Large white tents once again transform historic downtown Jonesborough into a stage for the imagination as the National Storytelling Festival returns Oct. 2–4 for its 53rd year.
Recognized as America’s premier storytelling event, the festival draws visitors from across the country and around the globe to the Storytelling Capital of the World. Since 1973, audiences have gathered in Tennessee’s oldest town to be inspired and entertained by folktales, fables, myths, legends and personal stories told by master storytellers.
This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of voices and traditions, including Donald Davis, beloved for his Appalachian family stories; Ingrid Nixon, an Alaska-based storyteller and member of the National Park Service; Brigid and Johnny Reedy, a brother-and-sister duo from Montana dedicated to preserving cowboy poetry and the spirit of the American West; and Rev. Robert Jones, a Detroit-based storyteller, musician and historian who brings the history of American music to life through story and steel guitar.
As part of the National Storytelling Festival’s acclaimed Legacy Series, the International Storytelling Center is honored to welcome retired FDNY Chief Joseph Pfeifer for two special appearances commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Pfeifer responded to a reported gas leak in lower Manhattan. Moments later, he witnessed a plane strike the World Trade Center and became the first FDNY chief on the scene. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Pfeifer shares his firsthand account of that historic day, along with reflections on courage, leadership, resilience and hope.
The Legacy Series was created to amplify voices and experiences that have shaped our nation in profound ways. Rather than professional performers, these speakers are individuals whose firsthand stories illuminate history through lived experience. Presented in an intimate indoor theater during the National Storytelling Festival, each Legacy Series program offers audiences a meaningful opportunity to connect with our shared history.
Festival traditions continue with the ever-popular Ghost Stories concerts, set under the stars at Mill Spring Park on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Listeners can gather for a spine-tingling evening of eerie folktales, chilling legends and haunted history told by Asheville storyteller Connie Regan-Blake; South Carolina native Tim Lowry; and more nationally recognized tellers.
One day of the festival is offered free via livestream. Friday, Oct. 2, audiences everywhere can tune in to watch performances from the Family Tent, beginning at 10 a.m. and wrapping up with a featured teller showcase at 7:30 p.m. Details are available at storytellingcenter.net/festival/virtual-festival.
Festival passes are on sale, including weekend passes, day passes and single-event tickets. To purchase or learn more, visit storytellingcenter.net.
