Every October since 1973, thousands of travelers have visited Tennessee’s oldest town. They come for one purpose–to hear stories and to tell them at the National Storytelling Festival.
This celebration of America’s rich and varied storytelling tradition, the oldest and most respected gathering anywhere in America devoted to
(Photo by: Tom Raymond)
storytelling, has in turn spawned a national revival of this venerable art. International Storytelling Center is excited to welcome you to the storytelling capital of the world October 3-5, 2025 to celebrate the power of storytelling.
Since its first days, the Festival has featured a stunning array of world-class talent that share oral traditions from across history and all over the globe. Cultural representation has included performers from the African American, Jewish, Aboriginal, Egyptian, Asian, Celtic, Hispanic, Israeli, Liberian, French, African, Caribbean, Native American, and the deaf communities, among others.
The National Storytelling Festival was an ambitious name for a small event tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. But over decades, it has grown into its name, hosting thousands of listeners in Jonesborough each year.
Connie Regan-Blake will be emceeing at the festival again this year! Come early to enjoy music festivals and workshops!