Special Events
Donald Davis Wednesday Night Concert
October 1 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
$20Donald Davis grew up in a family of storytelling folks in the mountains of Western North Carolina and has continued their tradition throughout his career. Davis tells true stories of...
Workshop: Storytelling for Caregivers
October 2 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
$95Caring for our loved ones through health challenges can be illuminating and exhausting. Stories can help. This workshop taps into their medicinal power to guide participants in drawing out stories...
Workshop: Laughter, Breath, Joy
October 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
$65Before there were words, our universal language was laughter. Sharing a laugh creates and strengthens human connections. Laughing alone energizes and relaxes the body and mind. With gentle breathing exercises,...
Workshop: Mapping Memories: Family Stories and Living Histories
October 2 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
$95Research has shown that gathering and knowing family stories helps build happy, resilient families. In this general interest workshop, you’ll learn simple ways to gather and share the stories of...
Workshop: Being Yourself on Stage
October 2 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
$95Telling your stories onstage can be daunting. The lights, the audience, the sound system, the expectations, the fear – these can all lead to an uncomfortable situation where it’s hard...
Wine and Beer Garden
October 2 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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.
The Uncalled For Trio Reunion Show
October 2 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$20Why wait for the weekend? Start the festivities early with The Uncalled For Trio—a Thursday evening extravaganza packed with fresh material and unpredictable charm. This dynamic trio delivers a production...
A Story of Storytelling Exhibit
October 3 – October 5
A new exhibit at the Center features the history and achievements of ISC from its origins in the first National Storytelling Festival in 1973. It also displays the long history...
The Storybook Trail
October 3 – October 5
While you’re at the Festival, check out our Storybook Trail in the Jimmy Neil Smith Park behind the International Storytelling Center. The trail currently features The Library Dragon by Carmen...
Swappin’ Ground
October 3 @ 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm
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,...
Wine and Beer Garden
October 3 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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.
Legacy Series – Major General John Borling, Vietnam POW
October 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
$20A 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,...
Remembering Jimmy Neil Smith
October 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
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,...
Exchange Place
October 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Included in your festival ticket is this one-of-a-kind concert featuring storytellers from across the country. It’s a great opportunity to hear new talent! Kelly Campos kellycampos.com Kelly Campos is a...
Ghost Stories
October 3 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
$10Join 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...
After Hours
October 3 @ 9:30 pm – 10:45 pm
$20Put 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...
Yoga in the Park
October 4 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
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...
Swappin’ Ground
October 4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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,...
The Peanut Man with Carmen Deedy
October 4 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am
$20The 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...
The Heron’s Journey with Adam Booth
October 4 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
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
October 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
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...
Everything – Plus the Truth! Donald Davis and Sons
October 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
$20Donald 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...
Legacy Series – Major General John Borling, Vietnam POW
October 4 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
$20A 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,...
Remembering Jimmy Neil Smith
October 4 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
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,...
Swappin’ Ground
October 4 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
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,...
Wine and Beer Garden
October 4 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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.
Yarnspinners’ Party
October 4 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
$150Celebrate, 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...
Story Slam
October 4 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
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,...
Ghost Stories
October 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
$10Join 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...
After Hours
October 4 @ 9:30 pm – 10:45 pm
$20Put 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...
Yoga in the Park
October 5 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
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...
Remembering Jimmy Neil Smith
October 5 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
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,...
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with Tim Lowry
October 5 @ 11:30 am – 12:45 pm
$20Join 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,...
Swappin’ Ground
October 5 @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
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,...
