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This is a storytelling festival, but it may not be exactly what you expect. We are interested in the variety of ways that Appalachians tell authentic stories-oral storytellers, authors, poets, musicians, songwriters, photographers, filmmakers, herbalists, quilters, performers, and many others that have and will continue to evolve over the years. We aim to balance the narrative about who Appalachians are, what they believe, and who they hope to be by giving them the space and place to share their stories in whichever form they take. ​
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Do you have a story to tell? Do you love to listen to stories? Are you interested in learning how to tell a story... or how to better engage with them? Are you interested in seeing how different mediums carry vibrant stories?​
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This is the festival for you!
2026 ALAS AWARDS BRUNCH: OCTOBER 4TH @11am
Each year, the ALAS Festival awards storytellers in two ways: through curated contests that engage storytellers in opportunities throughout the year preceding the event, and through annual DENI awards whose categories reflect the proposals received for that year. This year's Awards Brunch features Rachel Sager, artist and author out of southern Pennsylvania who has worked to turn an abandoned coal mine into a community mosaic mural.
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Register for this FREE Brunch! Enjoy a delicious meal from River Willow Culinary Services, hear from local storytellers as they share the ways they've engaged with storytelling recently, and celebrate our winners with us!
Ways to Get Involved
Our goal is to connect as many people of all ages as possible to celebrate and honor the power of storytelling. Check out the ways you could get involved below. If you don't see something for you, email us and let us know what you'd like to offer!
Apply to participate in this year's festival!
