JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – The International Storytelling Center will host its 52nd year of the “National Storytelling Festival” this weekend.

Over 40 storytellers will be in attendance to share folktales, myths, legends, fables and personal stories every hour in ten different tents across downtown Jonesborough.

This year’s lineup of featured artists will include Donald Davis, Sheila Arnold, Dovie Thompson and Bill Lepp. A special appearance will be made by a Legacy Series guest of honor, John Borling, a decorated fighter pilot, poet and former prisoner of war.

Falltime and ghost stories will also be told for children and families.

Angela White with the International Storytelling Center said there will be a story for everyone.

“There’s a different storyteller every single hour, so you can hear folklores or fairytales–there’s all types of stories,” White told News Channel 11.

The festival is focusing on supporting artists who had to cancel their shows last year due to Hurricane Helene.

“It’s about supporting our artists; our performers,” said White. “For most of them, it’s a full-time job, so we want to make sure they’re supported.”  

The event draws tourists from around the world, bringing people together through storytelling. Over 10,000 visitors are expected to be in attendance.

“It’s been a tradition for families for decades,” said White. “So, they are ready to be back; our storytellers are ready to be back.”

Joel Conger, business owner of Mauk’s on Main Street, said he is excited for the event to make its return.

“Visitors will start coming into town now, early in the week, to walk around and see what’s going on,” Conger told News Channel 11. “We’ll have a good time this year.”

The festival will be held October 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in marked tents in downtown Jonesborough.