Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
The largest storytelling festival in the western U.S. returns to Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point September 10–12, 2026 for its 37th year — three days of professional storytellers, family tents, and themed evening concerts including Bedtime Stories, Shivers, and The Last Laugh.
For three days each September, some of the finest storytellers in the country gather in Lehi for a festival that draws thousands of listeners, young and old. The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival — now in its 37th year and the largest of its kind in the western United States — returns to Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point on September 10–12, 2026, the weekend after Labor Day.
What to Expect
This isn't a lecture series — it's a full-hearted celebration of story, music, and merriment set among 50 acres of gardens. Professional storytellers, musicians, puppeteers, and magicians perform across multiple story tents through the day on Friday and Saturday, with a dedicated Family Tent for younger children. There are magic shows, Dungeons & Dragons, pottery, live music, and plenty of food to make a full day of it.
The evenings are where the festival shows its range. Friday night offers a choice of themed concerts: Bedtime Stories (perfect for families with young kids, just $5 per person), the all-ages Story Showcase, and Shivers for those who love a spooky tale. The weekend wraps Saturday night with The Last Laugh finale.
New for 2026
Never been? Thursday, September 10 is a $10 Sneak Peek — doors open at 3 p.m. with access to the gardens, interactive festivities, stories in the tents, and an evening storytelling concert. One change this year: with the Show Barn being renovated as part of Thanksgiving Point's STEM expansion, all storytelling events move into the Ashton Gardens — arguably the most beautiful setting the festival has ever had.
Tickets & Tips
Day passes and full-festival tickets are available at timpfest.org (early-bird pricing runs through August 1; Thanksgiving Point members and groups of six or more get a discount). Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and water-bottle filling stations are located throughout the gardens. Note that pets aren't allowed on Thanksgiving Point property. The venue sits about 45 minutes south of the Salt Lake City airport.
For more of what's happening across the valley this fall, see the Provo events calendar and our guide to Utah Valley's late-summer and Labor Day events.
Good to know
- ✓ 37th year — the largest storytelling festival in the western United States
- ✓ Held the weekend after Labor Day at the stunning Ashton Gardens, Thanksgiving Point
- ✓ Daytime performances Friday & Saturday across multiple story tents
- ✓ Themed evening concerts: Bedtime Stories (family, $5), Story Showcase, Shivers, and The Last Laugh finale
- ✓ New for 2026: a $10 Sneak Peek on Thursday, Sept 10 (doors 3 p.m.)
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