Around the County: Music, Mountains & Labor Day Fun

Labor Day weekend brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Johnson County—from Appalachian music and local art to a mountain 5K, farmers market, Ribfest, classic cars and more.

Here’s a look at what’s happening Around the County September 4–6.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

LIVE MUSIC: Scott McKinney

5–8 p.m. | Villa Nove Vineyards
1877 Dry Hill Road – Butler

Come spend the weekend with us at Villa Nove Vineyards for two evenings of live music, great wine, delicious food, and those beautiful mountain views.

Long Journey Home: Portraits of Home Opening Reception

6–8 p.m. | Johnson County Center for the Arts
129 W. Main Street, Mountain City

Labor Day weekend begins with the opening reception for Portraits of Home, part of Johnson County’s annual Long Journey Home celebration. Friday evening’s downtown activities also include Buskin’ on Main, the Cruise-In and line dancing with the Young at Heart Square & Line Dance Club.

Summer Line Dance Workshop

7–9 p.m. | First United Methodist Church
128 N. Church Street, Mountain City

The Young at Heart Square & Line Dance Club continues its Friday night workshop series. No partner is needed, and the cost is $5 per person.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

VFW Buffet Breakfast

8 a.m. | VFW Post 6908 – 179 Depot Street

$10 donation Adults | $5 donation Kids 12 & under | Free Kids 5 & under

Hometown Heroes 5K at Doe Mountain

9 a.m. | Doe Mountain Recreation Area

Start Saturday morning with the Hometown Heroes 5K at Doe Mountain.

Johnson County Farmers Market

9 a.m.–Noon | Ralph Stout Park, Mountain City

Shop locally grown produce, handmade goods and more from Johnson County farmers and vendors.

Museum of Butler

11 a.m.–4 p.m. | 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler

Take a trip into Johnson County history and discover the story of “the town that wouldn’t drown.”

3rd Annual First Responder Ribfest

11 a.m. | Johnson County Chamber Park, Mountain City

Come out for the third annual First Responder Ribfest and help celebrate the men and women who serve our community.

Long Journey Home Musical Heritage Tour

11:30 a.m.

Explore the people, places and traditions that have shaped Johnson County’s rich musical heritage.

LIVE MUSIC: Lisa De Novo

5–8 p.m. | Villa Nove Vineyards
1877 Dry Hill Road – Butler

Whether you’re winding down from the week or making a Saturday night of it, grab your favorite glass or bottle, find a cozy spot, and enjoy live music!

Mountain City Weekly Cruise-In

5–9 p.m. | Downtown Mountain City

Cars, food and an evening downtown are on tap for the weekly Cruise-In. All makes and models are welcome. The event is held weather permitting.

Long Journey Home: Portraits of Home

7 p.m. | Heritage Hall Theatre
211 N. Church Street, Mountain City

Saturday’s Long Journey Home celebration continues with the ticketed Portraits of Home program at Heritage Hall Theatre.

$15 advance and $20 at the door – youth $5

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Museum of Butler

1–4 p.m. | 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler

The Museum of Butler is open again Sunday afternoon for those looking for a quieter way to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Long Journey Home: Sunday Singin’

2–4 p.m. | Heritage Hall Theatre
211 N. Church Street, Mountain City

Wrap up Long Journey Home with an afternoon of traditional music at Heritage Hall. Sunday Singin’ is free and open to the public.

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From live music and local history to outdoor adventures, football, classic cars and good food, there’s plenty happening right here at home this Labor Day weekend.

Event information is subject to change. Follow The Johnson County Line on Facebook or visit TheJohnsonCountyLine.com for event details, updates and additional weekend happenings.

Know of something we missed? Send us your upcoming Johnson County event for consideration in a future Around the County roundup.

Published by Sheila Stout Caldwell

Sheila Caldwell is an award-winning writer, producer, media personality, community advocate, and nonprofit leader with a passion for telling the stories that shape Johnson County and the Appalachian region. As the contributor for "The Johnson County Line," she brings curiosity, heart, and a commitment to honest conversation—celebrating the people, preserving the history, and exploring the issues that matter to our community.

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