Downtown Johnson City

A walkable, historic district shaped by generations of locals who’ve built businesses, raised families, and given this place its character. Connect Downtown Johnson City leads the effort to strengthen and grow downtown while protecting the spirit that makes it worth investing in—steady progress, rooted in who we are.

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Downtown Johnson City Stats

275

Businesses

572400

Annual Visitors

3300000

Unique Visits

86

Minutes per Visit

About Downtown Johnson City

Downtown Johnson City is a growing, active district shaped by small businesses, steady foot traffic, and a community that keeps choosing local. The numbers tell the story.

Business Community
More than 275 businesses operate in the downtown district—shops, restaurants, services, studios, and professional offices that form the backbone of our local economy.

Visitor Activity
Over the last 12 months, Downtown Johnson City welcomed 572,400+ visitors with 3.3m visits, marking a 10% increase since 2022. People aren’t just stopping in—they’re staying. Visitors spend an average of 86 minutes exploring downtown, supporting local shops, dining, and enjoying everything the district offers.

A District on the Rise
The continued growth in activity, investment, and small-business development shows a district that’s gaining momentum year after year. Downtown isn’t just busy—it’s becoming a destination. The City of Johnson City has invested millions into flood mitigation and green spaces since 2010. Most recently they completed a $33m revitalization of the West Walnut Street District converting industrial zones into modern mixed-use. Johnson City Development Authority has distributed thousands of dollars in Facade projects and multiple TIF projects. The announcement of the $66m renovation of Downtown Centre and the John Sevier Building will be a boon to Downtown's continued success.

Main Street Program Stats

Events

Fridays After Five

Main Street Days

Candyland Christmas

Sip & Shops

Acoustic Autumn

150+ events every year in Downtown Johnson City, from concerts to markets and festivals.
Fridays After 5: free 8-week summer concert series in King Commons; last season drew 11,400 attendees, with an average 75-minute stay and 30% of visitors shopping/eating before the show and 32% returning after 8 p.m.
Candy Land Christmas: downtown transforms with 180+ live decorated trees from local businesses and nonprofits spanning Founders Park, King Commons, and Main Street.

Business Support

Micro-Grants

Online Resources

New Business Support

Micro-grants: Annual downtown micro-grants from $500–$4,000 for renovations, storefront upgrades, events, and marketing projects.
New businesses: Brand-new ventures with an executed downtown lease are eligible for the same micro-grants to help with build-out and opening costs.
Online resources: One full year of free online small business training through Retail Strategies, including property owner, restaurant, modernization, and holiday marketing courses.
Local ecosystem: More than 275 independent shops, restaurants, and services downtown can tap into these tools and Main Street support.

District Support

Quarterly Meetings w/ City

Building Inventory

Business Directory

District Online Map

498 parcels inventoried across the entire downtown district using the BOOMS Tracker to understand ownership, vacancies, and redevelopment potential.
Custom visitor maps created for parking, outdoor spaces, and the 275+ businesses that make up the core of Downtown Johnson City.
Quarterly coordination meetings with City staff, business owners, and the Main Street team to keep communication steady and district-wide improvements aligned.

CONNECT DOWNTOWN JOHNSON CITY, INC.

About:

Connect Downtown Johnson City is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization who serves as the Advisory Board for the Main Street Program of downtown Johnson City. By being a Tennessee Main Street Community and a National Main Street accredited program, there are many resources for small business owners, projects and public improvements for the downtown district.

The Main Street Program for downtown Johnson City hosts several events throughout the year to create a vibrant and activated district. These events include: Fridays After 5, Sip Shop & Strolls, Oktoberfest, Acoustic Autumns, Candy Land Christmas and much more!

This program wouldn't be successful without a supportive community, volunteers, and generous sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring or even serving as an event or committee volunteer, please email info@downtownjctn.com

Our Mission:

To foster a thriving downtown ecosystem that is desirable for residents, businesses, and visitors by forging partnerships and facilitating community connections.

Our Vision:

The Connect Downtown Johnson City Board of Directors and its committees, strive to:

Foster a thriving and diverse storefront economy that supports Downtown Johnson City business community, excites visitors, and meets the needs of residents
Cultivate a lively and engaging Downtown atmosphere that identifies Downtown Johnson City as a destination for locals and tourists alike
Create a truly welcoming environment that enhances the experience of Downtown Johnson City’s visitors and residents
Increase CDJC’s organizational effectiveness and ability to deliver on its mission.