The Philosopher's House

Chess Club
2025-10-01 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
Make new friends and play chess! This group meets weekly in the main room. All levels welcome.
Materials Required: None
Location: Main Room
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
How to register:Drop-in.
Instructor Contact Information: Joegumina@hotmail.com
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Ukrainian language class (pre-register, limited seats available)
2025-10-01 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-09-24 17:30 - 18:30
Discover the Ukrainian Language: A Family-Friendly Journey of Culture and Connection Join us for an engaging experience in learning Ukrainian, designed for families and individuals alike. Our lessons are not just for adults; we welcome learners of all ages to explore the beauty of the Ukrainian language together. Whether you have Ukrainian heritage, wish to connect with friends, or are simply curious about new languages, this is a wonderful opportunity to dive into a rich cultural experience.
In our family-oriented lessons, you will explore: – Fundamentals of the Language: Start with the basics, including pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, tailored for English speakers of all ages. – Cultural Insights: Discover Ukrainian traditions, music, and cuisine, enhancing your language skills with cultural context that the whole family can enjoy. – Practical Communication: Develop conversational skills that allow you to engage with native speakers and navigate everyday situations with confidence. Together, we will create a supportive and interactive space where families can learn, practice, and grow. Embrace the beauty of the Ukrainian language and culture, and discover how it connects us all.
How to register: Purchase a ticket here https://square.link/u/UDcpoaPM
Sliding scale donation to support The Philosopher’s House nonprofit, please give at the level that is comfortable/sustainable for you. You can purchase multiple weeks if you prefer, or pay weekly prior to class, so we can save you a seat.
Cost: 5.00-15.00 sliding scale donation

Location: Drawing room, upstairs
Instructor contact: Rita Gregory at ritapaulgregory@gmail.com
About Rita Gregory:
I was born and raised in Ukraine, where I lived until I was 29. My journey with the Ukrainian language has been significant, especially given the historical challenges we’ve faced in preserving our culture and identity. For me, the Ukrainian language is a vital part of our existence and heritage. I am passionate about spreading my knowledge of Ukrainian and helping others appreciate its importance.

Cookie Decorating with Sidehustle Custom Bakery
2025-09-30 18:00 - 20:00
The seasons have changed and it’s time to break out the fall cookie cutters! In this two hour beginners class you will learn the basics of sugar cookie decorating with royal icing. You will be guided through decorating by Kat Yarbrough, owner and operator of Side Hustle Custom Bakery.
No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided!
During this 2 hour class you will decorate 6 different autumnal shaped cookies (not pictured). You will learn various decorating skills such as:

Outline and flood
Wet on Wet techniques
Working with stencils
Working with transfers
and more!

At the end of class you will go home with:

A box to take your cookies
The full cookie set decorated by you
New skills to decorate cookies at home
My very own sugar cookie and royal icing recipes

All ages are welcome but any participant under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How to register: Please register directly at www.sidehustlecustombakery.com
Cost: 45.00 per person, all supplies included
Location: Classroom/Meditation Space, 2nd floor
Cookies & icing are made in a kitchen that contains peanuts, nuts, soy and other allergens. Cookies contain eggs, tree nuts, dairy, and wheat.

Mandarin Language Class
2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:30
Description: Mandarin Chinese is the single largest first language in the world, with over 941 million native speakers, and has become an invaluable language for anyone to learn, whether they’re interested in engaging with Chinese business, learning more about Chinese politics, wanting to study deeper into Chinese culture, or just fascinated by language! This course will function as an absolute beginner course in Mandarin Chinese. Learning objectives will be to be able to read and pronounce pinyin, to learn very basic grammatical structures, very basic day-to-day vocabulary, begin to recognize and reproduce some characters, and be able to hold simple, introductory conversations. No prior Mandarin knowledge is necessary. If there are more advanced learners who would be interested in more advanced material, please contact the instructor.
Instructor Steven Jenkins: I have studied Mandarin Chinese at several universities in China and lived and worked in China for a number of years. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to help people start their journey in learning Mandarin Chinese!
How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.
Cost: Absolutely free. Food and drink purchases encouraged
Location: Drawing Room, 2nd floor
Materials needed: A notetaking device (laptop, tablet, notebook, etc.) . We will be using Integrated Chinese Level 1; Part 1, 4th edition, which is available in print and eBook formats from several sources. You can also use a previous edition, as those are readily available and less expensive. We will use Simplified characters in the class, as that is used in Mainland China and elsewhere. As that series has both textbooks and workbooks, be sure to select the textbook. If you have questions about the suitability of a version, feel free to contact the instructor.
Instructor Contact Information: Steven Jenkins (steven.jenkins@gmail.com)

