Low Country Boil Kick-Off Dinner

The beloved Jonesborough Days Kick-off Dinner is set to return on Wednesday, July 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., featuring the crowd-favorite Low Country Shrimp Boil. The event will be held in the Courtyard of the International Storytelling Center, located next to Jimmy Neil Smith Park, and is proudly sponsored by Food City of Jonesborough.

Guests will enjoy a traditional Low Country Boil, including shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and crawfish, followed by a selection of fruit cobblers for dessert. Attendees will also enjoy an interactive performance by the fan favorite, Jonesborough Novelty Band.

Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased in advance. Early ticket purchase is strongly recommended, as this event consistently sells out.

This event serves as a fundraiser for the 55th annual Jonesborough Days Festival, helping support one of the region’s most cherished Independence Day celebrations.

The Kick-Off Dinner is SOLD OUT

Late-Night Swim and Glow Party

On Thursday, July 3, jam out with a live DJ, enjoy concessions, and giveaways! PLUS – for the first time ever, join the GLOW party! Enjoy many glow sticks and light up Wetlands Waterpark from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.!

Keep Your Furry Friends Safe During Jonesborough Days!

Summer’s high temperatures and street surfaces can become extremely hazardous for your dog. High Temperatures of 84 and 85 degrees are expected on Friday (7/4) and Saturday (7/5) during the festival, meaning street surfaces will be around 135 degrees! A dog’s paws can begin to burn at 125 degrees!
We love our furry friends, so Festival-goers are strongly encouraged to leave their dogs at home, where they can stay cool! Reminder for Pet Owners: Jonesborough Days will end with a fireworks display on Saturday (7/5) at 10 p.m. Loud noises and flashing lights can be extremely stressful for pets. We encourage festival-goers to please leave their dogs at home during the fireworks show for their safety and comfort.

Volunteer for Jonesborough’s Biggest Party!

Jonesborough Days Volunteers

Want to volunteer for Jonesborough’s biggest celebration of the year? We’d love to have you join our volunteer team for the weekend! Click the button below and fill out the simple form!

Jonesborough Days Parade

The Jonesborough Days Parade will kick off Jonesborough Days on Friday, July 4th at 10 a.m. It is set to go through Boone and Main Streets in downtown Jonesborough. The Jonesborough Days Festival Committee is seeking floats and entries decked out in red, white and blue.

The cost for registration is $25 for regular entries and $50 commercial entries and $75 for political entries. More information can be found at Jonesborough Days on Facebook for up-to-date festival information.

Jonesborough Days Festivities & Market

The festival has been voted as one of the top events in the southeast and is known for its community patriotism and nostalgic atmosphere.  Various entertainment ad activities take place throughout the historic district.  Doc’s Front Porch will feature a variety of storytellers and musicians at the Jackson Theatre during the day.  The BrightRidge Main Stage will feature entertainment each evening. There will be 60 local artists and craftsmen showcasing a variety of handmade wares. Of course there will be a variety of great festival foods including everything from cheese steaks to funnel cakes.

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Jonesborough Days 2024-126
Jonesborough Days 2024-121

Moon Pie Eating Contest

On Friday, July 4th at 2 p.m., join us for the 7th Annual MoonPie Eating Contest in front of the Washington County Courthouse in Downtown Jonesborough. Come test your time on the snack known for being “as big as the moon”. There will be three categories including: 8 and under, 9 to 15 years and adult. Contestants will be challenged to see who can finish their MoonPies the fastest. Registration is free and begins at 1:30 p.m. in front of the courthouse, space is limited. The winners of each category will receive free MoonPies for a year.

Jonesborough Days Moon Pie Contest
Jonesborough Days Moon Pie Contest 3

Watermelon Social

On Saturday, July 5th at 2 p.m. Ingles Market will host a Watermelon Social in front of the Washington County Courthouse in Downtown Jonesborough. Free watermelon will be provided until it’s all gone.

Doc's Front Porch at the Jackson Theatre Sponsored by Eastman Credit Union

This year, Doc’s Front Porch sponsored by Eastman Credit Union will be at The Jackson Theatre from 12:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. each day on July 4th and 5th!

