40th Annual Storytelling Festival A 2-Month Event

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Geared toward kids, the 40th Annual Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival gets underway Thursday.

Previously a one-day event prior to the pandemic, this year’s festival has been crafted into a series of free activities and live online sessions for novice and experienced youth storytellers alike.

The slate includes skills workshops, interactive events, “Story School” videos, a list of stories ideal for sharing and an invitation for young storytellers who meet certain criteria to submit a video.

The schedule traditionally features storytelling headliners whose performances entertain young audiences as well as their parents and caregivers, and this year is no exception.

On June 22, singer/songwriter/author Naima Johnston Bush will tell tales from America's rich folklore history.

On June 29, Tampa resident Katie Adams will deliver animal folk tales from around the world.

On July 6, Dover resident Windell Campbell shows off his storytelling style that includes the art of puppetry.

The festival concludes on Aug. 5 with an online celebration.

Also on tap:

• Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival: Storytelling 101 on Friday, June 11 at 11 a.m.
• The Magic of Storytelling: Creative Arts Theatre Company on Wednesday, June 19 at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, June 30 at 11 a.m.
• Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival: Next Steps on Friday, July 9 at 11 a.m.
• Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival: Closing Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

The 40th Annual Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival is supported by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, and is funded and produced by the Friends of Storytelling of Tampa-Hillsborough County.

For more information and to register for any of the free events, including today’s 6:30 p.m. opening session, go to HCPLC.org/StorytellingFestival or call 813-273-3652.