Storytelling Toronto upcoming events

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Out of Our Minds (& Onto the Page) workshop Session 1 (Sep 19 - Oct 31) (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Session 1

Thinking is overthinking!

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

OUT OF OUR MINDS (& onto the page) is the perfect workshop to get those creative storytelling juices flowing. Thinking is overthinking, so we’re going to remove the pressure to get it right by simply playing with whatever comes. Playing improv games and using prompted writing exercises, the workshop helps make writing spontaneous and freewheeling. No preparation. No homework. No inhibitions.

Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

Event link

Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

StorySwap Canada online, weekly gathering!

ZOOM LINK https://tinyurl.com/StorySwapCanada

SUNDAYS 4 - 6 pm EST NEW TIME ZONES (March 2026)

Weekly swaps!

To keep and grow the connections, friendships, and community that has developed online in Canada, a group has come together and organized StorySwap Canada. This group of volunteers consists of storytellers from almost every Canadian region. We welcome Canadian storytellers as well as those from all over the world.

We are supported by Storytellers of Canada – Conteurs du Canada.

Folktales, ballads, poems, family stories, or wholly invented tales are all welcome, as are listening ears.

Join and tell a story is already leaping up to be told ....
OR just be inspired when you listen to others
OR just listen. There are no stories without listeners.

You can come for one hour or two and meet new people in our Breakout Rooms halfway through the session.

ONLINE 1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, September 25, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights is ONLINE SEPT. 25!

Click to Join

If you would prefer to join by phone, dial the access number, 647 558 0588 or 647 374 4685. When asked, enter the Meeting ID: 768 576 059

Description:

Every Friday night since 1978, storytellers and listeners have been gathering in Toronto for an open evening of oral stories. Each Friday night is unique, and everyone is welcome to come and listen, come and tell. On these nights, we come as listeners and as tellers: we may ramble on, recite, relate, recount, retell, or recollect; however, we may never, ever read. You might hear traditional tales, stories of personal experience, literary stories, original stories, ballads, or episodes from history, all told through the human voice.

“Virtual doors” will open around 7:30 PM EDT and storytelling will begin at 8 PM EDT. New storytellers and listeners are always welcome!

Pay what you can by e-transfer to: hat@1001fridays.org

$5 suggested

Storytent hosted by Eden Nameri (Saturday, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

TO Live Presents JLF Toronto (Saturday, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The Jaipur Literature Festival—held annually in the historic Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan—is celebrated worldwide as the “greatest literary show on Earth.”

JLF Toronto returns this September, bringing together acclaimed writers, thinkers, artists, and cultural leaders for a vibrant celebration of literature, ideas, and dialogue.

JLF Toronto, in association with TO Live, is part of the internationally renowned Jaipur Literature Festival’s global series, produced by Teamwork Arts. The festival brings audiences into conversations that travel across cultures, disciplines, and borders, exploring timely themes of migration, identity, heritage, gender, democracy, medicine, and the arts.

Celebrating the richness and diversity of South Asian literary culture while embracing global perspectives, JLF Toronto creates a space for meaningful exchange, fresh ideas, and engaging conversations that inspire curiosity and connection. Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the world, JLF Toronto invites you to discover new voices, challenge perspectives, and join the conversation.

Featured speakers:

Adriana Chartrand
Lyse Doucet
Mellissa Fung
Anosh Irani
Alka Joshi
Mary Elizabeth Luka
Martin Puchner
Len Senater
Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh
Santbir Singh
Fatima Syed
Tanya Talaga
John Vaillant
Vikram Vij
Jesse Wente

Join us for an extraordinary weekend where literature meets politics, history meets imagination, and diverse voices come together to celebrate the power of words.

Registrations are now open for festival day passes! Link

Festival pass: $61.50

Single ticket: $13.50

all-in pricing

Out of Our Minds (& Onto the Page) workshop Session 2 (Sep 19 - Oct 31) (Saturday, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Session 2

Thinking is overthinking!

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

Event link

Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

Story Pillars: Funny You Should Tell That (Saturday, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Funny You Should Tell That! Presented by Tales Toronto. Following its laugh-out-loud success during the Toronto International Storytelling Festival, Tales Toronto returns with an evening of hilarious storytelling featuring some of Toronto’s best comedic minds, including Matt Baram, Elaine Gold, Paul Hutcheson, Joanne O’Sullivan, Sandra Whiting, and Briane Nasimok.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, September 27, 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, September 29, 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling

Discover the joy of storytelling and the power of connecting with others through stories. In this welcoming beginner class, you'll learn the essential building blocks of great storytelling by exploring timeless folktales. These enduring stories were created to be told aloud, and their plots and characters have captivated listeners for generations.

You'll learn how to bring characters, settings, and events vividly to life in the imaginations of your audience. Along the way, you'll explore the secrets of pacing, repetition, and creating a genuine connection with your listeners.

