International Storytelling Center 100 West Main Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659

"This annual festival is an absolute treasure. Here are the things I loved, and the things I didn't. Things I liked: - It is attended by some of America's best storytellers - Ticket cost seems steep for an outdoor festival but, looking back, it was actually a bargain. If you can attend for two days, the all-access pass is well worth it. In fact, looking back, I think it was a great bargain, even though I had to drive more than 10 hours each way to get there! - The staff who mount the annual festival that has been ongoing for more than five decades, do a phenomenal job of coordinating an efficient and friendly atmosphere - The many performers, who share their entertaining craft art, unfailingly, accessible, and willing to spend a moment with their fans. - The town of Jonesboro, Tennessee is delightful, but more on that in a separate post. What I didn't like, not much really: - The festival's website doesn't cater much to newcomers so it can be difficult to understand how to plan your trip and the shows you may want to see. The staff can be very helpful, but are also busy."

"Great story tellers from all over the country that kept you entertained and helped you reflect on your life experiences."

"Fantastic time listening to these awesome storytellers, Laugh out loud funny. The tents are within walking distance, lovely town, too. Will make a weekend of it next time."

"We had our wedding at the International Storytelling Center on August 20th, 2022! I grew up going to this venue for their storytelling events, and it was so special that I was able to get married at a spot that means so much to my family and hometown. The venue itself is GORGEOUS and so much prettier than my memory serves. You can rent any combination of their space -- the park, the library, the parlor, and the courtyard. We rented the park for our ceremony, the parlor for food, and the courtyard for our reception and it was PERFECT! The parlor has huge windows so there was plenty of natural light and it has a balcony overlooking Main Street! The courtyard is spacious and just shaded enough to be great for an outdoor August reception! The park is so, so beautiful and has so many different areas that you could hold your ceremony in! Additionally, even though we didn't rent it, they told my bridesmaids and I that we could get ready in the library, since you are only charged for where you set up, and they recommended the Chester Inn right beside the venue for the groomsmen to get ready in! They also have a kitchen that is well-stocked with food prep items, which was helpful for our food service that day! Lesley, the Facility Director, was our point person throughout the whole planning process. She was so helpful, cheery, and willing to answer every question we could think of. We live in Nashville, so the first few venue "visits" had to be conducted through video chat, and Lesley was so accommodating of that! If you are looking at the Storytelling Center as a venue, be sure to talk to Lesley! I cannot compliment or recommend this venue enough! Everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish and my husband and I are tempted to marry each other over and over just so we could rent this venue again and again! I've attached photos of the day, and our photographer was Abigail Wheeler! She is another person that we can't recommend enough for any photo needs!"