Athens Storytelling Festival

The Athens Storytelling Festival celebrates its 20th annual edition on October 22-24, 2026, in a large storytelling tent on the campus of Athens State University, about five blocks from historic downtown Athens, Alabama. Public performances begin Thursday evening, October 22 (tent/gift shop hours 6:00-9:30 pm) and run all day Friday, October 23 (8:00 am-9:45 pm) and Saturday, October 24 (8:00 am-7:30 pm). The festival is a week-long celebration of the oral storytelling tradition, featuring internationally renowned storytellers, award-winning liars, and world-class musicians whose tales span historical accounts, fantastical adventures, humor, and personal memories. The 2026 lineup includes Donald Davis, Bil Lepp, Josh Goforth, and Adam Booth, with a special Thursday-night appearance by Carol Cain. The program also features a local teller competition and special events for schoolchildren, reflecting the organizer's mission as a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to keeping storytelling alive among north Alabama schoolkids. Tickets are inexpensive (students 13+ $5 per session, kids 2-12 free), non-refundable and non-transferable. Dining vendors operate near the tent, and nearby hotels (Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Fairfield by Marriott, Best Western) serve as official lodging. Contact: 256-232-0400; mailing address 121 N Marion St, Athens, AL 35611, United States.