Tuesday Tunes: Terry Warner and friends, singer/songwriter
2025-09-30 17:30 - 19:00
Terry is a resident of Johnson City for 30 years and active with music and writing life long. He feels fortunate to have some wonderful friends that have joined in the mash of tunes and bands from ballads to rock and country to roots music and is ooking forward to the next opportunity to circle up and play it through. Join us for a lively and relaxing Tuesday Tunes at the teahouse!
How to register: No registration needed. Drop-in
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged. Tips to musicians encouraged.
Location: Living room/Fireplace area, 1st floor

Teahouse Closed
2025-09-29, 2025-09-22
Our normal operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 9pm and Sunday 10am – 7pm.
Be sure to check for occasional, special events held on Mondays.
Email us about venue rentals for special, private events.

Silent Book Club JC
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00
Last Sunday of each month from 2-4pm, unless otherwise noted
Join us for the Johnson City Silent Book Club‘s monthly meetup – in-person at the Philosopher’s Teahouse
Bring any book you want (or – they have an extensive donated library to pluck an impulsive choice from!) and order something to eat or drink.
The format: We start at 2pm, with the first 30 minutes spent informally getting settled and chatting, then an official hour to silently read together, then the last 30 minutes opened up for further friendly discussion if desired. (You can find the link on our Facebook page, if this option is desired!)
Materials Required: A book you enjoy reading
Location: Living room/fireplace area, 1st floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged
How to register: Drop-in

Instructor Contact Information: Emily/Katt Sikora at emilyskatt@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064632796037

Feline Fine Cat Cafe (ticket required)
2025-09-28 13:00 - 14:00
Co-sponsored by Operation Johnson Kitty and The Philosopher’s House
Snuggle and play with cats and sip tea at this purrrrrfectly cozy cat cafe! Cats at event are adoptable.
Please wear comfortable clothing. Floor cushions and chairs will also be available.
Self-serve Apricot black tea service with oat milk creamer and sugar cubes for sipping.

How to register: Register by purchasing ticket
1:00pm https://square.link/u/6EmtupLv
Location: Meditation/classroom space 2nd floor
Cost: $15 for one hour of cat play/snuggle time with tea. Proceeds benefit Operation Johnson Kitty and The Philosopher’s House nonprofits.

Organizer contact: Please contact Jennie Scott with questions at Jennifer.Littell@gmail.com

Of Field and Forest: A Farm to Table Fundraiser (On-location at Spade and Spoon Farm)
2025-09-27 17:30 - 20:30
Join us for a special supper club dinner/fundraising event for the The Philosopher’s House! Five course meal rooted in Appalachian agriculture will take place at Spade and Spoon Farm, 711 Laurels Rd. Johnson City, 37601

There will be live music provided by Bratfolk, a silent auction, Anna Hedges Photography to capture Waylon & Willie’s (mini-donkeys) donated smoocheroozies with attendees, and, of course, our signature five-course meal with exquisite wine pairings compliments of Vino Noir served under the stars on our beautiful farm. Tickets are extremely limited and selling out fast!

How to register: Purchase your seat soon through Spade and Spoon. Limited seats available
https://thespadeandspoon.com/supper-club?fbclid=IwY2xjawMlhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNekxRM2FMcGpBdjN4aDRiAR5VFyvGqhlzTZYzuBJud3y6YE1V_am2M7_C5wyI-9pHXUtavaaSQPMWMtABAQ_aem_1_SLC3bG40M2XUGX9Y7IlQ

Location: Spade and Spoon Farm, 711 Laurels Rd. Johnson City TN

Cost:
$100 per person
$125 with 3 oz wine flight
$150 with 6 oz wine pours
$25 suggested donation to the tea house

Join us for an evening (and meal) to remember, and support a local nonprofit!

