Love is in the air and chilly weather is all around as we approach one of the most celebrated weekends of the year — Valentine’s Day Weekend! Whether you are planning a romantic date night with your sweetheart, a fun Galentine’s adventure with friends, a family-friendly outing, or just a cozy weekend staying in with your favorite people (and pets 🐶🐱), the Tri-Cities region has an exciting mix of events and experiences lined up for you.

From artisanal festivals and chocolate celebrations to elegant dinners and creative date night activities, this weekend is full of opportunities to celebrate love in all its forms.

Let’s explore what’s happening in Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, Gray, and nearby areas.

🍫 Friday February 13 — Valentine’s Eve + Weekend Kick-Off

❤️ The Appalachian Fair Home Show

📍 Appalachian Fairgrounds – 100 Lakeview St, Gray, TN
⏰ Friday • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
📆 Also Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm • Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
💲 FREE ADMISSION — perfect for families and couples alike

The heart of home inspiration is back this weekend at the Appalachian Fairgrounds! The Appalachian Fair Home Show brings a wide range of exhibits, vendors, demos, and products for everything home, garden, décor, and lifestyle. Whether you are planning renovations, gathering ideas for spring, or just browsing and spending time together, this event is a great free outing idea for the whole weekend.

This event runs throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, making it an easy stop anytime while you’re out exploring the Tri-Cities.

🍫 Chocolate Fest — Jonesborough Love & Sweets Celebration

📍 Historic Downtown Jonesborough
⏰ Friday • 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
💲 Tickets tend to sell out — plan ahead!

Chocolate lovers rejoice! This festive event in downtown Jonesborough is dedicated to all things chocolate, tastings, vendors, sweet treats, and more. From classic truffles to creative confections, this event is a perfect Valentine’s outing whether you are celebrating with a date, friends, or family.

Note: This event has a history of selling out, so early arrival or ticket purchase is strongly recommended! 🍫❤️

🍷 Romantic Dinner & Dance at Taylored Venue & Events

📍 115 Shelby Street, Kingsport, TN
⏰ Doors Open: 6:00 pm • Dinner at 7:00 pm • Live Music 8:00–10:00 pm
💲 $75 per guest • Limited tickets available

Make this Valentine’s weekend truly unforgettable with an elegant night out at Taylored Venue & Events. This upscale Valentine’s celebration includes:

💐 Complimentary champagne
🍓 Chocolate-covered strawberries
🍽️ Hors d’oeuvres and plated dinner with your choice of entree
🎶 Live music by HOOCH
💃 Dancing throughout the evening
👗 Prize for best dressed couple

Dinner entrées include seasonal steak tips or stuffed chicken marsala served with house salad, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, four-cheese macaroni, and butter croissants. This is a special evening crafted for connection, celebration, and great memories and advanced purchase is recommended due to limited seating.

🎶 The Lightnin’ Charlie Show – Valentine’s Day Special

📍 Mulligan’s Irish Pub – 308 E Main St, Johnson City, TN
⏰ Saturday Feb 14 • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
💲 Bring your date and enjoy live music!

This Valentine’s night experience at Mulligan’s Irish Pub brings live music from Charlie and Beth in a warm, welcoming setting perfect for couples or friends who love a fun night of music and casual dining. Live performances and a cozy atmosphere make this a fun local date night idea.

🎨 Valentine’s Day Fusion Pop Up

📍 The Philosopher’s House – 117 West Fairview Ave, Johnson City, TN
⏰ Saturday Feb 14 • 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
💲 Starting around $25–$30

Looking for a Valentine’s twist on food and culture? The Valentine’s Day Fusion Pop Up features a walk-through bakery, drinks, games, and beautiful décor. There’s also an elegant seated tea option with savory and sweet treats included. This is a great date, girls’ day out, or self-care celebration event with visual flair and delicious fusion flavors.

💞 Saturday February 14 — Valentine’s Day

💗 Galentine’s Market

📍 The Mall at Johnson City
⏰ Saturday Feb 14 • Typically all day

Celebrate friendship and love with your favorite gals at the Galentine’s Market! Hosted by Poppy Lou’s Boutique, this event features local boutiques, bakers, crafters, food trucks, and more. It’s a perfect daytime adventure before a romantic dinner or night out. 💕🛍️

🍷 Couples Pottery Night

📍 Into the Fire – 600 S Roan St, Johnson City, TN
⏰ Saturday Feb 14 • 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 ~$15 per couple + pottery costs • BYOB

Get creative this Valentine’s Day with a playful pottery painting class for two! This couples date night lets you dessert and drinks while crafting something unique together. BYOB is welcome, and reservations are recommended since spots fill up fast!

🍷 Brilliant Dinner Options Around Town

Looking for a romantic dinner spot? Here are a few great local ideas where you can book ahead for Valentine’s Day dining:

🍽️ Council Oak Steaks & Seafood – Special Valentine’s Day menu and refined atmosphere make this a great date night choice.

🍽️ Downtown Johnson City restaurants with outdoor date night charm (candlelit tables, curated specials)
🍽️ Cozy wine bar experiences throughout Bristol and Kingsport

Reservations at these restaurants are strongly recommended for Feb 14.

🎨 Saturday Night Creativity

🖌️ Valentine’s Sip & Paint

📍 AR Workshop Bristol – 626 State St, Bristol, TN
⏰ Saturday Feb 14 • 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
💲 Creative and fun date night option

Enjoy paint and sips in a lively atmosphere with your partner or friends. This experience is both artistic and relaxing,  perfect for a Valentine’s evening.

💛 Sunday February 15 — Family & Fun

🎭 Craig Ferguson – Pants on Fire

📍 Paramount Bristol
⏰ Sunday Feb 15 • 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
💲 Tickets vary

Wrap up your weekend with laughs at Craig Ferguson’s stand-up show Pants on Fire at the Paramount in Bristol. Known for his witty storytelling and charismatic presence, Ferguson is sure to deliver an entertaining night out for comedy fans of all ages.

🌟 Bonus Activities All Weekend

🧪 Family-Friendly Science Play

📍 Hands On! Discovery Center
📆 Sunday Feb 15 • 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
💲 Adults & children over 4: ~$11 • Kids under 4 FREE

Perfect for families or kids while adults enjoy Valentine’s brunch or a slow Sunday, Hands On! Discovery Center is a fun interactive science center with exhibits and hands-on fun.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Valentine’s Weekend in the Tri-Cities is full of options for romance, creativity, family fun, and cozy nights in. Whether you’re celebrating with your special someone, your best friends, your family, or even treating yourself, there’s something magical happening around every corner this weekend.

Remember that many Valentine’s events and dinners require advance reservations or sell out quickly — especially romantic dinners or specialty markets! 🍽️🛍️🍷

And if the weather gets too cold or wet, stay in, relax with your favorite person or pet, and enjoy the weekend with a good book or a cozy movie marathon. 📺🍿🐾

Happy Valentine's Day Trailblazers! Until next time. 💖✨