🎭 “Tales Among the Oaks” Storytelling Festival Comes to Dayton This Weekend

Dayton’s Clyde W. Roddy Library is bringing a first-of-its-kind storytelling festival to the region, featuring three accomplished storytellers performing on the historic Rhea County Courthouse lawn. For residents across the Sequatchie Valley and nearby communities, this weekend offers a rare opportunity to experience live narrative performance in an intimate outdoor setting.

📍 Festival Details & Schedule

The “Tales Among the Oaks” storytelling festival runs Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, on the courthouse lawn in downtown Dayton. 🎪 Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, with admission covering both days of programming.

On Friday evening, ticket pickup begins at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. From 7 to 8:45 p.m., attendees will hear stories from guest storytellers Donald Davis, Josh Goforth, and Bill Lepp. Saturday’s schedule is more expansive, with doors opening at 8 a.m. and storytellers featured throughout the day until 8:45 p.m.

🎤 About the Storytellers

The festival brings together three accomplished narrative performers-Donald Davis, Josh Goforth, and Bill Lepp-each bringing their own style and repertoire to the courthouse lawn. Their presence marks a significant cultural event for the area, offering audiences a chance to experience professional storytelling in a community setting.

💡 What to Expect

Beyond the performances, local merchandise and storyteller merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the festival. ✨ The outdoor venue on the historic courthouse lawn creates an intimate atmosphere for an art form that has deep roots in regional culture and community tradition.

Clyde W. Roddy Library Assistant Holly Reed expressed enthusiasm for the inaugural event: “We are very excited to bring this unique experience to our community and showcase three outstanding storytellers. We believe this is a wonderful value for an entire weekend of exceptional storytelling and entertainment. We hope you will consider joining us and helping us make our first storytelling festival a great success!”

🎟️ How to Get Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online at the library’s Square site or by calling (423) 775-8406 for more information. 📞 The combination ticket price covers both Friday evening and all-day Saturday programming, making it accessible for families and individuals looking to experience the full festival.