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America 250 Celebrations in Johnson County, Tennessee!
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A Year of Celebration. Heritage. Community.
In 2026, Johnson County proudly joins communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary — and here in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, we’re doing it the way we know best: through music, heritage, storytelling, faith, patriotism, and community traditions that have shaped our home for generations.
The Johnson County America 250 Passport Project and related programming, including the Liberty & Legacy Community Art Show, are made possible through grant funding support.
Our America 250 projects are funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
This will be a year-long celebration honoring our past, celebrating our present, and inspiring our future. And it all begins in April . . .
I🧵 April 17–18, 2026
Shady Valley Festival of Quilts 🇺🇸
📍 Shady Rock School – Shady Valley, TN
The 2026 Shady Valley Festival of Quilts launches Johnson County’s America 250 celebration with color, craftsmanship, and Appalachian tradition.
Held April 17 & 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at historic Shady Rock School, this beloved festival celebrates the art of quilting while honoring American heritage through fabric and design.
This year’s festival will feature:
🪡 2026 Quilt Competition
Flag Quilt Competition
🏅 Southern Appalachian Quilts of Valor Awards (11:00 a.m. daily)
🧵 National Quilt Index Documentation Day
🖼 Historical Quilt & Photo Exhibit
🚶 Guided Tours of Historic Shady Rock School
🛍 Vendors & Shady Rock School Café
🎁 Door Prizes
The Quilt Index Documentation Day
Join us for Quilt Documentation Day at the Shady Valley Festival of Quilts and preserve your family’s history. Bring your quilt and its story to be photographed, documented, and archived in The Quilt Index—a national digital collection celebrating quilts and their makers.
Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Appointments are recommended, but not required. To schedule, contact Tammy Love at 407-575-7703. Click image to enlarge view.
ADMISSION
🎟 One-Day Pass: $10
🎟 Two-Day Pass: $15
Veterans & Children Under 12: FREE
All proceeds benefit Shady Rock School (501(c)(3)).
This event sets the tone for a year filled with tradition, storytelling, and mountain pride.
Celebrate America 250: Events Across Johnson County
Johnson County’s story is woven into the fabric of America — from early settlers and Appalachian traditions to music heritage and enduring community spirit.
In 2026, we invite visitors, families, and friends to celebrate 250 years of independence right here in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee.
NEW! Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Johnson County with a full season of events, local traditions, and community pride. Pick up your America 250 Passport, collect stamps across the county, and enjoy special souvenirs along the way while supplies last. READ MORE HERE!
More event details, tickets, and special announcements will be added soon.
Start planning your visit today.
Explore Lodging
Things To Do
Unique Attractions
MAY
Spirit of America Tour – The Kody Norris Show at Heritage Hall Theatre - Saturday, May 9
Museum of Butler Homecoming Featuring The Kody Norris Show - Saturday, May 23 🇺🇸
JUNE
Johnson County Freedom Week at First Christian Church - Sunday, June 28-Saturday, July 4
JULY
America 250 Art Exhibit opens July 3 at Johnson County Center for the Arts 🇺🇸
America 250 Celebration & July 4th Main Street Parade – Mountain City - Saturday, July 4
+ VFW Post 6908 Poker Run on Bicycles - Starts in Damascus, Finish in Mountain City
+ VFW Post 6908 First Responder Tug of War
+ VFW Post 6908 Freedom Mud Run
+ VFW Post 6908 Family Fun Zone 🇺🇸
Mountain City Sunflower Festival - Johnson County High School - Saturday, July 11,2026
AUGUST
Old Butler Days - Selma Babe Curtis Park - Friday, August 21- Saturday, August 22 🇺🇸
SEPTEMBER
3rd Annual First Responder Ribfest – Chamber Park, Mountain City - Saturday, September 5 🇺🇸
War Bonds: The Songs & Letters of World War II at Heritage Hall Theatre - Saturday, September 19 🇺🇸
OCTOBER
Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention at Heritage Square - Friday, October 2 - Saturday, October 3 🇺🇸
Shady Valley Cranberry Festival - Friday, October 9 - Saturday, October 10 🇺🇸
NOVEMBER
Marine Corps Ball – Doe Valley Farm - Tuesday, November 10
Veterans Day Celebration – Heritage Hall Theatre - Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00am 🇺🇸
Get to Know Us
Embrace our great outdoors . . .
Breathe in our fresh clean air . . .
Revel in the sound of an aviary symphony each morning . . .
And gaze up at our beautiful starry sky!
You'll quickly come to love our way of life as you enjoy our spirit of adventure . . . rich musical heritage . . . and some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the US.
Located in the Northeast tip of Tennessee, we have become a popular vacation destination offering exciting outdoor adventures, fun on the beautiful Watauga Lake, fine dining experiences and welcoming trademark festivals.
Situated at the highest valley in the area, you will want to make Mountain City in Johnson County an annual trip!
