.png)
🎉There is lots to see and do over Labor Day Weekend here in Johnson County, TN! 🎶
From Fiddlers to First Responders: A Weekend of Heritage, Music & BBQ in Johnson County!
Long Journey Home – Where Tradition Comes Alive
Johnson County’s Long Journey Home Festival is our annual Heritage Arts and Music Celebration – and this year is extra special. Over Labor Day Weekend (August 29–31), our tiny mountain town will come alive with stories, songs, and celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the historic 1925 Fiddlers’ Convention – a watershed moment in the development of country music.
This three-day festival features:
-
Buskin’ on Main – Friday, August 29 @ 6:00PM: Local and regional acoustic talent fills downtown Mountain City with music, food, and fun.
-
Musical Heritage Homecoming Tour – Saturday, August 30 @11:00AM: Start at the Johnson County Center for the arts and then travel to the Fred Price Homeplace for porch-picking and authentic Old-Time tunes, featuring Kenny Price, Jerry Moses, and the Junior Appalachian Musicians.
-
John McCutcheon in Concert – Saturday night at Heritage Hall Theatre @7:00PM: The folk legend launches his 1925 Fiddlers’ Convention Tribute Album, joined by Grammy-winning artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle, and Jake Blount.
-
Sunday Singin’ – August 31 @ 2:00PM: Traditional gospel music closes the weekend with heartfelt harmony at Heritage Hall.
Art lovers will enjoy the Long Journey Home Art Show at the Johnson County Center for the Arts Gallery on Main, and festival maps make it easy to explore the Musical Heritage Mural Mile and other sites that keep our stories alive.
2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff
Labor Day Weekend also brings the First Responder Rib Cookoff at Ralph Stout Park on Saturday, August 30. From 11 am–7 pm, enjoy mouthwatering BBQ, live music, games, raffles, vendors, and more – all to support the Elk Mills-Poga Volunteer Fire Department in rebuilding their station lost during Hurricane Helene. It’s family-friendly fun where YOU get to be the judge of the best ribs in the county!
Explore Johnson County
When you’re not toe-tapping at the festival or savoring BBQ, get outside and experience the best of Appalachia!
-
Watauga Lake – one of the most scenic lakes in the Southeast.
-
The Snake in Shady Valley – a legendary ride for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
-
Doe Mountain Recreation Area – 8,600 acres of ATV, hiking, and biking trails.
-
Johnson County Trails – endless options for walking, hiking, and exploring nature.
-
Museum of Butler, TN – step into the story of the “Town That Wouldn’t Drown” and discover the history of Old Butler, a community relocated when Watauga Lake was created.
Plan your trip today – whether for the music, the food, or the mountains, Johnson County has something for everyone this Labor Day weekend. Y'all come for the day ... stay for the weekend!
.jpg)
Get to Know Us
Embrace our great outdoors . . .
Breathe in our fresh clean air . . .
Revel in the sound of an aviary symphony each morning . . .
And gaze up at our beautiful starry sky!
You'll quickly come to love our way of life as you enjoy our spirit of adventure . . . rich musical heritage . . . and some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the US.
Located in the Northeast tip of Tennessee, we have become a popular vacation destination offering exciting outdoor adventures, fun on the beautiful Watauga Lake, fine dining experiences and welcoming trademark festivals.
Situated at the highest valley in the area, you will want to make Mountain City in Johnson County an annual trip!
