Good storytelling is at the heart of Our State’s mission. Hear stories come to life onstage at our second annual storytelling festival at Elon University, featuring four acclaimed performers who draw on their life experiences to regale audiences across the country.
Storytellers Include:
Donald Davis
Nationally recognized storyteller and regular performer at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Elizabeth Hudson
Our State editor in chief and host of PBS-NC’s Best of Our State series.
Josh Goforth
An accomplished storyteller and old-time, bluegrass, and swing musician who plays about 20 instruments.
Eleanor Spicer Rice
PhD entomologist and author/host of Our State’s North Carolina Naturally — a print, podcast, and video series where she reveals the natural world.
Event Details:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 • 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Yeager Recital Hall
Inside the Center for the Arts
417 North Williamson Avenue
Elon, NC 27244
Sponsored by:
Sample Schedule:
9:00–9:15 a.m.
Welcome remarks from Elon University
9:15–10:00 a.m.
Storyteller
10:00–10:30 a.m.
Coffee break
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Storyteller
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Walk to lunch at Lakeside Meeting Room. Our State staff will guide you there.
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Seasonally inspired lunch reflecting North Carolina’s bounty provided by Harvest Table. High Piedmont Swing will provide musical entertainment.
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Storyteller
2:30–3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Storyteller
4:00 p.m.
A fond farewell
Sample Buffet Menu:
A delicious, seasonally inspired lunch reflecting North Carolina’s bounty will be provided by Harvest Table and sponsored by Elon University.
Salad: Red Hawk spring mix, grilled red onion, shaved cucumber, charred corn, pickled strawberry, Goat Lady Dairy goat cheese (on the side), puffed quinoa, Lusty Monk mustard vinaigrette
Tomato sandwich bar: chilled local heirloom tomatoes; hot fried green tomatoes; brioche, whole wheat, and butter bread; pimento cheese, basil mayo, salted mayo, black garlic mayo, Texas Pete-infused salt, smoked ground peppercorns, fresh herbs, butter lettuce, sliced cucumber
Entree proteins: crispy fried Poulet Rouge chicken or crispy fried local oyster mushrooms with sides of Loy Lava hot honey and Cheerwine barbecue sauces
Sides: mix of local roasted sweet potatoes, grilled asparagus, and flame-roasted mini sweet peppers
Dessert: sliced local watermelon with sea salt on the side; blueberry galette with house-made minted peach ice cream, scooped to order
Beverages: water, local lemonade, peach and regular sweet tea
Registration Information:
$150 per person (includes lunch)
The Inn at Elon — Our State Voices Special Rate
Special rates at The Inn at Elon are available for Our State Voices attendees. Come early or stay late and expand your storytelling festival experience into a weekend at Elon. For reservations, please click here or call (336) 589-0329.
Please note: By purchasing tickets, your email address will be added to a centralized Our State email database.
For additional information, please contact Amy Pasquini at (800) 948-1409 or apasquini@ourstate.com.
