The Annual Whitewater Storytelling Festival Returns for a Weekend of Stories, Music,
Creativity, and Community
Families, creatives, music lovers, and lovers of all forms of story and tales are invited to gather for the two-day Annual Whitewater Storytelling Festival, a celebration of storytelling in all its forms through music, poetry, workshops, art, food, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Hosted by the Whitewater Arts Alliance, the festival will take place at the historic Cultural Arts Center and nearby Flat Iron Park. Community members are encouraged to come for a day or enjoy the full weekend experience beginning Friday evening with an open mic and live music. This event is held rain or shine. In the case of light rain, the vendor market will remain outdoors while storytelling activities move inside the Cultural Arts Center. In the event of severe weather, the entire festival will move indoors to the Whitewater Public Library.
Friday Night Open Mic & Music
Friday’s festivities will run from 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center with an evening of music, poetry, storytelling, and community connection. Guests can enjoy an open Irish jam session, poetry readings, artist talks, an open mic opportunity, and live music throughout the evening. Light refreshments will be available courtesy of the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
Emceed by Karen McCulloch of The Book Teller
- 5:45-6:15pm: Open Irish Session with Jefferson County Craic (Bring your instrument & jam!)
- 6:15-6:40pm: Artist Talk with Marty Keey
- 6:40-6:45pm: Poetry by Brian Kell
- 6:45-7pm: Poetry by Suzanne Popke
- 7-8pm: Open Mic (Signup to share a little something!)
- 8-9pm: Live Music & Storytelling by The Bog Bodies
Light refreshments by the Whitewater Arts Alliance
Saturday Children’s Programming
Saturday morning activities from 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. at Flat Iron Park are designed especially for children and families, featuring interactive musical performances, storytelling entertainment, creative play, and hands-on activities.
Children’s activities throughout the morning include spin art, Maypole dancing, flowerpot painting, story-themed games, free books, crafts, and more. Adult workshops focused on creative expression and writing will also be offered at the Cultural Arts Center, with advance registration encouraged.
Saturday Workshops —A few workshop seats are still available as of Friday, but hurry to register!
Saturday’s workshops at the Cultural Arts Center offer adults an opportunity to explore storytelling through creativity, reflection, and personal expression at the historic Cultural Arts Center.
Playwriting (9:00-10:30 a.m.) with ASL Interpreter, author, and playwright, Tim Mumm, is a workshop on the elements of playwriting. Some topics to expect: plot, story arc, editing, and even joining a writing community!
Falling UpArt: Processing Pain Through Poetry (11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.) with speaker, author, poet, and content creator for alternative methods of recovery, Matty Jablonsky of The Point of Change, is a workshop where you will get tips, tricks, and insight on how to process trauma through poetry. This 4-part workshop will end with a Q&A.
Register ASAP for your spot in one or both before they’re gone! Accepting 10 participants/workshop. Tickets are $10, paid on site. Register here: https://forms.gle/TTzy9s5XFRL7UqsX9
Saturday All-Ages Storytelling
From 12:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., festivalgoers can enjoy a diverse lineup of storytellers and performers sharing stories through spoken word, music, sign language, and multilingual performances.
Vendor Market & Food Vendors
The Saturday vendor market, open from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., will feature local artists, authors, makers, community organizations, interactive exhibits, wellness offerings, handmade goods, books, crafts, and family-friendly activities. Food and beverage vendors will also be onsite throughout the day offering tacos, coffee, lemonades, and sweet treats.
Designed for the young and young-at-heart, the Whitewater Storytelling Festival invites attendees to slow down, connect, create, and experience the many ways stories bring people together. Whether participating in a workshop, listening to live performances, exploring the vendor market, or enjoying music in the park, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Special Thanks to Our Festival Sponsors
The festival is made possible through the support of generous local sponsors and community partners, including Burtness Chevrolet Buick GMC, Culver’s, First English Lutheran Church, Ketterhagen Ford, Lon’s Jon’s, PremierBank, UW Whitewater Andersen Library, UW Whitewater Children’s Center, Dwight Watson, Whitewater Arts Alliance, and the Whitewater Public Library.
For festival updates and additional information, follow the Whitewater Arts Alliance on social media or contact Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery Director, Kim Adams, at wwartsalliance@gmail.com or 608-201-2151.
