ST. JOHN’S STORYTELLING FESTIVAL 2026

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

September 29 – October 4, 2026

The 24th Annual St. John’s Storytelling Festival is just around the corner, and we have a fantastic lineup of storytelling events planned! Below you’ll find the full festival schedule, with something for everyone to enjoy.

A friendly reminder: our events often fill up quickly! We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets for all LSPU Hall shows in advance using the online ticket links provided below. Many of our events are expected to sell out before the doors open, and we don’t want you to miss out!

For The Rooms, MUN Botanical Garden and Ship Inn events, admission will be at the door before the event. 

A.C Hunter Library events are free.

Take a look through the schedule, pick your favourites, and get your tickets early. We can’t wait to welcome you and share some wonderful stories at this year’s festival!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

TEA & TALES

2:30–3:30 PM · AC Hunter Library

Host: Dave Paddon

Join Dave Paddon for a special Fall Into Autumn edition of Tea & Tales. Enjoy wonderful stories, along with complimentary tea and cookies.

FREE EVENT

SJS 2026 FESTIVAL LAUNCH

7:00–9:00 PM · LSPU Hall

Host: Harry Ingram
Featuring: Clara Dugas · Ruth Kirkpatrick · Dave Penny

Join us as we officially launch the 2026 St. John’s Storytelling Festival with an evening of stories and celebration. Also available to watch live on our Facebook page.

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.showpass.com/st-johns-storytelling-festival-2026-festival-launch/ 

$15 + fees

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

A TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY EVENT

7:00–8:00 PM · LSPU Hall

Hosted by: Amelia Reimer & Wayne Broomfield

An evening of storytelling and reflection in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Also available to watch live on our Facebook page.

ADMISSION BY DONATION
All donations will go to Juniper House.

To donate and get your ticket, please visit: https://www.showpass.com/st-johns-storytelling-festival-a-truth-reconciliation-day-event/ 

FOLK NIGHT AT THE SHIP

9:00–11:00 PM · The Ship Pub

Presented by Quidi Vidi Brewery & featuring St. John’s Storytelling Festival

Host: Kelly Russell
Featuring: Dave Paddon · Ken Parsons · Ruth Kirkpatrick

Join us at one of St. John’s favourite pubs for an evening of stories and songs from some wonderfully talented performers. Also available to watch live on our Facebook page.

$10 AT THE DOOR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

COFFEE & CULTURE

Back When — Acadian Life in the ’50s & ’60s

2:30–3:30 PM · The Rooms

Teller: Clara Dugas

Step back in time with Acadian storyteller Clara Dugas for a warm and heartfelt journey through life in Acadian Nova Scotia during the 1950s and ’60s. Through personal memories, stories, humour, and reflections, Clara brings to life a time when everyday moments became stories worth remembering. 

$12 · FREE FOR ROOMS MEMBERS

GHOSTS THAT WALK HERE

7:00–9:00 PM · LSPU Hall

Host: Charis Cotter
Featuring: Randy Crane · Jim Payne · Karin Murray Berquist

Prepare for an evening of haunting tales, local legends and stories of ghosts who may still walk among us. 

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.showpass.com/st-johns-storytelling-festival-ghosts-that-walk-here/ 

$15 + fees

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

TALES FROM NEAR & AFAR

7:00 – 9:00 PM · LSPU Hall

Host: Ruth Kirkpatrick
Featuring: Karen Carroll · Christine Hennebury · Dennis Flynn

Let these storytellers transport you to another place and another time with their captivating tales. Also available to watch live on our Facebook page.

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.showpass.com/st-johns-storytelling-festival-tales-from-near-afar/ 

$15 + fees

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

INTO THE STORY- Finding the Heart of your Story 

A Workshop with Ruth Kirkpatrick

10:00 AM–12:00 PM · LSPU Hall

Explore the art of storytelling with international storyteller Ruth Kirkpatrick and discover ways to deepen and strengthen your stories.

To secure your spot, please visit: https://www.showpass.com/st-johns-storytelling-festival-deepening-the-story/ 

$25 + fees

CAT TALES FROM THE FUNNY FARM

A Meow-moir by Newman P. Thornbury

10:00–11:00 AM · AC Hunter Library

Host: Jodie Marie Thornbury

The inspiring meow-moir of one cat’s triumphant journey from the streets to becoming the owner of a hobby farm. A purr-fectly entertaining story for cat lovers of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

FREE EVENT

STORY CROWD

2:00–4:00 PM – LSPU Hall

Hosted by: Ken Parsons

Come together with other tellers to share new ideas and stories. This event has no audience and is for tellers only.

FREE EVENT

HOMESPUN

7:00–9:00 PM · LSPU Hall

Host: Michelle Clemens
Featuring: Jeanene Walsh · Gary Green · Dave Moriarty ·

Come out and enjoy seasoned local tellers spinning yarns of rural Newfoundland. Also available to watch live on our Facebook page.

$15 + fees

To purchase a ticket, please visit: https://www.showpass.com/st-johns-storytelling-festival-homespun/

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

DOWN THE GARDEN PATH: A STORY WALK

2:00–4:00 PM · MUN Botanical Garden

Host: Catherine Wright
Featuring:  Ainsley Hawthorn · Andrew Peacock

Walk along to nature’s song to hear animal antics, tales of other realms, of places faraway or familiar. You are sure to find delight at this family friendly event at the beautiful Botanical Garden. 

Admission fee to the Garden required.