Come inside, grab some popcorn and a seat, and enjoy the performances!
Check out the full lineup below:

FRIDAY, JULY 4TH

12:00-12:45 – SR Wild
1:00-1:45 – Heartstrings
2:00-3:00 – BREAK! Enjoy tours of the Jackson Theatre!
3:00-3:45 – Jenny & the Weazles
4:00-4:30 – Laurie Herlich, Storyteller
4:30-5:00 – Jim Priesmeyer, Storyteller

SATURDAY, JULY 5TH

12:00-12:20 – Catherine Yael Serota, Storyteller
12:25-12:45 – Wallace Shealy, Storyteller
1:00-1:45 – Roxanne McDaniel
2:00-3:00 – BREAK! Enjoy tours of the Jackson Theatre!
3:00-3:20 – Guerry McConnell, Storyteller
3:25-3:45 – Emily Katt, Storyteller
4:00-5:00 – Mr. Fancy
Jonesborough Days Doc Front Porch
Jonesborough Days Doc Front Porch 2

Patriot Park

Where: Storytelling Park

When: Friday, and Saturday 11 am – 6 pm

Come visit our newest edition to Jonesborough Days, Patriot Park, located behind the International Storytelling Center in Jimmy Neil Smith Park. We will have children’s activities, that include carnival games, bouncy houses, a dunking machine, inflatables and much more.  Come have a chance at dunking your favorite coach, teacher, or police officer in the dunking machine for a small donation!

Proceeds will benefit the Jonesborough Athletic Boosters

Heritage Park

Heritage Park on the Christopher Taylor House lawn sponsored by the Heritage Alliance with activities for everyone during Jonesborough Days!

Discovery Park

Children will be able to participate in multiple activities and craft stations in Discovery Park, Thursday thru Saturday located on the lawn of Central Christian Church.

Miss Jonesborough Days Pageant

The Miss Jonesborough Days Pageant is making a grand return to Tennessee’s Oldest Town during the 55th Annual Jonesborough Days Festival. Directed by Jurnee Stout, a former Miss Pre-Teen Jonesborough Days 2007, the pageant promises to bring elegance and excitement to the festival weekend.
The event will take place outdoors on the Main Stage next to the Courthouse at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 5. In the event of inclement weather, accommodations will be made. Contestants and one female guest will be able to change at the nearby International Storytelling Center.
Age divisions are Baby (0-23 months), Wee (2-3 years), Tiny (4-6), Little (7-9), Jr. Miss (10-13), Teen (14-17), Miss (18-24), and Ms. (25+). All contestants will compete in the Beauty category, which includes judging based on stage presence, poise, and confidence in formal wear. Side awards for Most Beautiful and Future Leader will also be awarded during this portion. The entry fee for Beauty is $45.
Optional competitions include the “Happy Birthday America” Outfit of Choice, Patriotic Awards, and Tradition Awards, each available for an additional $25. These categories offer a chance for contestants to showcase their creativity, style, and individuality while embracing the patriotic spirit of the festival.
The pageant will also name two Hi-Point Queens, selected from contestants who participate in all categories and donate at least 10 non-perishable food items to benefit the JAMA Food Bank. Those who contribute 50 or more items will receive an additional award. With 50 contestants or more, cash prizes will be awarded to the Hi-Point Queens.
Every participant will receive a crown, award, and a $10 credit toward their next JJF Productions pageant. Age Division Queens will be honored as special guests during the festival and receive a sash, crown, and custom sash magnet from The Queen’s Magnet.
Check-in runs from 10 to 10:30 a.m., with competitions beginning at 10:45 a.m. followed by crowning and a group photo. Contestants are encouraged to arrive early and plan ahead for parking, as the festival draws large crowds.
To register, visit Miss Jonesborough Days 2025 Registration by Friday, July 4 at 8 p.m. EST.
The Miss Jonesborough Days Pageant is produced by JJF Productions and directed by Jurnee Carr Stout in partnership with the Town of Jonesborough and JAMA.

Jonesborough Days Main Stage Sponsored by Bright Ridge

Join us at the Jonesborough Days Main Stage on July 4th from 7:00 to 7:45 pm for Storyteller Sam Payne!

