Experience an ancient tradition that lives on in modern times.
We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for an underserved audience to engage with the voices of Appalachia through hearing stories and attending workshops that will enable them to develop a cultural intelligence through the arts of listening and speaking.
Mark your calendar!
The 13th annual Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival is coming!
April 9-10, 2027
in-person at The Ridges Resort in Hiawassee, GA and online
Our featured tellers for the 2027 festival will be Ingrid Nixon, David Novak, Sheila Arnold, Lona Bartlett, and Adam Booth. Click on their names to learn more about them.
We will also be showcasing a host of outstanding voices from across the Southeast who will be telling stories and teaching workshops at the festival. Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2027 Regional Voices!
Tickets: We are committed to making sure that everyone who wants to attend the festival can! Scroll down the ticket options to see our early-bird specials, discounts for seniors and military personnel, and free tickets for students and their teachers, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with low income. We also have online viewing tickets available for those who want to watch online during and/or after the festival. One online viewing ticket covers everyone in your household or classroom.
Lodging: Did you know you can stay on-site at the festival venue? The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge is offering festival attendees a discount rate of $159/night (plus taxes and fees). This special rate is available through 3/8/2027. Just call The Ridges at 706-896-2262, Ext #1, and ask for the GMSF2027 rate.
Guide for Teachers: Stay tuned for our 2027 guide for teachers, which will include information on the storytellers, sample assignments, and other ideas for weaving storytelling into your curriculum.
Schedule: Stay tuned for the festival schedule, including descriptions of the workshops and other special sessions.
Festival Map: Click here for a map of the festival venue.
Volunteering: Did you know that the festival is entirely volunteer-run? We’d love to have you join the crew! Many jobs are available. Volunteers typically work a 2 to 4-hour shift and in return receive a snazzy t-shirt, a free two-day festival ticket, and the undying gratitude of the organizers. We’ll be posting the sign-up link here soon.
Sponsorship: Each year, the festival is made possible by many generous individuals, businesses, and organizations. We’ll be sharing information on sponsoring the 2027 festival here soon so you can learn more about how you can get involved as a sponsor and to see the benefits associated with sponsorship.
Check back here and follow our Facebook page for information on the 2027 festival and email us at info@gamountainstoryfest.org if you have questions in the meantime.
Thank you again to the following grantors and business sponsors for supporting the 2026 Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival: National Endowment for the Arts, the Georgia Council for the Arts, the North Georgia Community Foundation, the Wilhelm Family Foundation, The Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns, Clayton Walmart Supercenter #2753, The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge, Peach State Federal Credit Union, United Community (Blairsville), 4imprint, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Sage Wax Boutique, Blairsville Martial Arts Academy, Mountain Properties LLC, Jacky Jones Ford of Hayesville, Ridgetop Homes, Black Tie & Tails Doggie Day Spa, Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce, Hiawassee Animal Hospital, Edward Jones in Hayesville, Cherokee County Arts Council, Sparkle and Shine Detailing, Laughing Giraffe Toys, Logan Turnpike Mill, Body Sense, Aviator Cafe, Mama's Concierge Services, Crane Creek Vineyards, John C. Campbell Folk School, Strickland and Associates P.C., North Georgia Family Medicine, Century 21 Black Bear Realty (Rick Andrews), the City of Young Harris, Acworth Cultural Arts, Blue Ridge Olive Oil, Fool's Paradise Farm, the Byron Herbert Reece Society, Jacky Jones Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Pizza Belly Blairsville, Blairsville Printing, the City of Hiawassee, and the International Storytelling Center.
Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival, Inc. values and celebrates the diversity of human voices, backgrounds, and experiences. We are an equal opportunity organization and do not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for our staff, volunteers, artists, audience members, vendors, and all other program participants.