East Tennessee State University is set to debut a new community-centered tradition with Forever Fest, a free public event held as part of the university’s broader Forever ETSU Week, a series of events celebrating school pride, alumni engagement and community connection.
Organized through the university’s Office of University Advancement, the inaugural festival will take place from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the Model Mill parking lot, serving as a central hub for music, food and family-friendly activities during the weeklong celebration.
Desmond Pierce, executive director of Annual Giving, said the event represents a major step forward in the university’s “Forever ETSU” initiative.
“I am a proud 2014 graduate of ETSU and a former member of the men’s cross country and track and field teams,” Pierce said. “ETSU holds a special place for me, and I am truly excited about the future of the university through the Forever ETSU initiative.”
Pierce also highlighted the contributions of his team, noting that Associate Director of Annual Giving Savannah Kern and Assistant Director Gracie Gibson — both ETSU alumni — have played key roles in bringing the event to life.
Forever Fest is designed not only for alumni and donors, but for the wider community as well. The event is being held in partnership with Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and its Young Professionals group, along with support from downtown stakeholders.
“Forever Fest is a brand-new event this year, and our partnerships with Downtown Johnson City and the Young Professionals group through the Chamber strongly align with our mission,” Pierce said. “This collaboration allows us to engage not only alumni and supporters, but also the broader community.”
More than 65 vendors are expected to participate, offering a wide variety of food, goods and interactive experiences. The festival will feature live music performances, multiple food trucks and designated activity spaces hosted by community partners. A children’s area with inflatables — sponsored by Buctainment — will provide entertainment for younger attendees.
Pierce said the event’s open format is intentional, aiming to create an accessible, welcoming environment during the larger week of festivities.
“As a free, open-to-the-public event, Forever Fest is designed to celebrate the collective success of the week while creating meaningful connections across our region,” he said.
Additional attractions will include activation spaces hosted by local organizations such as Tennessee Hills and Groovy Grovers.
While this year marks the first iteration of Forever Fest, organizers say they hope it will grow into a long-standing tradition tied to Forever ETSU Week.
“As this is our inaugural year for Forever Fest, we are especially excited to see the community come together and help set the foundation for what we hope will become a longstanding tradition,” Pierce said.
More information about Forever Fest and the Forever ETSU initiative can be found at etsu.edu/give or by following @etsuadvancement on social media.