Drawing and Tea Social
2025-09-27 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-20 16:30 - 17:30 | Game Room
*NOTE:Holiday hours will affect meetup. No Drawing and Tea Social on 12/20, 12/27, or 1/3/25*
We support and appreciate each other’s artistic journeys. We have weekly challenges, sketchbook tours, art mentoring and more.
When: Saturdays at 4:30 – 5-30p
Location: Game Room, 1st floor
What to bring: any dry art and dry materials you would like to work on (Pencil, charcoal, pastel are ok. Please refrain from bringing any glitter or wet medias such as ink or paint.)

Roast and Jam: Some Old Friends
2025-09-26 19:00 - 20:30
Join us in the courtyard 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, and 10/17 for live music and S’mores roasted over an open fire. We will have both individual burners on table tops, as well as a communal fire pit for use. All supplies will be provided and each week brings different local musicians. Vegan S’mores fixings will also be available.
Join us in the courtyard for an uplifting, fun, community event around the fire!
Bands: 9/26 Some Old Friends
10/3 Singer/Songwriter Bradley Dargan
10/10 Jazz Daddies
10/17 TBD
How to register: Drop-in
Cost: 5.00 donation for S’mores encouraged, tips for musicians encouraged. Musicians keep all tips designated for band.
Location: Courtyard/deck, outdoor area

¿Habla Español? Spanish Language Club
2025-09-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-09-19 18:30 - 19:30
*NOTE: First Fridays will be at a local restaurant outside the teahouse.* Please check here or text instructor for location the week of First Fridays.

Conversational Spanish with Laura and friends. This is an opportunity to practice Spanish with several native Spanish speaking people, and form a community with activities like potlucks, game nights, etc… while speaking/learning Espańol.
All levels welcome, even if you speak no Spanish!
How to register: Drop-in
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (except First Fridays which are rotating on location)
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
Materials required: Notebook if you prefer. No materials needed.
Organizer: Text Laura Lopez at 423-383-6547
NOTE: For a formal Spanish beginning language class, please check out our Wednesday night at 5:30pm with instructor Sonia Garcia. Pair with the club for practice and community engagement. Email Sonia at lunalagunas@gmail.com

Fiber Arts Meetup
2025-09-26 17:00 - 19:00
Fiber Arts Meetup Do you crochet, knit, sew, cross stitch, or otherwise create any kind of fiber art that you can fit in a bag and carry with you? Then you are warmly invited to come and enjoy a session of sipping and crafting with us! Open to all skill levels in any portable fiber art, this meetup is an opportunity to spend some time making progress on your project of choice while connecting with fellow fiber artists. This meetup can double as a skillshare, so if you are great at something and willing to share your knowledge, or you’re seeking a welcoming place to learn, we would love to have you!
Location: Parlor, 2nd floor
Materials Required: Bring your own project
Cost: None-food and drink purchases, as well as donations directly to the tea house always encouraged!
Registration: Drop-in Instructor Contact: Krystal Clark freshstartfiberart@yahoo.com

Silent Meditation
2025-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Silent group meditation Fridays at 12:00pm. Open space for anyone looking to practice silent meditation with basic instructions for any beginners.
How to register: Register through this donation button, or drop-in. https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Cost: Sliding scale donation to support teahouse nonprofit (2.00-8.00), all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. Food/drink purchases encouraged. https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd level
Organizer Bradley Dargan:
“I am a Yoga practitioner and instructor with over 15 years of meditation experience. Breath and mindfulness meditations have been an integral part of my wellness over the years, and I would love to share practice with anyone interested in meditation.”

