By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF — Storytelling, music, and community connection will take center stage in downtown Woodruff as the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival 2026 returns April 24–25. Hosted by the Stone Soup Storytelling Institute, the festival will be held at Stone Soup at MUSE 134 and surrounding locations, bringing together nationally recognized storytellers, emerging voices, and local audiences for a weekend of shared experiences.
Rooted in the idea that “we can achieve more together than we can alone,” the festival uses storytelling as a way to build connection, inspire empathy, and celebrate culture. The focus this year is “Compassion and Happiness.”
Headliners and Featured Voices:
This year’s festival includes a lineup of accomplished storytellers from across the country, along with rising talent.
Headliners include:
• Adam Booth, a 2022 West Virginia Liars Contest winner known for blending original stories with music
• Papa Joe Gaudet, an interactive storyteller combining folktales, humor, and audience participation
• Donna Washington, an internationally award-winning storyteller, educator, and author
The festival will also feature Lona Bartlett as part of “The 2025 New Voices” showcase, highlighting emerging storytellers.
Additional featured tellers include Liz Z. Pardue and Misty Mator, who bring a mix of personal stories, cultural traditions, and creative storytelling styles to the event.
A Weekend of Storytelling Experiences
The festival begins Friday, April 24, with school-based storytelling sessions during the day, followed by evening performances open to the public.
Friday’s schedule includes:
• Lunch storytelling event at Stone Soup at MUSE 134
• Story sessions such as Fairy Tales & Variations, Tall Tales, Folk Tales, and Ghost Stories
• A Super Spud Supper and evening showcase
On Saturday, April 25, the festival continues with a full day of programming, including:
• Festival headquarters open at MUSE 134
• Personal storytelling sessions and comedy performances
• Lunch events and multiple storytelling showcases
• The New Voices performance featuring emerging talent
• Evening events including a nacho supper and headline storytelling performances
The weekend concludes Sunday, April 26, with a ticketed brunch event.
Building Community Through Story
The Stone Soup Storytelling Institute, a nonprofit organization, focuses on using storytelling to strengthen communities and create meaningful connections. Through events like the annual festival, organizers aim to provide a space where stories can educate, entertain, and inspire people of all ages.
The festival is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission, along with local sponsors and community partners.
Event Details
• Location: Stone Soup at MUSE 134, Woodruff
• Dates: April 24–25, 2026 (with Sunday brunch on April 26)
• More Information: http://www.stonesoupsc.org
• Contact: (864) 670-9980
