Events

Five large circus-type tents are erected in downtown Jonesborough, with general admission seating in each tent. Attendees choose which performances they want to attend. Beyond general admission, Ghost Stories, After Hours, Thursday Workshops, and events that happen in a theater require a separate ticket. NOTE: Events that require a separate ticket may occur at the same time as programming in the tents.

donald davis headshot

Did I Really Do That? with Donald Davis

Wednesday, September 30  |  7:30 pm

Join us in the Library Tent for a collection of tales from Donald’s early years—and the laughter and lessons gathered along the way…

Create Your Story: A Writing Workshop with Minton Sparks

Thursday, October 1  |  9 am

Participants will explore the connections between identity, place, and memory…

Collecting and Retelling Family Stories with Hannah Harvey

Thursday, October 1  |  9:30 am

Discover the art and ethics of collecting and sharing family stories in this interactive workshop.

Funny is a Skill with Paul Strickland

Thursday, October 1  |  1 pm

Designed for both beginning and experienced storytellers, this workshop breaks down why stories are funny and how to use humor…

Storytelling 101 with Tim Lowry

Thursday, October 1  |  1:30 pm

Start with the basics in this hands-on workshop for beginning storytellers and anyone looking to apply narrative techniques to communication.

Wine and Beer Garden

Thursday, October 1  |  4 pm

Relax in the Afternoon at the Festival’s Wine and Beer Garden, featuring a selection of wines and craft beers available for purchase. 

Voices of the Blue Ridge with Josh Goforth and Michael Reno Harrell

Thursday, October 1  |  8 pm

Honor the Blue Ridge Mountains with our annual Thursday night concert.

Swappin' Ground

Friday, October 2  |  12:30

Here, anyone can tell a tale – and many do. Stop by and listen, or sign up to tell beginning Thursday at the information booth outside the Jonesborough Visitors Center.

A Memoir of 9/11 with Chief (ret.) Joseph Pfeifer

Friday, October 2  |  4  pm

As part of the Legacy Series, ISC is honored to welcome retired FDNY Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer for two special appearances commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

Wine and Beer Garden

Friday, October 2  |  4  pm

Relax in the Afternoon at the Festival’s Wine and Beer Garden, featuring a selection of wines and craft beers available for purchase. 

Exchange Place

Friday, October 2  |  5:30  pm

Hear this specially-invited showcase of tellers – a revered Festival tradition.

Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories

Friday, October 2  |  7:30  pm

A long-standing Festival tradition, two nights of terror await you in these open-air ghost story concerts.

MINTON SPARKS HEADSHOT

After Hours

Friday, October 2  |  9:30  pm

Minton Sparks fuses an intoxicating gift for storytelling with wildly original poetry in performances that paint vivid images of being raised in and around the rural South.

Yoga in Park

Saturday, October 3  |  8 am

Deborah Byrd is an RYT200 certified yoga instructor whose main practice and training are in vinyasa, yin, and hatha styles.

Swappin' Ground

Saturday, October 3  |  9 am

Here, anyone can tell a tale – and many do. Stop by and listen, or sign up to tell beginning Thursday at the information booth outside the Jonesborough Visitors Center.

Check back for more special events!

A Memoir of 9/11 with Chief (ret.) Joseph Pfeifer

Saturday, October 3  |  11:30 am
As part of the Legacy Series, ISC is honored to welcome retired FDNY Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer for two special appearances commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

Check back for more special events!

Check back for more special events!

Swappin' Ground

Saturday, October 3  |  3 pm
Here, anyone can tell a tale – and many do. Stop by and listen, or sign up to tell beginning Thursday at the information booth outside the Jonesborough Visitors Center.

Wine and Beer Garden

Saturday, October 3  |  4  pm
Relax in the Afternoon at the Festival’s Wine and Beer Garden, featuring a selection of wines and craft beers available for purchase.

Check back for more special events!

Check back for more special events!

Story Slam

Saturday, October 3  |  5:30  pm

Join the fun as these Story Slam tellers compete for the best 5-minute story! Content suitable for a general audience ages 12 and up.  

Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories

Saturday, October 3  |  7:30  pm

A long-standing Festival tradition, two nights of terror await you in these open-air ghost story concerts.

MINTON SPARKS HEADSHOT

After Hours

Saturday, October 3  |  9:30  pm

Minton Sparks fuses an intoxicating gift for storytelling with wildly original poetry in performances that paint vivid images of being raised in and around the rural South.

Yoga in Park

Sunday, October 4  |  8 am

Deborah Byrd is an RYT200 certified yoga instructor whose main practice and training are in vinyasa, yin, and hatha styles.

Check back for more special events!

Check back for more special events!

Swappin' Ground

Sunday, October 4  |  12:30 pm

Here, anyone can tell a tale – and many do. Stop by and listen, or sign up to tell beginning Thursday at the information booth outside the Jonesborough Visitors Center.

Check back for more special events!