National Storytelling Festival
Fall festival · Jonesborough · Tennessee
Tennessee's oldest town fills striped tents along Main Street every first weekend of October for the country's premier storytelling event, drawing tellers and audiences from around the world to Jonesborough's historic district since 1973.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: October 24–October 28
Color builds from October 11 · mostly bare by November 18
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at National Storytelling Festival’s own coordinates and elevation (551 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
National Storytelling Festival on the map
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Frequently asked
- When is National Storytelling Festival open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Oct 2 – Oct 4. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does National Storytelling Festival peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 24–October 28 (best estimate October 26). Color starts around October 11 and is mostly bare by November 18.
- What is National Storytelling Festival best for?
- Storytelling festival.
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