The Philosophers House

Drawing and Tea Social
2026-05-02 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-25 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Drawing and Tea Social: 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: Tea Table, 1st floor
Organizer contact: Benjamin Abbott with The FADE Initiative. Email: benjaminabbott3@gmail.com or Laura Carlson at Laura@fadeinit.org
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.)
Seating is limited, and dependent on which room we will occupy: 10 people maximum can attend.
Learn more and RSVP at https://fadeinit.org/events

Trinket Swap and Art Sale
2026-05-02 11:00 - 16:00 UTC
TRINKET SWAP:
Bring a trinket. Leave a trinket. Take a trinket.
Trinkets – tiny items such as handmade bracelets, pins, charms, knick knacks – are symbols of connection, tokens exchanged in moments of shared energy and mutual recognition.
These small tokens remind us of the kindness and presence we crave, the need to feel seen and understood, especially amidst the hustle of daily life and the relentless barrage of news.

ART SALE:
Enjoy perusing a variety of local artists and artisans.
Shop local & support our area’s artists!
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Organized and co-hosted by Chelsea Green and friends (she runs our Climate Cafe) at Fauna Forest Farm.
We invite you to join us! Bring a trinket, handmade or handed down, and find a special item to take back home!
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No registration required. See you there!
Location: Courtyard, living room, classroom, both levels.

The Fleur Cottage Flower Cart pop-up
2026-05-02 11:00 - 16:00 UTC
Location: The courtyard

The Fleur Cottage Flower Cart offers a calming, garden-inspired experience that blends seamlessly with the intentional, reflective atmosphere of Philosophers House Tea & Coffee. Rooted in slow, seasonal beauty, the cart invites guests to pause, create, and connect — an experience that pairs effortlessly with the tea house’s focus on mindfulness and community. Every stem displayed on the cart is locally grown, herbicide- and pesticide-free, and harvested 24–48 hours before the event on our small Tennessee flower farm. This ensures the freshest blooms possible while honoring sustainable, earth-conscious floral practices.Arranged in elegant water-filled buckets, each selection of focal flowers, fillers, and foliage reflects the season’s natural rhythm — from spring ranunculus and
snapdragons to summer zinnias and dahlias, to autumn celosia and eucalyptus.

Guests are invited to build their own bouquet, guided gently through stem selection, color harmony, and simple design.The flower cart becomes a living art piece within the tea room — soft ribbons, natural wraps, and curated textures that complement the warm woods, quiet conversations, and deep-set coziness of the space.

Guests can choose between premade market bouquets or a DIY build-your-own
bouquet experience:

Market hand-tied bouquets — $30
DIY 5 stems — $15
DIY 12 stems — $30
Checkout is simple — guests scan a Fleur Cottage QR code on the cart and pay directly from their phone.
Thoughtful, sustainable, and rooted in beauty, the Fleur Cottage Flower Cart brings a moment of quiet joy and intentional creativity to the heart of
The Philosophers House — an uplifting blend of flowers, tea, and community

Tea and Tai Chi
2026-05-02 10:30 - 12:00 UTC
Join the White Lotus crew on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month for the best Tea in Johnson City, some heartfelt community, and some relaxing yet invigorating movement arts to top it all off. We will meet at the Philosopher’s House for a tea of your choice, then head out to the park (weather permitting) for Yang 24 (Beijing Style) Tai Chi. Our warmup will include some Qigong and exercises influenced by martial arts style like Bajiquan and Baguazhang.
How to register: Drop-in, no registration needed.
Location: Meet at the teahouse at 10:30am, then walk with us down to King Commons for Tai Chi time
Cost: Beverage or food purchase encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit.
Instructor Contact: David Cable at pdcable@gmail.com

Storytelling Open Mic
2026-05-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Sign ups start at 6:15pm
Theme: TBD
(Note: your story does not have to fit into the theme of community but if you are looking for a creative challenge, feel free to try and match the theme!)

