Swappin Grounds Sign

Swappin’ Ground

October 4 @ 3:00 pm6:00 pm

Ghost Stories

Mill Spring Park 104 Spring Street, Jonesborough, TN, United States

Join us for Ghost Stories at Mill Spring Park from 7:30 - 9 pm on Friday, October 3. 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. Tickets can be purchased at the International Storytelling Center […]

$10

After Hours

Jackson Theatre

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 […]

$20

Yoga in the Park

Storytelling Park 100 W. Main Street, Jonesborough, TN, United States

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 […]

Swappin’ Ground

Oak Hill School Sabin Drive, Jonesborough, TN, United States

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 […]

The Peanut Man with Carmen Deedy

Jackson Theatre

The Peanut Man Join award-winning children's author Carmen Agra Deedy as she shares her story of a Cuban refugee and her joy in an unexpected encounter that connects her beloved home in Havana with her new home in Atlanta. This was the first story of the first set of the first appearance at the National […]

$20

The Heron’s Journey with Adam Booth

International Storytelling Center 100 West Main St, Jonesborough, TN, United States

Adam uses spoken storytelling, quilting, and paper sculpture to tell an allegory filled with magic, challenges to opposition, and transformation. Free with Festival swatch. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Schoolhouse Stories

Oak Hill School Sabin Drive, Jonesborough, TN, United States

12–12:30 PM Stories with Jasmin Cardenas 12:30–1 PM Games in front yard 1–1:30 PM Stories with Doug Elliott 1:30–2 PM Games in front yard 2–2:30 PM Stories with Donna Washington Enjoy stories from these amazing tellers, especially for ages 6–10. Then, weather permitting, play some old-time games like students 100 years ago. Seats are available […]

Everything – Plus the Truth! Donald Davis and Sons

Jackson Theatre

Donald Davis celebrates his 80th decade by sharing a stage with his children. Join Doug, Kelly, and Jonathan Davis for this candid and no-holds-barred interview with their father!   Tickets can be purchased at the International Storytelling Center or at the door before the event. 

$20

Legacy Series – Major General John Borling, Vietnam POW

Jackson Theatre

A retired major general in the U.S. Air Force, John Borling's military career spanned 37 years. A highly decorated officer, his medals include the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars with "V" for Valor, and two Purple Hearts. An F-15 Eagle fighter pilot and commander of the famed “Hat in the Ring” […]

$20

Remembering Jimmy Neil Smith

Jackson Theatre

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 […]