Cookeville Storyfest

06/03/2026

05/28/2026

Well, the dust hasn’t even settled on this year’s Storyfest, but we just couldn't keep this a secret for long! Pull out your calendars and mark down Saturday, May 1, 2027. We are tickled pink to announce that the phenomenal Josh Goforth will be our headliner! If you’ve ever wanted to be transported to the front porches of the Appalachian Mountains by some world-class storytelling and mind-blowing music, this is your ticket. We already can’t hardly wait!

05/07/2026

Great photos of our amateur competitors, judges and winners! Never too early to get your name on the list for next year. Email interest to [email protected]. 🥇🥈🥉

05/05/2026

All of us with Storyfest send our warmest THANKS to our wonderful audience and also to all storytellers, vendors, staff, volunteers and community members who pitched in for Storyfest 2026. We can't wait to see you next year!

04/23/2026

📣 LAST CALL FOR VENDORS! 📣
Time is running out to be a part of the magic—we are looking for our final round of makers, creators and artists to help bring the FEST to Storyfest! If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign to join us for a day of storytelling, community and incredible local talent. Don’t miss the chance to get your brand in front of hundreds of festival-goers!

The event date is Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in Dogwood Park, Cookeville, TN. Join one of Cookeville’s most beloved annual traditions—and booth space is FREE.

Connect with local families and art lovers with great community vibes and help us keep the tradition of oral storytelling alive!

Email [email protected] and we'll send you a vendor permit application.

04/22/2026

Storyfest 2026 Schedule:
10:00 a.m. Matt Hix
10:30 a.m. Joyce Tatum
11:00 a.m. Lee Bailey
11:30 a.m. Jennie Ivey
12:00 p.m.Andy Offutt Irwin (Set 1)
1:00 p.m. Sanda Ayers
1:30 p.m. Amateur Competition
3:00 p.m. Dwight Henry
3:30 p.m. Andy Offutt Irwin (Set 2)

04/22/2026

Ten days! 🗣️😹♥️

01/24/2026

FUN SNOW DAY ACTIVITY: Write a rough draft of YOUR story to tell in our Amateur Storytelling Competition on Saturday, May 2 FOR CASH PRIZES!!! ❄️🗣️🎤

01/08/2026

Are YOU the raconteur in your squad? Does the group chat light up with "HA HA"s and "LOL"s when you're front and center? We all have that story. The one we tell at parties—the one that starts with "So, this one time..." and ends with roaring laughter. Well, dust off that story, because YOUR MOMENT HAS ARRIVED.

Cookeville Storyfest is calling all amateur storytellers! Forget polished prose, we're looking for...well, let's be honest, we're looking for entertaining. Think of those childhood antics, relationship mishaps or workday foibles. We want to hear them all!

Here's the deal:
10 minutes: That's all you get—you can do this!
WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd, 1:30 pm (CDT). Mark your calendars, your destiny awaits.
WHERE: Cookeville's Dogwood Park in the big tent behind the Cookeville History Museum at 40 E. Broad St. Cookeville, TN.

Why should you do this?
Bragging rights: "I told a story on stage at Storyfest" sounds way cooler than you think!
Potential for mild embarrassment: But hey, at least you'll have a new story to tell at parties!
Free entertainment for the audience: You're doing a public service, really.
Oh...AND CASH PRIZES!!!

So, who's in? Are you brave enough to share your tale? Don't let your story go untold! Sign up for Storyfest's amateur storytelling contest today by emailing [email protected]. Limit of 8 contestants while spots last!