Winter Winds Storyfest

Join the Story Center as we celebrate stories, storytellers, listeners, and supporters at the third-annual Winter Winds Storyfest. Produced in collaboration with River and Prairie Storyweavers, the 2026 Storyfest includes performances by featured storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung and guests Rich White and Beverly Laudie, two storytelling workshops led by Alton, and an open-mic storytelling event.  

• Space is limited and advance registration is required for this event.
• All events are in-person at the Auditorium at Woodneath Library Center except the storytelling concert on Friday which is in-person and online.
• The inclement weather dates for this event are Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28.

Schedule

Friday, February 20

7:00 – 8:00pm: Winter Winds Annual Storytelling Concert (Hybrid)

Warm up your winter and get ready for spring with a selection of stories told by featured teller Alton Takiyama-Chung and guests Rich White and Beverly Laudie. Joyce Slater, veteran storyteller and founder of the Kansas City Storytelling Celebration, will be your emcee for this Winter Winds event for all ages.

Saturday, February 21

9:30 – 10:00am:  Coffee and Muffins 

10:00am – 12:00pm: Family Characters and Their Stories 

You want to tell a story about a family character, but where to begin? How do you create a story from facts and anecdotes? Join storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung to capture the essence of that family character, follow their story threads, and weave those threads into stories for future generations. This workshop will include small group work, hands-on exercises, and demonstrations.

12:00 – 1:30pm: Open-Mic Storytelling and Lunch

This open-mic storytelling event is a chance to share a story and connect with other storytellers, while enjoying a provided boxed lunch. Drop your name into a hat if you are interested in telling a five- to six-minute story or sit back and enjoy the show. Alice Nathan of River and Prairie Storyweavers is your emcee. Please note, a limited number of vegetarian meals will be available. We cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.

1:30 – 3:30pm: Making Stories Come Alive

You have a story about a character, such as a family member, but how do you make that character and story come alive? Join storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung on a story weaving journey to find the heart of your story, the lens through which you might relate to the tale, and the gift you would like to offer your audience. This workshop will include small group work, hands-on exercises, and demonstrations.

3:30 – 4:00pm: Networking