Vegan Potluck
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:00
Calling all vegans and/or vegan curious! Join us for a community potluck. Please bring ONLY vegan dishes to share.
Materials required: Vegan covered dish or dessert to share. Please list ALL ingredients on notecard to set next to dishes. Ice water provided. We suggest bringing your own cutlery and plates to minimize waste.
Cost: Free community event
How to register: Drop-in, come a bit early if you wish to order drinks at tea counter.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor. Overflow seating available in Parlor and Japanese seating, 2nd floor

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 2)
2025-09-25 18:00 - 20:00
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of tabletop adventure games, Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Beginner focused, no pressure gaming for ages 18+. Contact instructor for more information.
Materials Needed: None to start, see instructor for details
Where: Drawing room space 2nd floor (walk through Parlor and down hall)
Cost: 5.00-8.00 sliding scale suggested donation to support the space, OR food/drink purchase appreciated.
How to register: Drop-in permitted, first come-first serve so advance registration preferred. See instructor contact info below for registration. 8 person max
Instructor contact information: Anthony at gudguygoku@gmail.com

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 1)
2025-09-25 18:00 - 20:00
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of tabletop adventure games, Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Beginner focused, no pressure gaming for ages 18+. Contact instructor for more information.
Materials Needed: None to start, see instructor for details
Where: Parlor space 2nd floor
Cost: 0-5.00 sliding scale suggested donation to support the space, OR food/drink purchase appreciated.
How to register: Drop-in permitted, first come-first serve so advance registration preferred. See instructor contact info below for registration. 8 person max
Instructor contact information: Sam at msixteenatoo@gmail.com

Mah Jongg
2025-09-25 14:30 - 16:30
MahJongg, Mahjong or Mah-Jongg or it is also referred to as Maahj, is a rummy-like game played with tiles versus cards.
There are several versions of the game, but each version typically falls under two broad categories- American Mah Jongg and Chinese Mah Jongg.
We will be playing American Mah Jongg soon at the Philosopher’s House weekly on Thursdays from 3:30pm-5:30pm.
Four players are at each Maahj table. Multiple tables will have separate games. Players will be required to have their own 2024 Official Standard Hands and Rules card from the National Mah Jongg League, Inc. This is the 87th year of producing the card and the game is quite popular. Players may purchase cards at the League’s website www.nationalmahjonggleague.org or they may also be purchased from Amazon. Recently, there have been a few concerns with the legitimacy of the Amazon cards. The cards are $15.00 and it may take some time to receive them from the League office.
It is not a difficult game but it does take time to learn. There will be a discussion of the game set up, tiles and card, rules, and strategy and then we will dive in for a practice run. Please feel free to join us even if you’re curious and wanting to observe and ask questions.
Any questions regarding the game may be referred to Julie at 423-557-6132. Please leave a message if I do not answer!
How to register: Drop-in, but weekly playing is encouraged once you decide to commit
Location: Living Room, 1st floor
Materials Required: 2024 Official Standard Hands and Rules card (purchase from National Mah Jongg League, Inc.) at www.nationalmahjonggleague.org
Cost: Donation to tea counter or 2.00-5.00 per person, or Food and drink purchases encouraged to support nonprofit space.
Instructor/Registration Contact Information: Julie at 423-557-6132. Please leave a message if I do not answer!

En Plein Air Painting Class/Meetup
2025-09-24 18:15 - 19:30
En Plein Air class! Bring a hat, water bottle, and an old shirt/apron! All other materials provided or bring your own. Your teacher will guide you through the steps of painting out in the open air, while allowing you to put in your own style. Open to beginners and experienced artists!
How to register: No registration needed unless you’re purchasing supplies. Contact instructor to reserve supplies/register. Drop-in if bringing your own supplies.
Cost: 25.00 for all materials. Otherwise donation based or Food/drink purchases encouraged to support the teahouse nonprofit.
Donation link: https://square.link/u/hqlgjtg5 supports the teahouse nonprofit space

Location: Meet on deck in courtyard
Contact Instructor: Becca Burns rebecca.gg.burns@gmail.com
Becca Burns is an artist based in Johnson City, Tennessee, with a lifelong passion for creativity. She began creating as a child and had always been looking for her next project. Holding a degree in Biology, she combines scientific curiosity with artistic insight to better explore and understand the world. Her studies have taken her from her own backyard to the beautiful landscapes of France. Currently, she teaches art to Pre-K through 5th grade students in Kingsport, sharing her love of creativity and infusing every lesson with passion and expression.

