There is a lot going on in East Tennessee. So much it is hard to keep track of it all. I’ve searched quite a few websites to find a list of Northeast Tennessee festivals and events for September 2021. I’ve focused primarily on family-friendly and recurring events. Lists for Middle East Tennessee and Southeast Tennessee coming soon.

With Covid-19 still very active we advise checking websites or Facebook pages or calling ahead to make sure any of these you plan to attend haven’t been canceled or decided to change times and dates. For your own and everyone else’s protection please wear your masks in crowded areas and follow any safety rules these events have in place.

The Event List (in calendar order)

3rd and 4th

The Washington County Heritage Fair will start at the Jonesborough Visitor Center and Emporium in Jonesborough. It features a living history timeline, numerous orated presentations, and other opportunities to learn the culture and history of the area. It is targeted at Washington County students but everyone is welcome to attend. Free admission.

3rd through 5th

The East Tennessee Celtic Festival will be held at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City. Find your clan connection and enjoy the food, music, vendors, and contests. Friday night’s Torchlight Ceremony is free. Tickets are $10 for one day or $15 for both Saturday and Sunday and are only sold on location. 12 and under are free.

10th through 12th

The Baileyton Celebration calls itself the biggest small town celebration in Greene County. Events take place on the grounds of the Baileyton Elementary School. 13 bands, 15 food trucks, and over 70 vendors are scheduled to attend. There is also a kids’ area, educational booths, a parade, a 5K run, a car show, and a tractor show. Everyone is invited and admission is free.

The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival will be centered on State Street in Bristol TN/VA. This is a three-day music festival with around 100 live music acts spread across 12 indoor and outdoor venues. It features roots music from various genres including Americana, bluegrass, rock, Celtic, country, and more. Tickets are between $50 and $70 dollars for one-day passes and $115 for the weekend pass. If you plan to participate in the Bristol Rhythm 5K or 10K Run/Walk on the 11th, festival tickets can be purchased at a discount if you get them by September 9th.

11th

The Umoja Festival will be held at Kings Common Park in Downtown Johnson City. This festival is a “celebration of ethnic diversity and universal love of life”. It features information booths, merchandise vendors, a variety of music, great food, and fun games for everyone. Admission is free. Donations to the hosting Umoja Arts and Cultural Inc. are welcomed.

The Historic Blountville Heritage Festival and Flea Market in Blountville has been canceled.

18th

Sorghum Festival – Watch the old-fashioned step-by-step process of making sorghum molasses at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City. The historic house and local cave will be open and craftsmen will be there selling their products on the grounds. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for 12 and under.

24th through 26th

The Annual Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton were moved from June to September because of bridge construction. This event held at Covered Bridge Park will feature arts and crafts, lots of food, and fireworks on Saturday night. A listing of musical entertainment and kid’s island events can be found on the website. Free Admission.

The Battle of Blountville reenactment will take place on Old Hawley Farm in Blountville. This award-winning Civil War reenactment is open to all reenactors and spectators. Admission $3

25th and 26th

The Fall Folk Arts Festival is at the Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport. Numerous 1850s style craft demonstrations are one of the highlights of this event. There will also be animals, vendors, music, and a harvest market. The food will include apple butter and Brunswick stew, both kettle-cooked over open fires. Admission $5

Ending Thoughts

It’s been a lot of fun putting together this list of Northeast Tennessee festivals and events for September 2021. I had no idea how varied the events in East Tennessee were. I will try to add to this post and update information (especially about cancelations) at least once a week.

I plan to write posts like this (and its Middle East Tennessee and Southeast Tennessee counterparts) every month on the last weekend to inform people about the upcoming months’ events.

If you are the organizer or publicity manager of an upcoming event contact me at LucindaBrown@TravelEastTennessee.com to have your event added to this or any future monthly posts.

Are you planning on attending any of these Northeast Tennessee festivals and events for September 2021? Did I miss an event you would recommend others attending? Let us know in the comments.