National Storytelling Festival 2026

Every October since 1973, thousands of travelers have come to Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, for one reason: to hear and share stories at the National Storytelling Festival.

The International Storytelling Center welcomes you to the storytelling capital of the world, October 2–4, 2026, to celebrate the power and joy of stories.

I’m honored to be a featured teller this year, performing Ghost Stories on both Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re ready for spine-tingling tales, you can purchase tickets for Friday, Saturday, or both evenings.

And you might want to make plans to stay for the whole weekend. As storyteller Elizabeth Ellis says, “It is more fun than you can stand!”

As the nation’s oldest and most respected gathering devoted to storytelling, the Festival celebrates America’s – and the world’s rich, varied storytelling traditions.  It’s beginning in 1973 helped spark a national revival of this timeless art. Explore this year’s outstanding line-up of storytellers. Check out the Facebook Reel of everyone!

Since its earliest days, the Festival has showcased world-class tellers sharing oral traditions from across history and around the globe, including voices from African American, Jewish, Aboriginal, Egyptian, Asian, Celtic, Hispanic, Israeli, Liberian, French, African, Caribbean, Native American, and Deaf communities, among others.

Photo by Tom Raymond

What began as a small Appalachian event with an ambitious name has grown into the National Storytelling Festival, drawing thousands of listeners to Jonesborough each year.  Come join in the fun!