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Discover Jonesborough’s Events!
Known as the Storytelling Capital of the World, Jonesborough offers a storybook experience year-round. From festivals and concert series offering live music each week during the warmer months, to live storytelling performances all year long, visitors are sure to delight in the charm of Tennessee’s Oldest Town.
For more information on events happening in Tennessee’s Oldest Town, please call the Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423.753.1010
Reoccurring Events & Programs
Takes place May – October in the parking lot behind the Courthouse, 8am-noon. The Winter Farmers Market takes place the first three Saturdays in November and December and the third Saturday of the month January to April, 9 am to 12 pm in front of Boone Street Market.
With two locations, inside the Jonesborough Visitors Center and in downtown, artifacts of Jonesborough’s long history are on display. Hours vary based on the season. Admission by donation.
Explore and uncover the past like never before with this monthly program featuring all things history. History Happy Hour is a collaborative effort between local organizations, so audiences will have the chance to interact with multiple groups. History Happy Hour takes place the third Thursday of every month March-November at 6:30 p.m.
Visit a restored turn of the century railroad depot and learn the impact of the railroad on small rural communities. Artifacts and displays regarding railroad history are on exhibit. Located on Jonesborough’s Walking Trail at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Depot Street.
The Main Street tour is available March – December 16. Takes place at 1 pm. Tickets are available at the Chester Inn. The Cemetery Tours take place at 2:30 pm the first & third Saturdays of month. It ends the first Saturday in October.
The Jonesborough StoryTown Radio Show and Podcast is performed as a story-filled old-time radio performance at the McKinney Center. The production happens every fourth Monday of the month and is then broadcasted on the local public radio station 89.5 FM the last Wednesday of the month.
Throughout the year the McKinney Center displays art work made by regional artists. Visit Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Exhibitions are free and open to the public.
This art program housed in the McKinney Center offers year-round opportunities for exhibitions, plays, performances, and a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages.
Offering history through storytelling year-round, including step on, and custom designed tours. Choose from Legends, Whispers & Mysteries, Strolling & Stories and Times & Tales.
Now in its 20th season, the International Storytelling Center’s renowned Storytelling Live performance series features 28 nationally-known storytellers in live afternoon concerts every afternoon at 2 p.m. (Tuesday – Saturday) from May through October.
Takes place every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center. Every week features different live storytellers!
Presented by the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society, dances are held on Saturdays bimonthly with live music. No partner or experience necessary. Contra dancing originated in the 17th century in England and Scotland and has become an Appalachian tradition.
October
Oct.
6-8
National Storytelling Festival
Every October since 1973, Jonesborough hosts the National Storytelling Festival. Enjoy world-class storytelling throughout downtown for the entire weekend.
Oct.
13-14
20–21
A Spot on the Hill
An original, history-based play which raises funds for the preservation and maintenance of Jonesborough’s historic cemeteries. Performed within the cemetery gates, the Town’s former residents share their stories of life and death.
Oct.
13-29
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre: Crazy for You
A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, Crazy For You tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre.
Oct.
20
5 – 7p.m.
Halloween Haunts and Happenings Art Exhibition Opening Reception
This spooky exhibit runs through November 3. Free and open to the public at the McKinney Center.
Oct.
26 – 31
6 – 9p.m.
Jack-O-Lantern Drive-Thru
Decorate a pumpkin to be displayed downtown over Halloween weekend! Participants pick up pumpkins at the Visitors Center to decorate them, then they are returned to be placed downtown.
Oct.
27
6 – 9p.m.
Halloween Haunts and Happenings
Downtown Jonesborough is the place for Halloween thrills and chills! Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, a costume contest and much more.
Oct.
28
4p.m.
Lick-Or-Treat Paw Parade
The parade will kick off at Tennessee Tails, 111 E. Main Street. There will also be a doggie costume contest at 4:30pm. Entry tickets to the parade are $10 with proceeds donated to the Washington County Human Society. Register at tennesseetails.com.
Oct.
28
8 – 10p.m.
Brews & Boos
Get into the spooky season with a series of ghost stories featuring world renowned storytellers sure to provide chills and suspense. Selections of seasonal craft beer, hot cider, and cocoa will be available. This event is an extension of the popular Main Street Brews and Tunes series with a slight spooky twist dedicated to Halloween and will be held in Jimmy Neil Smith Park, behind the International Storytelling Center. The gates will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of.
November
Nov.
10-11
10a.m.-5p.m.
Made Around Here Market
Explore thousands of skillfully handcrafted items at one of Jonesborough’s oldest craft shows. The Market takes place at the Visitors Center and surrounding grounds.
