No matter what time of the year you make your way to the mountains of East Tennessee, there are always plenty of special events going on for you to enjoy. Whether you have a green thumb and want to see the beautiful gardens that are grown in Historic Jonesborough or you want to take the entire family downtown for trick-or-treating, there is always plenty for you to choose from. Come by yourself, with your significant other, or with the whole family because there are plenty of special events going on for all to enjoy.
Reoccurring Events
Jonesborough Farmers Market
Takes place May – October in the parking lot behind the Courthouse, 8am-noon. The Winter Farmers Market takes place the first three Saturdays in November and December and the third Saturday of the month January to April, 9 am to 12 pm in front of Boone Street Market.
History Happy Hour
Explore and uncover the past like never before with this monthly program featuring all things history. History Happy Hour is a collaborative effort between local organizations, so audiences will have the chance to interact with multiple groups. History Happy Hour takes place the third Thursday of every month March-November at 6:30pm.
Jonesborough/Washington County History Museum and Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum
With two locations, inside the Jonesborough Visitors Center and in downtown, artifacts of Jonesborough’s long history are on display. Hours vary based on the season. Admission by donation.
Chuckey Depot Museum at Jonesborough
Visit a restored turn of the century railroad depot and learn the impact of the railroad on small rural communities. Artifacts and displays regarding railroad history are on exhibit. Located on Jonesborough’s Walking Trail at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Depot Street.
Architectural Salvage Warehouse
Operated by the Heritage Alliance, the Warehouse offers a wide selection of salvaged building materials. Located at 600 Depot St., the Warehouse is open from 8am-12pm the first and third Saturdays of the month April-Sept. For more info, please contact the Heritage Alliance at 423.753.9580.
Storytelling Live!
Now in its 20th season, the International Storytelling Center’s renowned Storytelling Live performance series features 28 nationally-known storytellers in live afternoon concerts every afternoon at 2pm. (Tuesday – Saturday) from May through Oct.
Christopher Taylor House
Located on Main Street, this late 1700s log structure was Jonesborough’s first preservation project. Open Saturdays spring-summer. Schedule will be posted online at HeritageAll.org.
Art Exhibition Series
The McKinney Center hosts several exhibitions each year of regional artwork and local artists.
Contra Dances
Presented by the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society, dances are held on Saturdays bimonthly with live music. No partner or experience necessary. Contra dancing originated in the 17th century in England and Scotland and has become an Appalachian tradition. Takes place on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month.
StoryTown Radio Show
The Jonesborough StoryTown Radio Show and Podcast is performed as a story-filled old-time radio performance at the McKinney Center. The production happens every fourth Monday of the month.
Conversations That Matter
Conversations that Matters is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups.
Jonesborough Storytellers Guild’s Stories ‘n More
Takes place every Tuesday at 7pm at the International Storytelling Center. Every week features different live storytellers!
Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts
This art program housed in the McKinney Center offers year-round opportunities for exhibitions, plays, performances, and a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages.
Heritage Alliance Main Street & Cemetery Tours
Main Street tours available March-December on Saturdays at 1pm. Old Jonesborough Cemetery tours available at 2:30pm on the first and third Saturdays of the month May-Sept. Tickets are $5 for Main Street, $5 for Cemetery tour, or $8 for a combo ticket. For info visit HeritageAll.org or call 423.753.9580. Tickets available at the Chester Inn Museum.
Positive Solutions Storytelling Group Tours
Offering history through storytelling year-round, including step on, and custom designed tours. Choose from Legends, Whispers & Mysteries, Strolling & Stories and Times & Tales.
