Step back in time and enjoy the rich history of Jonesborough, Tennessee’s Oldest Town. Stroll
along our well-preserved Main Street, where the past comes alive and every corner tells a
story. One of the best ways to experience the charm and history of Jonesborough is through a
town tour. Guides, dressed in authentic period clothing, lead you through the streets, sharing
fascinating, little-known facts and captivating tales from the town’s 18th-century beginnings to its vibrant present. Discover the allure of Jonesborough and become a part of its living history.
The Jackson Theatre
Experience the magic of live performances at the fully restored Jackson Theatre in the heart of
historic downtown Jonesborough. With a diverse lineup of shows, a nod to history, and its
cutting-edge facilities, our theatre allows you to be a part of the cultural renaissance that’s
brilliantly enhancing Tennessee’s Oldest Town.
The Storytelling Capital
On a warm October weekend in 1973, the first National Storytelling Festival was held. Hay bales
and wagons were the stages, and audience and tellers together didn’t number more than 60. It
was tiny, but something happened that weekend that forever changed our culture, this
traditional art form, and Tennessee’s Oldest Town.
The Festival now in its 52 nd year and acclaimed as one of the Top 100 Events in North America,
conjures up nearly 11,000 visitors from all fifty states and numerous countries. There’s a certain
magic about the National Storytelling Festival, a magic that shuts off smart phones and holds
folks spellbound in the art of well-told stories by dozens of the world’s best storytellers.
Shop Local
Extend your Jonesborough experience and embrace the nostalgia as you explore the charming
shops on Main Street. Discover an array of antiques, handmade pottery, unique home decor,
and Appalachian Mountain crafts. For over 200 years, Jonesborough merchants have taken
pride in offering exclusive goods from around the world. This cherished tradition lives on today,
with each quaint shop, nestled in picturesque historic buildings, continuing to share the town’s
rich story. Shop local and become part of Jonesborough’s enduring legacy.
Unique Festivals and Events!
Jonesborough invites you to immerse yourself in an eclectic, year-round experience brimming with unique events and unforgettable moments. Indulge your sweet tooth at our exclusive chocolate festival, embark on a magical journey as our downtown is transformed into a world of wizardly fun, or be captivated by live storytelling performances throughout the year. Delight in the charm and warmth of our community, and become a part of the vibrant story that is uniquely Jonesborough. Come, explore, and leave your footprint on a narrative still being written.
