Bristol is home to many various entertainment opportunities. From our majestic mountain views to our parks and lakes, a variety of recreational activities are available to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts. Also, cultural and performing arts, festivals, dining, shopping, and sporting event activities abound in Bristol.

Motor sports, hiking and golfing are just a few of the abundant recreational activities in Bristol.  Our mountains provide an opportunity to step back in time with a journey through geological wonders in year-round tours at the Bristol Caverns and Appalachian Caverns.  There are also more than 40 square miles of inland lakes and freshwater streams as well as a variety of city parks with public access for hiking, camping, biking and sporting fields.   There are also numerous golf courses, both public and private, located in the area.

Bristol Motor Speedway hosts Nextel and Busch NASCAR events, NHRA drag way events and year-round special events and track tours. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s American Outdoor Experience, held at Bristol Motor Speedway, is an excellent opportunity for outdoor sports enthusiasts to see demonstrations and exhibitions related to outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and boating.

Music is an important part of the culture in Bristol.  Congress designated Bristol as the “Official Birthplace of Country Music” in 1998.  The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance keeps local music traditions alive today through a museum and pickin’ porch concerts.  Bristol’s Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival features a variety of local and national acts during its 3-day festival in September. Also, visitors and residents can attend Music at the Mural Concerts at no charge during the summer months at the Country Music Mural on State Street. Other local festivals, such as the International Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough and the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon, also continue to feature local culture and traditions of music, art and storytelling.

Performing arts such as ballets, concerts and theatre can all be found in Bristol.  The Paramount Center for the Arts features nationally known singers and musicians, as well as hosting Broadway touring shows and Theatre Bristol, a local community theatre group. Ballet companies and dance ensembles also perform on the Paramount Center’s stage.

Various shopping and dining opportunities are in the Bristol area as well. Bristol’s downtown historic district, State Street, features over 30 specialty gift shops, cafes, restaurants and antique shops. Also, fresh fruits and vegetables and crafts can be found every week from April through October at the newly constructed Farmer’s Market Pavilion and Downtown Centre located on State Street.  National restaurants and shopping stores are located around Bristol and at the Bristol Mall.