At the first National Storytelling Festival in 1973, a handful of storytellers gathered around the courthouse in Jonesborough's town square and traded tales. An old wagon served as the stage, and listeners took their seats on bales of hay. Today, the Swappin' Ground tradition continues in the Oak Hill School House. Here, anyone can tell […]
Relax in the afternoon at the Festival's Wine and Beer Garden, featuring a selection of wines and craft beers available for purchase. Sponsored by One Stop Wine and Spirits.
Celebrate, meet the National Storytelling Festival’s featured tellers, and enjoy great food and fellowship at the Yarnspinners’ Party on Saturday, October 4th from 5-7 p.m. at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall at the International Storytelling Center. The Yarnspinners’ Party is hosted by the ISC Board of Governors. Proceeds from this private event go to […]
Join the fun as these Story Slam tellers compete for the best 5-minute story! Content suitable for a general audience ages 13 and up. 2025 PARTICIPANTS: Allison Downey, Katie Knutson, Rajesh Mirchandani, Saloni Singh, Chris Webb, Katherine Eid Wild
Join us for Ghost Stories at Mill Spring Park from 7:30 - 9 pm on Saturday, October 4. This is an outdoor concert. Bring chairs or blankets, since there is ground seating only. Event takes place in any kind of weather. All Ticket Sales Are Final.
Put the Festival day to bed with this blend of story and song that’s sure to amuse and delight! Festival fan favorite Kevin Kling will partner with "accordionista" Simone Perrin for a one-of-a-kind performance of heartfelt stories and songs. The duo have toured since 2006, including extended engagements at Seattle Repertory Theater, Guthrie Theater, and […]
Deborah Byrd is an RYT200 certified yoga instructor whose main practice and trainings are in vinyasa, yin, and hatha styles. Her interest in yoga has been threaded through the last two decades of her life and she is still discovering the possibilities that can come from aligning breath and movement. She continues to cultivate an experience of better body […]
You are invited to share a memory of our beloved friend and festival founder, Jimmy Neil Smith. Guided interviews will be conducted on the upper level of the Jackson Theatre, located at 121 West Main Street, throughout the weekend. Memories will be archived for preservation and may be featured in Jonesborough’s StoryTown Radio Show, community […]
Join Lowry for his beloved homage to Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, as he brings to life the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future along with enduring favorites, Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Held in the ISC Theater. Tickets can be purchased at the International Storytelling Center or at the door before the […]
At the first National Storytelling Festival in 1973, a handful of storytellers gathered around the courthouse in Jonesborough's town square and traded tales. An old wagon served as the stage, and listeners took their seats on bales of hay. Today, the Swappin' Ground tradition continues in the Oak Hill School House. Here, anyone can tell […]
