October Events in Jonesborough: Fall Fun in Tennessee’s Oldest Town

October is one of the most exciting times of year to visit Jonesborough. As the leaves begin to change and fall settles into Tennessee’s oldest town, downtown comes alive with festivals, local food, live entertainment, history, storytelling and plenty of Halloween fun.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, looking for something fun to do with the family or simply want to enjoy the beauty of fall in Jonesborough, there is something happening throughout the month.

October begins with one of Jonesborough’s most celebrated traditions, the National Storytelling Festival. Taking place October 2–4, the 53rd annual festival brings storytellers and visitors from around the country to Jonesborough for a weekend filled with stories, music and unforgettable experiences.

The festival takes place throughout downtown Jonesborough, including at the International Storytelling Center and in festival tents throughout town. Since 1973, the National Storytelling Festival has helped establish Jonesborough as a premier destination for the art of storytelling.

Visitors can also experience additional festival programming, including Ghost Stories, After Hours events, workshops and more.

Come hungry and discover the flavors of downtown Jonesborough during Restaurant Week, October 5–11.

Presented in partnership with Tennessee Main Street Restaurant Week, this week-long celebration encourages residents and visitors to explore locally owned restaurants and discover something new.

Seven locally owned restaurants are participating: Olde Towne Pancake House, Boone Street Market, Corner Beverage Emporium, Neuma Coffee, The Opossum’s Tale, Main Street Café & Catering and Jackson’s Prime.

Participating restaurants will offer special menus, discounts and unique opportunities throughout the week. Guests can also take part in the Passport to Flavor Challenge by collecting stamps as they visit participating restaurants.

Step into Jonesborough’s history with A Spot on the Hill, the annual cemetery play presented at Old Town Cemetery.

This original, research-based production brings the stories of people buried in the historic cemetery to life, offering audiences a unique way to learn more about the people and stories that helped shape Jonesborough.

Performances are scheduled throughout October, including October 8, 9, 15, 16 and 17.

Get ready for an evening of ghost stories and fall fun during Main Street Jonesborough’s 11th Annual Brews & Boos on Saturday, October 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Held in Jimmy Neil Smith Park behind the International Storytelling Center, the event features ghost stories from world-renowned storytellers Michael Reno Harrell and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson. Guests can enjoy fall-themed beer and cider from Main Street Café & Catering while taking in the stories beneath the autumn sky.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for ground seating.

Bring the family downtown on Wednesday, October 28, for The Great Jonesborough Pumpkin Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Instead of simply admiring the pumpkins, you get to help create them! Families can carve pumpkins right in downtown Jonesborough, and the finished jack-o’-lanterns will become part of a glowing trail along Main Street through Halloween night.

Pumpkins and carving supplies will be available for $5 while supplies last, so early registration is encouraged.

Jonesborough’s Halloween celebration returns Friday, October 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for an evening of trick-or-treating, games, costumes and spooky fun throughout downtown.

Families can visit trick-or-treating stops along Main Street and enjoy a special appearance by the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus at the Historic Christopher Taylor Cabin.

The Halloween Costume Contest begins at 7 p.m. in front of the Courthouse, with multiple age divisions and a group category. This year also features a new larger-than-life spooky photo opportunity in the alley next to Jackson’s Prime.

With activities for families, festive decorations and plenty of Halloween spirit, downtown Jonesborough is the place to be for an evening of fall fun.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Throughout October, visitors can enjoy movies, live music, theater and other events throughout downtown.

The Jackson Theatre will feature a variety of fall and Halloween-themed films, including Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Mummy, Halloweentown and more. The theatre will also host GRAMMY Award-winning musician Alison Brown on October 16.

The Jonesborough Farmers Market will also continue its Saturday morning tradition through October, giving visitors an opportunity to shop for locally grown and handmade goods in the heart of downtown.

With historic buildings, locally owned shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and a full calendar of events, October is a wonderful time to explore Jonesborough.

Spend the morning strolling downtown, stop for coffee or a locally made meal, explore the town’s history, enjoy an afternoon event and stay into the evening for live entertainment or one of Jonesborough’s many Halloween happenings.

From world-class storytelling to local flavors and family-friendly fall traditions, October offers plenty of reasons to make plans for a visit to Jonesborough.