We had such a wonderful time this year during the 17th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival! Donald Davis, Bil Lepp, Josh Goforth and Simon Brooks were a hit with local schoolkids who attended Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 24–26, 2023. Three on a String entertained us Thursday night, then Randy Evensen, Carol Cain and Adam Booth joined us all day Friday and Saturday, October 27–28.
We were also thrilled to introduce a private professional development event for local educators Monday night called Connecting Teachers and Students Through Stories with Donald Davis. We received such a positive response that we have decided to do it again next year! If you’re an educator in our area, reserve the evening of Monday, October 21, 2024 and watch for updates from your administration.
Imagine a crisp fall weekend spent listening to stories of adventure and excitement...a place where memories and magic are captured and spun into tales that make you laugh and cry. Hear stories that tell of a time that used to be, or a time yet to come. Glimpse into the past and live the imaginary. Learn more about your parents, your children, and yourself. Discover all this and more at the 18th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival, in the tent on the Athens State University Campus, next to the Sandridge Student Center.
Athens Storytelling Festival provides a variety of ticketing options to fit your schedule. Online ticket sales have closed, but you can still purchase them at the Ticket Table in our Gift Shop starting 1 hour prior to each scheduled event.
We will have a complimentary shuttle running back and forth between the festival and downtown Athens at the beginning and ends of our meal break times. Scheduled shuttle times are:
FESTIVAL PICKUP
Friday + Saturday: 12:15 + 5:15 pm
— Picks up behind Sandridge Hall Student Center
— Drops off at Merchants Alley next to U.G. White Mercantile (corner of Jefferson St + Market St)
U.G. WHITE PICKUP
Friday + Saturday: 1:45 + 6:45 pm
— Picks up at Merchants Alley next to U.G. White Mercantile (corner of Jefferson St + Market St)
— Drops off behind Sandridge Hall Student Center
Come Hungry! We have some delicious food trucks lined up to tempt you just outside the tent. Suzanne's Bakery will be back by popular demand with all varieties of delicious, homemade baked goods and Rocket City Popperz will have warm, fresh gourmet popcorn ready for you. Need something more substantial? Cafe 1822, the restaurant in the ASU Sandridge Hall Student Center will also have sit-down meals sure to please.
We have allowed plenty of time during breaks for the short walk (or drive) 5 blocks away to historic downtown Athens. Enjoy Village Pizza, Sweetest Things Tearoom, Lucia’s Mexican Cantina, Wildwood Deli, Athens Alehouse, Ro’s Grille, and The Salty Cod. Drive a short distance further and check out some good ol’ Athens landmarks—Dub’s Burgers, Whitt’s BBQ, and Catfish Cabin, or try our newest brewery—Old Black Bear Brewing. The Washington Street Diner is a great option for breakfast, open 6:30-11am.
If you’d like to grab a quick bite and squeeze in some shopping, Mozza Pizza Buffet and Kreme Delite (hot dogs, soft serve, shakes) are great options. You’ll find more ice cream and snack foods at Limestone Drug as well.
All images are used with permission from the photographers Dan Binkley and Elles Photography.
Special Thanks to Our Legislators!
Storytelling is a vital part of education and we are thrilled to bring the best in the country to area schoolchildren free of charge.
Senator Tim Melson
Senate District 1
Senator Tom Butler
Senate District 2
Senator Arthur Orr
Senate District 3
Senator Larry Stutts
Senate District 6
Representative Ben Harrison
House District 2
Representative Parker Moore
House District 4
Representative Danny Crawford
House District 5
Representative Andy Whitt
House District 6
Representative Phillip Rigsby
House District 25
The Official Hotels for 2024 Athens Storytelling Festival! The Omega Group features these affordable options for your Storytelling Festival Lodging: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Fairfield by Marriott and Best Western. These Athens, AL hotels are conveniently located near Highway 72 and Interstate 65, just 3 miles from the Storytelling Tent at Athens State University.
Thanks to the following sponsors and donors who do so much to support our festival!
Belle Chevre
Crawford’s Gifts
Davis and Cole, LLP
Pam Edmonds
Flanagan Lumber
Local People’s Gas
The Omega Group
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Athens I-65
Pimentos
Sheer Pleasures Soapworks
Trinity’s of Athens
Mindvolt
U.G. White
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.