Nov.
11
11:11a.m.
Veterans Day Celebration
Explore thousands of skillfully handcrafted items at one of Jonesborough’s oldest craft shows. The Market takes place at the Visitors Center and surrounding grounds.
Nov.
16-19
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
Nov.
25
11a.m. – 3p.m.
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Enjoy a day of supporting local businesses by shopping with merchants in our historical downtown district.
Nov.
25
11a.m. – 3p.m.
Whoville
This Dr. Suess themed event hosts different Whoville activities throughout downtown! The grinch will be downtown giving out green candy canes and participants can get a photo with the grinch!
Nov.
25
6p.m.
Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Jonesborough’s historic and charming downtown is the perfect setting to kick off the Christmas holiday season as the lights are lit on the authentic tree in front of the Washington County Courthouse.
Nov.
27
6p.m.
Soup & Songs
This is a holiday fundraiser for StoryTown Radio Show featuring Jonesborough Novelty Band. There will also be storytelling. Takes place at the McKinney Center.
December
Dec.
2
11a.m. – 3p.m.
Doggone Christmas
Christmas in Olde Jonesborough continues with Doggone Christmas. Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa, a treat station, and shop at the Christmas Market for pet-friendly items and Christmas gifts for everyone! While you’re here, explore downtown Jonesborough and support local businesses.
Dec.
2
3 – 6p.m.
Santa at the Chuckey Depot Caboose
Santa will be stopping by the historic caboose located outside the museum. Visitors will have a chance to meet Santa and take their picture with him.
Dec.
2
Progressive Dinner
Now in its 45th year, the Progressive Dinner transports guests to four, historic locations throughout town for a four-course meal. The event is a mix of public and private locations, each elegantly decorated for the holiday.
Dec.
2
10a.m. – 4p.m.
Mill Spring Holiday Makers Faire
Join Mill Spring Makers Market to host their Holiday Edition of the Mill Spring Makers Faire. Features over 50 regional artists and craftsmen. This event takes place all outdoors along Spring Street and Mill Spring Park.
Dec.
4-26
Celebration of Trees
Get into the spirit by strolling through Jonesborough and enjoying this exhibit of uniquely decorated trees. The exhibit will begin at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, where you can get a map with all tree locations, and continues throughout town.
Dec.
8-17
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre: 1940s USA Christmas
A holiday spin on JRT’s USA show, a patriotic classic in Jonesborough!
Dec.
9
11a.m. – 3p.m.
Santa’s Christmas Village
This event includes lots of family fun including pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, Santa Mart, and multiple children’s crafting stations throughout Tennessee’s Oldest Town.
Dec.
9
6p.m.
Christmas Parade
What better opportunity to spend time with family and friends than to grab a cup of hot chocolate, throw on mittens and hats and gather on Main Street in downtown Jonesborough to watch the annual lighted nighttime Christmas Parade.
Dec.
16
Breakfast with Santa
Wear your pajamas to the Chuckey Depot Museum and celebrate the magic of the Christmas season. Enjoy a special breakfast as Santa Claus himself shares the Polar Express. Event includes food, drink, and a holiday ornament. Tickets available at Jonesborough.com/tickets.
Dec.
16
11a.m. – 3p.m.
Christmas Church Stroll
Stroll through town and visit participating churches downtown. Attendees can view decorated sanctuaries and enjoy music. Grab a guide at the International Storytelling Center to begin the tour.
January
Jan.
18
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Exhibition runs from January 15 – 19. Free and open to the public at the McKinney Center.
Jan.
19
Feb.
3
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Exhibition runs from January 15 – 19. Free and open to the public at the McKinney Center.
Jan.
20
McKinney Center Spring Open House
The McKinney Center hosts a Spring Open House to feature different Spring classes that are available for registration during the season.
February
Feb.
1-14
Sweet Scenes
Participating merchants will decorate their windows in a sweet-theme to coincide with Chocolate Fest. Come downtown to view the unique and creative displays and vote for your favorite!
Feb.
2
TN Songwriters Event
Jonesborough is partnering with The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to celebrate Tennessee Songwriters Week by hosting a qualifying round at the International Storytelling Center. Join us and cheer on your favorite singer/songwriter. Select songwriters from qualifying rounds will advance to seven pre-determined showcase events. Tickets are $10.
Feb.
9-10
Chocolate Fest
Take a stroll through Downtown Jonesborough and visit chocolate stops dotted throughout downtown provided by Jonesborough small businesses. Attendees will discover endless options— everything from barks, fudges, truffles and so much more.
Feb.
23
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. The Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.