Discover the best things to do in Tri-Cities TN in September, including fun activities and September events.
Things to Do in Tri-Cities TN in September
Apple Orchards
U-pick Apple season is still going strong. If you can’t make it this month, don’t worry. This crop lasts all the way through October.
Pick a farm now to visit when the weather gets cooler. Or, go early in the morning to beat the lingering summer heat.
Outdoor Concerts
Several outdoor concert series are still going strong this month. So, if you haven’t already caught a show, there’s no better time to enjoy a little free music under the stars.
Plan a Date Night
Adults deserve to have a little fun too. Plan your next night Tri-Cities date night with our big list of local adventures for couples.
September Events in Tri-Cities TN
U-Pick Sunflower Experience
Saturdays in September 2023
Strawberry Moon Blooms, Kingsport
$25 Per Picker, $5 for Non-Pickers
Bring the kids out to stroll the garden and pick some lovely sunflowers. Amateur photos to be shared on social media are allowed. Professional photography sessions must be scheduled in advance.
Makebreak Art Activities
Sundays in September 2023
Michaels Crafts Stores (All Locations)
FREE
This September kids can paint fall-themed rocks, make yarn trees, and create a watercolor leaf painting. These activities are completely free and all the supplies are included.
The store is also hosting a pumpkin fest where you purchase a craft foam pumpkin and they provide all the decorating supplies.
Upper East TN Celtic Festival
September 1-3, 2023
Tipton Haynes State Historic Site, Johnson City
$10/Adults, $5/Kids
At the Celtic festival, visitors will enjoy a Scottish clan ceremony, highland games, bagpipe music, traditional foods, step dancing, vendors, and more.
Build Your Own Microscope
September 2, 2023
Home Depot (All Locations)
FREE
Kids will use real tools to build their own working microscopes that they get to take home. All the supplies are included and this activity is completely free.
Family Fun and Reflection
September 2, 2023
Pavillion at Founders Park, Johnson City
FREE Admission
This community event celebrates National Recovery Month and will have food, bouncy houses, games, and kids’ activities. There will also be informational booths about addiction and recovery.
Beginning Crochet
September 2, 9, & 16, 2023
The Philosopher’s House, Johnson City
All Supplies are to be Purchased Individually
This 3 part class is perfect for beginning crochet artists with no experience. You will finish the series with a completed project. The instruction for this class is free, but food and beverage purchases are encouraged.
Project supplies must be individually purchased prior to the start of the first class.
Family Canvas Class
September 2, 2023
AR Workshop Bristol
Starting at $40 Per Person
Each participant gets to make a fun canvas art project. Choices include pillows, tote bags, and more. The price varies based on your chosen project.
September Shop and Hop
September 7, 2023
Downtown Kingsport
FREE Admission
Come on out to enjoy downtown Kingsport in the comfort of the cool evening shade. Shops will stay open late and there will also be live street music.
Beauty and the Beast Experience
September 9, 2023
Downtown Johnson City
$40-$80 Per Team
On this large-scale outdoor scavenger hunt, teams will work together to search for clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges to help Belle break the curse.
Sorghum Festival
September 16, 2023
Tipton Haynes State Historic Site, Johnson City
$6 Per Person + $2 Tasting Experience
Learn the step-by-step process of how molasses is made from sorghum. A mule will be on-site turning the mill and there will be an optional breakfast featuring sorghum.
READing Paws
September 16, 2023
Johnson City Public Library
FREE
Children can register for a 15-minute timeslot to read to a trained listening dog. This is a great way to get your child excited about reading.
Build Your Own Football Cardholder
September 16, 2023
Lowes (All Locations)
Kids will use real tools to build an adorable football card holder. All supplies are included and this activity is completely free. Advanced registration is encouraged.
Sassafras Moon Herbal Festival
September 16, 2023
Downtown Erwin
FREE Admission
Enjoy a day of herbal education classes and herbal product vendors in beautiful downtown Erwin.
Parent and Me Painting Class
September 21, 2023
Kil’n Time Contemporary Ceramics Studio, Bristol
$40 Per Painter
Guests will paint an adorable fall-themed Charlotte’s Web painting complete with a pumpkin and, of course, Charlotte the spider.
Saturday with Snakes
September 30, 2023
Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
$7 Parking Per Vehicle
Learn all about Bays Mountain’s resident snakes.
Bluegrass BBQ
September 30, 2023
Full Bloom Farm House, Abingdon, VA
$45/Adults, FREE Admission For Kids
Enjoy live bluegrass music, a BBQ buffet, kids’ activities, yard games, and more!
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!