Here's How the Festival Works
Where does the programming take place?
We erect large, circus-type tents in downtown Jonesborough with seating in each tent. Regular programming is then scheduled in each tent throughout the day; our attendees simply choose which tent they want to attend at which time. You will be given a program which will include the schedule when you pick up your passes. The tents are all located within easy walking distance of each other. The daily events schedule is available at the Festival and can be viewed online a few days prior to the Festival.
What are the hours for programming?
Regular festival programming runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Each session is one hour long, with a 30-minute break between. A dinner break is scheduled between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The daily events schedule is available at the Festival and can be viewed online a few days prior to the Festival.
Parking and ticket pick-up
Beginning Friday, we suggest you park your vehicle at the elementary school located along Highway 11-E and ride the shuttle bus to the Jonesborough Visitors Center where festival registration is located. The shuttle runs to the Visitors Center (and back) every 20 minutes beginning at 8:30 a.m. until midnight on Friday and Saturday and until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. As you near Jonesborough there will be signs to assist you in locating the elementary school as well as other informational signs. The parking fee is $5 per car and the cost to ride the shuttle is $1 per person each way. A real convenience and time saver!
After you register –
either online, by phone, or mail – you will receive a confirmation
letter. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the Festival.
Please bring a copy of your confirmation letter with you to
the registration desk, located in the Jonesborough Visitors'
Center. You will need this letter in order to pick up your passes. Registration hours are:
| Thursday, October 1 | 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday, October 2 | 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, October 3 | 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, October 4 | 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
ALL passes will be given to the person bringing in the confirmation letter. We are not able to hold passes for a part of your group. If your group is traveling separately, you may want to designate a place and time to meet in Jonesborough.
What do I need to do if I must cancel or adjust my reservations?
All cancellation requests must be received in writing, no later than September 25, 2009. Requests postmarked after that date are NOT eligible for refunds. There is a $40.00 processing fee for all refunds.
Adjustments (meaning a change in the number of days you plan to attend) must be received by September 18, 2009 to allow time for processing before the festival. Adjustments may also be made at the Adjustment Table, located at the registration area, after your arrival in Jonesborough. Please note that adjustments made at the registration desk and which result in a refund will also be charged a $40 processing fee. If you have questions about the policy, please feel free to call our office at 1-800-952-8392 ext. 221or 423-753-2171.
Handicapped parking and facilities
We strive to accommodate the special parking needs of our attendees. A map showing spaces designated for the handicapped are available at the Visitors Center for those with handicapped credentials on their vehicle. Restroom facilities are located in the Visitors Center as well as on the festival grounds.
Sign language interpreters
Nationally certified interpreters from Chicago will be interpreting throughout the festival weekend. Call our offices for more information. 800-952-8392 ext. 221 or 423-753-2171
What kind of weather can we expect?
October weather in Northeast Tennessee is hard to predict. The temperature might run 65-75 degrees during the day and 45-55 at night. We suggest dressing in layers. Since our regular programming is done inside tents, storytelling continues rain or shine! You may wish, however, to bring light rain gear.
What about food?
The festival food court offers a variety of foods, from bar-b-que and pizza to stir-fry and vegetarian burgers. Conveniently located in the heart of the festival, food court hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Photography, video, and audio recording policy
Photography and recordings are permitted on the festival grounds but prohibited in the tents where performances are occurring—except for authorized media representatives.
Graduate credit
One semester hour graduate or undergraduate credit is available through East Tennessee State University. For information, call (423) 439-4223 or go to www.etsu.edu/stories/nsfcredit.htm.
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed on festival grounds except for those used to aid the handicapped. No exceptions.
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