NEWPORT, Tenn. — Downtown Newport will come alive on Friday, July 31, as Red, White & Newport: Tennessee America 250 celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a free, family-friendly festival.
The celebration begin at 3:30 p.m. on the Black Market Stage with Pipe Major Tracy Wilson.
At 3:45 p.m., Mayor Roland Dykes will unveil a new downtown mural by Cosby-based artist TessFX commemorating an often-overlooked chapter of Cocke County's post-Revolutionary history.
Live music continues throughout the evening with performances by:
Adeem the Artist – 4:00 p.m.
Dale Ann Bradley – 5:15 p.m.
Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers – 6:30 p.m.
Pickety Split – 8:00 p.m.
Stay for a patriotic salute to the USA.
The event is free and open to the public.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers.
No glass bottles or containers allowed
From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout downtown.
On the Courthouse lawn, the Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition will offer educational games and free books aboard the ABC Bus. Check out the Little Tennesseans Passport activity, where children can explore Tennessee's history and heritage through hands-on learning. Cool off inside Stokely Memorial Library, volunteers will host storytelling sessions and help participants paint tiles for a community mosaic celebrating unity and hometown pride.
Food trucks will be lined up along Court Avenue, serving a variety of local favorites.
Visitors can also explore downtown by participating in the Newport Main Street Association's Downtown Star Challenge. Shoppers who spend $10 or more at participating businesses can collect stars on their challenge cards for chances to win prizes while supporting local businesses.
Be sure to stop by the Black Market Stage on Friday for live music and additional chances to win.