Welcome to the La Crosse Storytelling Festival
STORIES–It’s what we do!
20th Annual
Wisconsin’s first storytelling Festival
Friday, July 21th and
Saturday, July 22th, 2023
Pump House Regional Arts Center
Fun during the children’s performances
The La Crosse Storytelling Festival was first conceived in 2003 by two local attorneys, Keith Belzer and Ted Skemp. Through their efforts and backing, the first 3 Festivals took place at Pettibone Park in La Crosse. It was in these first years that groundwork was lain for all following Festivals: the Festival would be first and foremost a family event, the level of National talent would be of the highest caliber, the Festival would highlight professional local tellers, and the event would serve as a way to educate the general public about storytelling.
In 2006, the Bluff Country Tale Spinners storytelling guild took on the major responsibility for the Festival. And, as Wisconsin’s First Storytelling Festival, it continues to meet the initial objectives. Come and enjoy the magic of storytelling!
Join us for our 20th Fest!
Dates: Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22, 2022
Location: The Pump House Regional Art Center in the Art District of downtown La Crosse.
This year’s fest has it all!
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Stories, It’s What We Do
LA CROSSE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL MISSION
Enjoying performances in the Main Tent
Our mission is to be the premier storytelling event in the upper Midwest, celebrating the art of storytelling by edifying, educating, and entertaining people of all ages and walks of life.
Donations
Latest News
- Once Upon a Time…at the Library!The Bluff Country Tale Spinners are scheduled to share stories at eight local libraries!! The storytellers will tell fairy tales and folk tales. After the storytelling program the children will make a puppet that represents a character from one of the stories. The Story Fest is providing all the materials for the puppets. We are … Continue reading →
- KIDS’ DAYS IN THE PARKOur annual Kids’ Days in the Park will be held May 11, 18, and 19 at Myrick Park. Local schools are invited to attend 30 minute storytelling performances. Bluff Country Tales Spinners Guild members provide the stories for children from preschool through fifth grade. Interested schools can contact Mary Lawrence at lawrencems1967@gmail.com to reserve a … Continue reading →
- Pints for a PurposeOur annual fund raiser at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center was a big success. We thank everyone who attended, who donated and also those who brought the delicious appetizers. Our next fund raiser is Tuesday, May 2 at the Pearl Street Brewery from 4:00 to 8:00. For every pint that is sold, the LSF … Continue reading →
- Festival Fund Raisers! TWO!Join us for two fun fund raisers! Our annual fund raiser will be on Thursday, April 27 at 6:00. It will be held at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center at 506 Main Street. Three tellers from the Bluff Country Tale Spinners, Peter Petersilie, Teri Wachuta, and Michael Scott, will share their stories. Regina Chihak … Continue reading →
- Great Event and More to ComeOur Celtic Stories and Song was a great success. The Pump House was sold out! The audience was treated to stories told by Amy Jo Vanarsdall, Steve Harden, Gwyn Calvetti, Tom Williams, and Terry Visger, music by Dublin Daughters, dancing by Clog Jam, and songs by Tom and Quinn Williams. What a night! … Continue reading →
- Celtic Stories and SongsMake Saint Patrick’s Day even more fun by spending it at the Pump House with the Bluff Country Tale Spinners. Join us on Mar. 17 for stories, music by the Dublin Daughters, clogging by Clogjam, and Irish songs with Tom and Quinn Williams. An evening of CELTIC ENTERTAINMENT! Doors open at 7:00, Dublin Daughters begin … Continue reading →