National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough Tennessee

If you're looking for a great weekend get-a-way activity filled with tall tales and backwoods folklore that's fun for the whole family, stop by the sleepy little town of Jonesborough, Tennessee the first weekend of October for the National Story Telling Festival. It's a great time of year to drive through the rolling hills of north east Tennessee to view the full bloom of mother nature's paintbrush as she fills the mountain sides with amber, yellow, crimson, and brown hues of the fall season. At the festival you will encounter a rich collection of storytellers from around the globe spinning their yarns and enchanting the young and old with some of their greatest stories.

The Festival

The festival is from October 1 to October 3 this year and consists of large tents set amongst the charming and quaint downtown Jonesborough district. Choose the venue or storyteller of your choice and watch as they deliver hour-long performances throughout the day and evening. Their stories go from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday with a dinner break from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Daytime sessions have 30 minute breaks between each session and all events are within easy walking distance.

Food

A food court is located in the heart of the festival and is open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM Friday and Saturday and from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday. This year, they're serving everything from bar-b-cue and pizza to vegetarian dishes and stir-fry as well as soft drinks and snacks are just a few of the many items sure to please your pallet.

Special Events

Ghost Story Concert

If you're in the mood for some late night entertainment and a few frights along the way, Friday and Saturday evening plays ghostly host to the Ghost Story Concerts from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. The stories are told in an open-air environment so bring your jackets, a warm blanket, and a chair to sit on. Hot chocolate goes very well with these stories as well. This event requires a separate ticket available at registration.

Midnight Cabaret

After the kids are tucked away in bed, it's time for some adult themed stories (no children's tickets available) from 10:30 P.M. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. You can hear some pretty racy stories and some hearty laughs as the story tellers go "no holds barred" at this event. This event requires a separate ticket available at registration.

Transportation

Parking at Jonesborough Elementary School on U.S. Highway 11-E and ride a shuttle to the Festival. Parking is $5.00 and the shuttle is $1.00 per person.

Accommodations

There are several of hotels, motels, and campgrounds, as well as a few bed and breakfasts that you can stay at during your visit to Jonesborough. Make your reservations early because all of the local accommodations fill up quickly.

Registration

Registration is located in the Jonesborough Visitors Center. Reservations can be made by either calling customer service at 1-800-952-8392 extension 221 or by e-mail at customerservice@storytellingcenter.net. Additional up to date information can be found at the International Story Telling Center's web site at www.storytellingcenter.net.