Sam Payne is a dynamic storyteller, musician, and radio host whose work blends heartfelt narratives with jazz‑inflected folk music. A host of The Apple Seed on BYUradio and Weber State University’s Storytelling Fellow, he has captivated audiences worldwide—from the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough to concert halls in Canada, Bulgaria, and Tokyo.
Critics praise his stage presence and voice, calling him “a master of storytelling” with a “fill‑the‑room” charisma and seamless musical storytelling.
His 2025 matinee at the International Storytelling Center features his signature style—stories punctuated with music, connection, and emotion.
The Main Stage entertainment kicks off at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 4 beside the Washington County Courthouse in Downtown Jonesborough. The Main Stage welcomes a local favorite to the Jonesborough Days musical line-up with Carson Peters and The Iron Mountain Band.
Carson Peters and Iron Mountain has quickly become one of the most energetic and hottest bluegrass bands in the business, making numerous trips to the Grand Ole Opry and multiple international appearances. Their traditional bluegrass style and a cappella arrangements are a refreshing reminder that the bluegrass of old is alive and well. The band is made up of Carson Peters, from Piney Flats, TN, Ben and Eric Marshall, from Mount Airy, NC, Austin Tate, from Marion, VA, and James McDowell, from Hendersonville, NC. Their performance will continue until 10 p.m.

Join us at the Main Stage during Jonesborough Days on July 5 at 8 p.m. as we pay tribute to a fan favorite 70s band with MAMMA MANIA!, a ABBA Tribute Band from New York City. Mamma Mania! brings the classic hits to life and pays homage to ABBA’s legacy, celebrating the timeless melodies and uplifting lyrics that have charmed listeners for generations. With their dazzling costumes, flawless harmonies, and captivating stage presence, this tribute captures the essence of ABBA’s unforgettable sound.

Get ready to break out the sequins and platform shoes! We’re hosting an ABBA Costume Contest on Saturday, July 5th from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. at the BrightRidge Main Stage! Ahead of the electrifying performance by MAMMA MANIA!, New York City’s #1 ABBA Tribute Band, festival-goers are invited to channel their inner Dancing Queen or Super Trouper and show off their best 70s-inspired ABBA looks! The costume contest is open to all ages, and prizes will be awarded for the most fabulous ABBA-inspired outfits! This is your chance to shine before the tribute band takes the stage, bringing ABBA’s timeless hits to life with sparkling costumes, perfect harmonies, and unforgettable energy. Stick around after the show for  Jonesborough’s annual fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Jonesborough Days Firework Finale

The festival then wraps up with the annual fireworks display on Saturday July 5th at 10 p.m. Fireworks will be shot from the Washington County Library.

Fireworks Exit Plan

The Jonesborough Police Department will implement multiple road closures Thursday, July 3rd through Saturday, July 5th for the Jonesborough Days festival, with special emphasis on pedestrian and motorist congestion after the fireworks display Saturday night. These closures will be implemented to ensure the safe movement of motorists and pedestrians in the area of viewing points held in celebration of Independence Day in Jonesborough.

The following road closures will be implemented.

July 3rd through July 5th

  • Main Street will be closed starting Thursday July 3rd at 5:30 p.m. for Jonesborough Days set up.
  • The Main Street closure will continue until Saturday after the fireworks celebration, approximately at 10:15 p.m.
  • The closure on Main Street is from Fox Street to Second Avenue.

July 4th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

  • Traffic patterns will be altered because of the Jonesborough Days Parade.
  • Boone Street and a section of Main Street will be closed for the parade.
  • Motorist traveling to Jonesborough via Boones Creek Road will be directed to either turn towards Johnson City or Greeneville at the Boones Creek Road/east Jackson Boulevard intersection.
  • Motorists in the area of West Jackson Boulevard near Washington Drive should expect an altered traffic pattern for traffic traveling eastbound towards Johnson City.
  • Police officers and Jonesborough Street Department employees will be at or near the intersections to assist with traffic flow.

July 5th from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

  • Traffic patterns will be altered before, during and after the fireworks.
  • Immediately after the fireworks have ended a hold on vehicle traffic will take place on Boone Street until the pedestrian traffic has cleared the area.
  • Motorist should expect approximately 1 hour of being held in a parking area for the safety of the pedestrians.
  • Traffic patterns will be altered along East and West Jackson Boulevard with crossovers being unavailable and no U-Turns permitted.
  • Traffic entering East and West Jackson Boulevard will be turned right at all intersections.

The Town of Jonesborough expects to have a high volume of attendees at the Jonesborough Days events. The Jonesborough Police Department would like to inform the public that they should expect traffic delays, heavy pedestrian foot traffic crossing roadways, limited public parking and altered traffic routes.

Jonesborough Public Safety asks that attendees to be patient and use the utmost caution for pedestrians and other motorists.