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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 . . .
Experience the Story of “The Town That Wouldn’t Drown”
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Museum of Butler TN 🇺🇸
📍 123 Selma Curtis Park - Butler, Tennessee
FREE ADMISSION to Museum, Concert & Author Talk
Parking: $5 per car
Portion of fees to benefit the Butler Ruritan Boy Scouts Troop 6
On Saturday, May 23, step into one of Johnson County’s most powerful stories at the Museum of Butler Homecoming, a special community celebration honoring the history, heritage, and resilience of the Watauga Valley.
Check out our new Digital America 250 Exhibit, tour the museum, and visit the historical Stout Store where you can play a game of checkers and pick up an RC Cola and Moonpie! Our community partner vendor fair is back and descendants of Old Butler and Watauga Valley families are invited to have their own tent space at the event to share their family's story!
Known as “the town that wouldn’t drown,” Butler lives on through the voices, memories, and traditions preserved at the Museum of Butler—and this annual homecoming brings that story to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
Proceeds from the auction, door prize fundraiser, and membership drive to benefit the Museum of Butler, Tennessee, and its mission to preserve and share the story of Old Butler and the Watauga Valley. Don't forget to get your Family Season Pass for only $25 today!
Get your free Passport & Souvenir!
🎶 LIVE MUSIC & COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
MAIN STAGE from 12:00-2:00pm - FREE!
Enjoy a full afternoon of live entertainment featuring The Kody Norris Show and their “Spirit of America” performance—an energetic blend of bluegrass, storytelling, and patriotism that perfectly complements the spirit of the day.
Bring your own chair! Food and beverages - including authentic Appalachian favorites - will be available at the Bluebird Tea Room Concessions. Proceeds benefit the Butler Ruritan Club.
AUTHOR TALK & BOOK SIGNING
Chuck Walsh
Guests will also enjoy a special Author Talk and Book Signing with author Chuck Walsh, whose book The Isolate tells the compelling story of one of the Watauga Valley’s most renowned residents, Nick Grindstaff.
11:00am-12:00pm . . . Meet the Author & Book Signing
2:00pm-4:00pm . . . Author Talk & Book Signing
The Stout Store
Living History: Music & Dance of the Watauga Valley
with Young at Heart Square & Line Dance Club
Enjoy live square dancing—an interactive Appalachian tradition that brings together music, storytelling, and community. T
🕑 Main Stage at 2:00 PM
Audience participation is encouraged—and it’s a lot of fun for all ages!
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
APRIL
Shady Valley Festival of Quilts - Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18 🇺🇸
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!
