Knoxville

33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival Set to Enchant at Big South Fork NRRA

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Published on September 17, 2025
33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival Set to Enchant at Big South Fork NRRASource: National Park Service

Get ready to gather round for a day filled with stories, music, and culture at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival is locked in for September 20, from dawn till dusk. This event, rich in tradition, has expanded from its educational roots into a major celebration open to the public, featuring an array of performers from across the country.

Kicking off at 10:00 AM and winding down at 10:00 PM (ET), the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area will transform into a vibrant stage for the spoken word, greatly drawing crowds. Musicians and artisans will complement the lineup of storytellers, each offering a taste of their unique cultural heritage. The festival will showcase performances, alongside live music and cultural demonstrations—absolutely free of charge. This festival, steeped in over thirty years of history, promises a full day's journey into storytelling and regional tradition that any attendee will find resonance with, young or old.

Festivalgoers can look forward to performances from Karin Amano, who delves into her heritage with Japanese folktales accompanied by traditional song and dance. Norm Brecke will leverage his teaching background to weave music-driven narratives filled with laughs. According to the National Park Service announcement, Tamara Green "draws on African folklore, Southern history, and urban legends to connect with audiences of all ages," while Anne Rutherford is set to stir a mix of humor and suspense with her blend of tall tales and ghost stories.