Step into an evening of stories with local storytellers at our brand-new Open Mic series, hosted in our cozy living room space for community, creativity, and connection. From 6:30 to 8:00PM, we invite storytellers to take the mic for 5–7 minute slots. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or taking your first leap, this is a welcoming space to share your voice.
Sign-up opens at 6:15 PM, so come early and grab your spot. Each evening also features a 20-minute set by a featured storyteller, offering a deeper dive into the power of narrative to connect and inspire. The featured teller for this month, and beyond, could be you! Contact Vianna for details. Wander through the teahouse, grab a cup, and let the stories inspire you!
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouesnonprofit or food and drink purchases encouraged. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Location: Living Room/Fireplace, 1st floor
Host: Vianna Isbister at isbisterv13@gmail.com

¿Hablas Español? Spanish Language Club
2026-05-01 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax)
*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.
For this Friday 5/1/26, we will meet at Pupuseria Patty for Spanish Club at 6:30pm. 1703 W Market Street in JC…please text Laura to RSVP by 6pm today (4/29) or we won’t have enough seats for everyone. Thank you!!
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

Ride JC Meeting (5/1 Canceled for Mother's Day Holiday weekend)
2026-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
Ride JC helps all people be healthier and happier by educating about alternative transit and improving connectedness in the Appalachian Highlands. We encourage everyone to Bike, Walk, Bus, or Roll around their communities through group rides, educational classes, and advocating for infrastructure.
Join us for planning and organizing!
Materials required: None needed.
Location: Meditation/classroom space 2nd floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged
How to register: Drop-in
Instructor contact:

RideJCTN@outlook.com

Poetry Writer's Workshop
2026-05-01 15:20 - 17:20 UTC
*This group is currently full, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com *
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

Vegan Potluck
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
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. Please bring your own cutlery and plates to minimize waste.
Cost: Beverage purchase encouraged to support nonprofit OR donation to teahouse. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
How to register: Drop-in, come a bit early if you wish to order drinks at tea counter.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor.
Host: James Uraski juraski130474@gmail.com

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 1)
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
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

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 2)
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
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

Guided Ana Pana Breathwork Meditation
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Guided group meditation Thursdays at 12. Open space for anyone looking to practice silent or guided meditation. Open to all. Beginners welcome. We will be focusing on ana pana/natural respiration/nostril breathing. Lots of silence, but some gentle guidance into the practice
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) OR food/drink purchases encouraged.all are welcome regardless of ability to pay 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.”

Live Music: Steel Band Showcase
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
The Science Hill Steeltoppers is our school’s premier steel pan ensemble, led by acclaimed pannist and educator, Dr. Diana Loomer. The group has performed alongside collegiate bands such as Appalachian State’s Steely Pan Steel Band. They showcase a diverse range that spans pop, classical, funk and traditional soca. While exploring a breadth of genres, the Steeltoppers remain rooted in the rich musical culture of Trinidad and Tobago, honoring the legacy of steel pan through conversations about Trinidad and Tobago’s history and musical influences.
How to register: No registration, drop-in
Location: Courtyard, outdoors
Cost: Food/drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit

After the performance, we’ll offer audience members an opportunity to try out the instruments and learn a tune

Fireside Chat: Expanding Protections for TN Renters with SOCM
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
*Sponsored by Carson and Paige McSailor*
Statewide Organizing For Community Empowerment (SOCM) is a 53-year-old, member-led organization dedicated to empowering Tennesseans by training local leaders and sustaining locally rooted membership organizations. Members work toward a Tennessee where all people are treated with dignity, the environment is protected, and corporations and officials are held accountable.
Join us to learn more about tenant rights and the Tenant Screening Project
https://www.housingforalltn.org/tn-tenant-screening-protections-partners
How to register: Drop-in, no registration
Cost: Beverage/food purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit
Location: Fireplace/Living Room, 1st floor
Speaker: Siobhan Costanzo is a public health practitioner, evaluator, and community organizer working at the intersection of health, systems change, and housing, specifically focused on housing stability and tenant protections. She is currently co-leading research, policy, and organizing initiatives across Tennessee and in Knox County to strengthen tenant screening protections and advance policy solutions to housing instability.
Over the past 15 years, Siobhan has worked with state agencies, universities, and community organizations to translate research and lived experience into actionable practice and policy change. Her work includes coordinating multi-agency initiatives, employing qualitative and quantitative research methods, supporting housing advocacy campaigns, and collaborating with community and public sector partners on strategy, implementation, evaluation, and systems change.

Chess Club
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-22 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: Living room/Fireplace area, 1st floor
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged to support nonprofit
How to register:Drop-in.
Instructor Contact Information: Joegumina@hotmail.com

Macrame Class: Plant Hanger
2026-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Plant hanger workshop
All supplies provided. Choose from a variety of cotton colored cords and wooden beads to create a beautiful spiral knotted plant hanger.
Please feel welcome to bring your own pot to size the hanger accordingly.
How to register: Payment via
Cashapp $katiedegan
Venmo @katie-degan
Cost: $29 per person
Contact: deganboutique@gmail.com or text/call 708-275-8379

Mandarin Language Class
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
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.
How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged OR 5.00 donation at tea counter to support our nonprofit.
Location: Parlor, 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: Please text Heather at (208)215-6738

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2026-04-28 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Monthly meet up for local authors on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: 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 Marvin.
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 Marvin: marvin@marvinlchoffman.com
Location: 2nd floor, drawing room
Cost: 5.00 donation at tea counter or food/drink purchases encouraged.

