat bags for kids to take home (while supplies last), along with the pumpkin they decorated. The fun continues as downtown merchants are open for trick-or-treating at various shops along State Street from 10am until 12 noon, or until the candy runs out! It’s fun for the whole family!
