2018 Athens Storytelling Festival

2018 Athens Storytelling Festival Brings Tales, Laughs, and Economic Boone To Athens

The scenery of downtown Athens is about to change with the annual tent-raising marking the arrival of world-renowned storytellers who continue to breathe life into the Southern tradition of storytelling.   The Athens Storytelling Festival will offer the public a chance to set back and become part of the fabric the tales told by...

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with returning alumni Donald Davis, Carmen Deedy, Bil Lepp with freshmen appearances from Tim Lowry and Josh Goforth under the tent from October 23-27, 2018.

The festival kicks off with 6th Annual Dan Williams Local Teller Competition on Tuesday, October 23rd where the talent and tales of amateur storytellers will entertain the audience and be judged.  The winner of this competition heads into Thursday, October 25th Night's Storytelling Olio where the crowds get a taste of what to expect from the visiting storytellers during the rest of the festival October 26th and 27th during all day fun.

For those who don't Donald Davis, he was born in the Southern Appalachian mountains amid a tapestry of stories and tales.  He often says, "I didn't learn stories, I just absorbed them."  With tales of mountain lore, ancient Welsh and Scottish folktale, and a myriad of true-to-life and legends - Donald Davis entertains crowds of all ages.

Bil Lepp has been telling tales - some of the real tall ones - to festivals like the National Storytelling Festival and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival but he's also graced the screen with Comedy Central.  Attendees often can't help but laugh at the predicaments painted in Bil's tales.

Carmen Deedy is a beloved children' author and storyteller who recounts many of day with her Cuban parents and the mischief that can lead too.  Carmen has been featured in TEDtalks and the TEDx Conferences, The National Book Festival, the Kennedy Center and many more places that have hung on her every word.

Tim Lowry makes his first appearance at the Athens Storytelling Festival this year with his stories of American History tinged with folk tales and his personal narrative.  Attendees will get to enjoy this nationally renowned author, recording artist and storyteller under the tent.

Josh Goforth is worth bragging about in his first appearance under the tent of Athens Storytelling Festival.  He started his musical career at age 4 playing piano in church.  Josh has continued his passion in music learning at least 10 instruments by ear.  He's sure to have the toes tapping when he appears.

Tickets for this Fall tradition can be purchased in person at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center 100 North Beaty Street in Athens between 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Friday.

​Or you can purchase your tickets online.

Click to purchase your Athens Storytelling Festival Tickets Online
​at AthensStorytellingFestival.com

The Athens Storytelling Festival Committee and Athens-Limestone County Tourism anticipate the impact of the Athens Storytelling Festival week to be around $1,000,000 to the community at large.    Not only does the festival bring visitors in for the day of the festival selling tickets but it also packs hotel rooms and RV parks; boost restaurant, gas station and retail sales; and creates or sustains jobs in the community as well.

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