Business Book Club
2026-04-26 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Welcome to our Business Book Club! The last Sunday of every month, we will meet at The Philosopher’s House at 6pm to discuss the current month’s book.

We will end promptly at 7pm (teahouse closing time) but feel free to come at 5:30pm get to know each other before hand. We want any one who loves learning to join us, drop in for only the books that interest you or put it in your calendar for all 12 months.

How to register: No registration needed. Drop-in
Cost: Food/beverage purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Location: Fireplace/Living Room, 1st floor
Organizer: Jenna Tamayo at 1jenna.tamayo@gmail.com
Our year of books:
January: Radical Candor
February: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
March:The Innovators Dilemma
April: Good Strategy, Bad Strategy
May: Financial Intelligence
Juney: Psychology of Money
July: The 80/20 Principle
August: Unreasonable Hospitality
September: Net Positive
October: Hooked
November: The Hard Thing about Hard Things
December: The Slight Edge

Macrame Class: Kitchen Hanger
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Kitchen hanger workshop

All supplies provided. Choose from a variety of cotton colored cords to create a functional kitchen accessory to hold garlic, onions, oranges, apples and more!
How to register: Payment via
Cashapp $katiedegan
Venmo @katie-degan
Cost: $25 per person
Contact: deganboutique@gmail.com or text/call 708-275-8379

Silent Book Club JC
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax)
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

Sunpod Sunday (mobile Sauna)
2026-04-26 13:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
We’re so excited to offer another Community Sesh at the teahouse! Come in and get HOT in the sauna!
We’ll be set up at the teahouse (tea break, anyone?) from 1pm-5:30pm. Book a spot before they’re gone!
What is a Community Sesh?
It’s where we set up our mobile wood-stove sauna as a shared space for like-minded people (warmth lovers).
How to register: Reserve your space and time directly at our website https://sunpodsauna.com/#Menu
(please choose your date and session length)
Location: Outdoor/courtyard
Cost: 20.00-30.00, choose your date and session length at website link above.
What to bring: Bring your own refillable water bottle (filtered water available inside), a bathing suit and robe, slip-on shoes for moving between indoor/outdoor space.
NOTE: If you’d like the sauna all to yourself, we are happy to bring it to you for rental!

¿Hablas Español? Spanish Language Club
2026-04-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax)
*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

Knitting Meetup
2026-04-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax)
Knitting Circle: Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting to learn the craft, this gathering is the perfect place to indulge in your love for knitting.
We welcome knitters of all levels to come together for two hours of knitting and conversation. It’s a relaxed and open event, and the tea house generously provides the space.
While there’s no admission fee, we encourage you to support the tea room by enjoying their delightful teas and treats. Mark your calendar for this monthly meetup and let’s knit and chat over a cup of tea!
Location: Game room, 1st floor

Materials Required: Bring your own project

Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
How to register: Drop-in
Instructor contact information: Melissa Emmel at mjemmel@icloud.com

Fireside Chat: Filmmaker Missy Bell
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
*Fireside Chats sponsored by Carson and Paige McSailor*

Missy Bell is a filmmaker based in Asheville, NC making films about people who are ready to step off the ledge – maybe to fall. Maybe to fly! She’s been directing and coaching actors since 1999 and making movies since 2018. Her most recent project is also her debut feature film, Erased, a tender-hearted drama about a man forced to stop running from his past and ultimately, himself. Over the years she has made numerous short films, all with an element of enchantment. Her life and work both reflect the power of community, magic, and keeping your eyes open to beauty. When she isn’t making movies, she enjoys mentoring and teaching others, kayaking, coffee on the porch, one-on-one conversations, and eating potatoes.
At this event, Missy will screen two of her most recent short films: Opprobrium – a dark tale of a woman trapped inside her fear of losing her youthful beauty, and Medication – a femme noir ghost story about a PhD student forced to face her physical shortcomings in order to solve a mystery. She’ll discuss how these films came to be, her process, and answer your questions about the films and the making of them.
How to register: Drop-in
Cost: Food/beverage purchases encouraged
Location: Fireplace/Living Room, 1st floor
You can follow Missy and her work at: https://www.facebook.com/missybellarts
or on her website: https://www.missybell.com
