Big Lon's Vinyl Record Expo spins back to Fun Fest

KINGSPORT - Music lovers and collectors are in luck! They can dance the day away and hunt for rare audio treasures at the 5th Annual Big Lon's Vinyl Record Expo at Fun Fest on Sunday, July 19th. The premier, region-wide, crate-digging event returns as an official highlight of the 2026 Kingsport extravaganza. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium and will remain open until 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. There will be a massive selection of vinyl LPs, 45s, 78s, CDs, and cassettes with over 60 booths of music media. Top dealers are traveling from at least five surrounding states with rock, jazz, country, soul, rap and indie releases. There will be a table of pre-loved vinyl to raise donations for Tilted Tavern Animal Sanctuary and Kris Treulsen and Josh Littleton with WBCM Radio Bristol 100.1 FM-LP will be doing a live remote broadcast from the stage all day. Live music performances throughout the day include Bailey George & The Hit Paraders, Moose "Trainwreck" Roberts, Daniel Chumley, Momma Molasses, The Screech Boys, Chris Long, Sarah Beth Lovell, T.C. & Eric Seguin, Lightnin' Charlie & Beth, Responsible Parties and Donnie & The Dry Heavers. "Vinyl is about holding a piece of music history in your hands," says event founder Lonnie "Big Lon" Salyer. "Reaching our fifth year shows how strong the vinyl record community is in East Tennessee." The event could not take place without generous sponsors - and Big Lon has rounded up some amazing support. Tho include WBCM Radio Bristol, Well-Made Music, Mid-City Grill Kingsport, Mike's Record Room, Yevette Lynn Photography, P.D.'s Records and Tapes, Cheap Thrills Records, Elderbrew, Greene Jerky Co., Century Records (aka Forgotten Tunes on Discogs) and Big Lon's Crateful Dig. Founded in 2022, Big Lon's Vinyl Record Expo connects independent music vendors with music enthusiasts across the Appalachian Highlands. The expo provides a climate-controlled, family-friendly space for casual listeners and serious audiophiles alike. Attendees can buy, sell, or trade items from their personal collections throughout the day. For more information, or details on being involved, contact Lonnie Salyer (Event Organizer) at (423) 440-9175 or by email at biglon68@gmail.com. You can also find more at his website, biglonscratefuldig.com. Kingsport Fun Fest is an annual, multi-day community festival featuring concerts, sporting events, and cultural activities for all ages.