Tuesday Tunes: Some Old Friends
2025-09-23 17:30 - 19:00
Some Old Friends are a local band from Carter County travelling the region entertaining with covers of many genres covering many decades of music. Their original music is highlighted throughout their sets, some already published on Spotify.
Country, rock, and blues drive our sound but we have leaned into the eclectic as well. They are currently a duet but have added friends in the past to give larger shows for larger venues but definitely shine in smaller interactive environments.
Join us for this amazing musical duo for Tuesday Tunes!
How to register: No registration needed. Drop-in
Where: Fireplace/living room area, first floor
Cost: No fee. Tips for musician encouraged

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2025-09-23 17:30 - 19:00
Monthly meet up for local authors: The goal is to be in community and encourage fellow authors on their current projects. We’ll do group feedback, discuss local events and collaborations, and have various discussion topics on the craft of writing, and the business of selling, books.
Feel free to drop in, but if you’d like to get on the email list to request feedback on a project or hear specifics about each month’s topic, email Molly McDonough at mcdonough.author@gmail.com.
The suggested payment for this event is a $5 donation to Philosopher’s House or the purchase of food or drink.
How to register: Drop-in OR email Molly to get on email list
Location: 2nd floor, drawing room
Cost: 5.00 donation at tea counter or food/drink purchases encouraged.

Mixed Media Painting Class (4-part series, registration required)
2025-09-21 13:15 - 14:15
Come Paint with Me! An class that guides you through the steps of artistic expression from inspiration, to technique, to varnish. Structured as a semi-independent art class with plenty of teacher support. Open to students of all experience levels and ages. All materials provided.
This series will be a Multimedia Project Series. Working with a medium of your choice from, printmaking, acrylic, watercolor, or oil painting, illustration with pencil or pens, to cardboard art
How to register:
by emailing instructor Rebecca at rebecca.gg.burns@gmail.com or my venmo @beccaGGburns
Cost: 17.00 per class OR 35.00 for all 4 classes in the series (No class 9/28 )
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor
Becca Burns is an artist based in Johnson City, Tennessee, with a lifelong passion for creativity. She began creating as a child and had always been looking for her next project. Holding a degree in Biology, she combines scientific curiosity with artistic insight to better explore and understand the world. Her studies have taken her from her own backyard to the beautiful landscapes of France. Currently, she teaches art to Pre-K through 5th grade students in Kingsport, sharing her love of creativity and infusing every lesson with passion and expression.

Poetry Writer's Workshop #2
2025-09-20 12:00 - 14:00
*New group is FULL! Please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com to get on waitlist.*
This monthly sharing circle is open to poets of all levels. Participants are encouraged to share their poetry in a friendly, constructive, and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees often discuss poetic themes, share resources and book recommendations, and discuss local poetry-related events. Occasionally, the group will offer a prompt for inspiration or have free writing time together. Contact facilitator for more information.
How to register: Advance registration required. See instructor contact below for registration.
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (through Parlor and down hall)

Materials Required: Writing notebook or laptop/tablet.

Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse at tea counter OR drink/food purchases encouraged.
Instructor contact information: Kayla Nichols at 423-571-2949, nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com

Poetry Writer's Workshop
2025-09-19 15:20 - 17:20 | Drawing Room
*This group is currently full, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com Second group has been added on 3rd Saturday of each month.*
This bi-weekly sharing circle is open to poets of all levels. Participants are encouraged to share their poetry in a friendly, constructive, and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees often discuss poetic themes, share resources and book recommendations, and discuss local poetry-related events. Occasionally, the group will offer a prompt for inspiration or have free writing time together. Contact facilitator for more information.
How to register :Advance registration required. See instructor contact below for registration.
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (through Parlor and down hall)

Materials Required: Writing notebook or laptop/tablet.

Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse at tea counter OR drink/food purchases encouraged.
Instructor contact information: Kayla Nichols at 423-571-2949, nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com
