As we kiss winter goodbye and usher in beautiful spring blooms, our local entertainment scene finally kicks into high gear. With so many things to do in Tri-Cities TN in April, you’re only problem will be choosing between all the fantastic options.
Below you’ll find a variety of activities and events in Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport, and beyond. Of course, these are just some of the many wonderful things to do in Tri-Cities TN this season.
Things to do in Tri-Cities TN in April
Botanical Gardens
One of the best places to see a stunning variety of flowering trees this spring is at ETSU Arboretum. The Arboretum is made up of all the trees and shrubs on the main campus and the surrounding woods.
It’s a great place to see blooming Dogwood trees, Redbud trees, Crabapple trees, and much more
Easter Events
Of course, April means tons of egg hunts, bunny photos, pancake breakfasts, and all things Easter. Our local Easter events are sure to help you have a memorable holiday.
Strawberry Picking
Strawberries are the earliest u-pick crop in East Tennessee. Visiting one of our local strawberry farms is a great way to shop small and support local businesses.
April Events in Johnson City TN and Beyond
Solar Scope Experience
April 2023
Hands-on Discovery Center, Gray
$11 Per Person (Cost of General Admission)
Each Saturday in April, kids can participate in a fun solar scope experience. A solar scope is a giant specialty telescope that allows you to look directly at the surface of the sun.
Charlotte’s Web
April 2 – May 14, 2024 (Select Dates)
Gilliam Stage at Barter Theatre, Abingdon
$17 Per Person
See this classic children’s book come to life in a kid-friendly stage production.
First Friday
April 5, 2024
Downtown Bristol
FREE Admission (Donations Welcome)
Make the most of the warm weather and enjoy these extended shopping hours downtown. This First Friday will also feature a fun art walk featuring a variety of artists. There will also be refreshment samples to help you hydrate.
Of course, local buskers will also be out to provide entertainment. Visitors who visit all the businesses on the provided “passport” will be entered into a raffle drawing.
Paper Lantern Workshop
April 5, 10, 13, 16 &, 2024
the Inventor Center, Kingsport
$24 + tax for a small lantern
Your finished paper lantern will really light up. These workshops are being held so you can bring your finished lantern to the nighttime Arts Festival kick-off on the 19th.
FREE DIY Lattice Planter
April 6, 2024
Home Depot (All Locations)
FREE
All supplies are included for this free event where kids will be using real tools to build a DIY lattice planter. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Solar Eclipse in the Park
April 8, 2024
Carter Mansion, Elizabethton
FREE Admission
Solar eclipse activities will include interpretive programs, telescope viewing, making a pinhole solar projector, and coloring sheets for all ages.
DIY Garden Mushrooms Pottery Class
April 10, 2024
Art Curious Studio, Johnson City
$50
At this spring make-and-take art class, each crafter will make and paint 5 clay mushrooms. The finished products make totally adorable garden art you can display at home.
FREE Makebreak Art Activities
April 13 and 27, 2024
Michales Craft Stores (All Locations)
FREE
On the 13th, kids can make a paper flower bouquet collage that will make a great Mother’s Day gift. On the 27th, there will be an opportunity to make pretty friendship bracelets.
All supplies will be included for these events. The store will also hold additional crafting events throughout the month for a small fee.
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Amateur Highland Games Festival
April 13, 2024
Northeast State, Blountville
FREE Admission
Come on out to watch for free or pay just $15 to compete. There will also be teaching clinics for those interested in learning.
Light up the Night
April 19, 2024 @ 6 p.m.
Downtown Kingsport
FREE Admission
This is the kickoff event for the Kingsport Arts Festival taking place on the 20th. This nighttime event will feature tons of gorgeous paper lanterns, giant puppets, art, and more. You are encouraged to bring your own paper lantern to add to the fun.
Abingdon Garden Faire
April 19-20, 2024
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon
$5 for ages 12 and over, under 12 FREE
This timely festival is a garden lover’s paradise. Vendors at this event will be selling plants, yard art, garden decor, tools, outdoor furniture, and so much more.
Kingsport Arts Festival
April 20, 2024 @ 10 a.m.
Downtown Kingsport
FREE Admission
This fantastic artists’ festival will include tons of different artists, kids’ activities, music, performances, and more!
FREE Woodworking Class
April 20, 2024
Lowes (All Locations)
FREE
At this class, kids will be using real tools to create an adorable mini garden cart planter that holds a real plant. All the supplies for this project are included at no charge.
“To Mom” Canvas Class
April 20, 2024
Kil’n Time Contemporary Ceramics Studio, Bristol
$35 Per Painter
In this fantastic group art class, kid painters will receive step-by-step instructions on how to paint a colorful flower vase on canvas. This is intended to be a personalized Mother’s Day gift.
This class is for kids ages 5 and up. A parent or guardian must remain with the child for the duration of the class.
Kids’ May Day Festival
April 20, 2024
Tipton Haynes National Historic Site, Johnson City
FREE Admission
At this fun kid-centered festival guests can enjoy a bounce house, face painting, a fun activity area, a Mayday pageant, and more!
Tree Cookie Clock Project
April 21, 2024
Roan Mountain State Park
$25 Per Person
At this fun educational program, visitors will be using fallen lumber and wood-burning techniques to create their very own clocks.
FREE Earth Day Craft
April 22, 2024
Sullivan County Public Library Main Branch
FREE
Celebrate Earth Day with an adorable all ages craft.
Appalachian Antique Farm Show
April 25-28, 2024
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray
$5/adults, children FREE
Enjoy a huge display of antique tractors and engines. There will also be flea market vendors, parts vendors, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more!
Hear Me Roar
April 27, 2024
Brights Zoo, Limestone
$18/adults, $14/child
This exciting fundraiser lets you explore Brights Zoo after hours. In addition to all the adorable animals, there will also be over 50 costumed characters on site including, the Ghostbusters, stormtroopers, Paw Patrol characters, Iron Man, Batman, Captain Jack Sparrow, and so many more!
All proceeds from this event will benefit Waiting to Hear, which helps to provide much-needed hearing aids to local children.
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Erica has lived in East TN for over 10 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!