Working with partners and in small groups, you'll discover your own unique storytelling strengths in a supportive and encouraging environment. You'll tell a small story in every class and receive constructive feedback to help you grow in confidence and skill.

Each week combines demonstrations, discussion, and plenty of hands-on practice, introducing a new aspect of storytelling that you can immediately put into action. Whether you're hoping to become a more confident storyteller or simply want to experience the joy of sharing stories with others, this class will give you a strong foundation.

Instructors:

Lynn Torrie is a patient and experienced instructor who has taught adult learners through the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Metropolitan University, the Kimel Centre for Brain Research and her own private classes. A professional storyteller herself, she has told stories to everyone from toddlers to seniors, indulging in her passion for folktales and for stories from Canadian history.

Brandon Lista (he/him) is a storyteller, speaker, and educator whose work bridges corporate settings, the arts, and community life. With a passion for folktales and a belief that everyone should know at least one good story, he brings narrative practice into classrooms, conferences, and local arts spaces to help people connect, reflect, and make meaning together. His corporate, academic, and creative works are grounded in the idea that stories are essential tools for navigating complex sociotechnical worlds, building shared understanding, and fostering collaborative communities.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

Storytelling on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Montgomery's Inn (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join this special storytelling circle with principal storyteller Maria Ordonez, alongside special guest, Philip Cote, artist, activist, historian and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper as he shares stories for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Honour and remember the survivors of the residential school system and participate in a process of truth, justice, and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto and across Canada.

Event Details

Link to Event

Montgomery's Inn 4709 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON, M9A 1A8 September 30, 2026 at 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Free
Reservations / Advance Tickets: Not Required

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, October 02, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent hosted by Lynn Torrie (Saturday, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Out of Our Minds (& Onto the Page) workshop Session 3 (Sep 19 - Oct 31) (Saturday, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Session 3

Thinking is overthinking!

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

Event link

Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling

Instructors:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, October 09, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent hosted by Eden Nameri (Saturday, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Out of Our Minds (& Onto the Page) workshop Session 4 (Sep 19 - Oct 31) (Saturday, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Session 4

Thinking is overthinking!

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

Event link

Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling

Instructors:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

Finding Your Funny: Humour in Storytelling (Thursday, October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

About The Course

Humour has always been one of the storyteller's most powerful tools. It builds connection, creates surprise, reveals character, and invites audiences to see familiar stories in unexpected ways. In Finding the Funny: Introducing Humour into Storytelling, acclaimed comedian, storyteller, and educator Scott Faulconbridge will help oral storytellers discover how to weave humour more naturally and effectively into their performances.

Over two interactive two-hour Zoom sessions, Scott will guide participants through a series of engaging exercises that explore the foundations of comic storytelling. Drawing on techniques from stand-up, improvisation, and narrative performance, participants will learn to recognize humorous moments within their stories. Together, you'll explore narrative tension, release, and power of surprise—all essential elements for creating laughter that serves the story.

This workshop encourages experimentation in a supportive environment, with opportunities to try new approaches, receive feedback, and discover how humour can enrich both traditional and personal narratives. Whether your stories are folktales, myths, personal tales, or historical narratives, you'll leave with practical tools to help audiences laugh, connect more deeply, and remember your stories long after the performance ends.

This workshop is designed for oral storytellers of all experience levels who are interested in expanding their performance skills and finding the humour already waiting within their stories and storytelling style.

Instructor:

Scott Faulconbridge has delighted international audiences with his masterful timing, quirky story telling and quick improvisational wit, establishing him as one of Canada's headlining acts. His unique stories and songs are inspired by family mishaps that have made him a crowd favourite for three decades. His work has earned him three Canadian Comedy Award nominations for his work as an Improviser and a stand up comedian.

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, October 16, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, October 18, 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling

Instructors:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

Finding Your Funny: Humour in Storytelling (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

About The Course

Instructor:

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, October 23, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent hosted by Laurie Malabar and June Brown (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Out of Our Minds (& Onto the Page) workshop Session 5 (Sep 19 - Oct 31) (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Session 5

Thinking is overthinking!

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

Event link

Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

Story Pillars: Double Feature (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Storytelling Toronto Presents a Double Feature:

UGOMA & THE STORIES WE CARRY: A COMMUNITY STORY EXCHANGE

The Stories We Carry presented by Kesha Christie & Ugomma presented by Ugonma Ekeanyanwu. Award-winning storyteller and TEDx Speaker Kesha Christie’s Stories We Carry draws on Caribbean storytelling traditions, personal narratives, and community-building practices to create a welcoming space where diverse lived experiences are celebrated and amplified. Ugomma, performed by Ugonma Ekeanyanwu and Amarachi Ukwu Fasesin, is an African folktale about a young woman whose kindness, wisdom, and character earn admiration over society’s outward measures of beauty and talent, told through storytelling, music, and dance.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling

Instructors:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, October 30, 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, October 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Out of Our Minds (& Onto the Page) workshop Session 6 (Sep 19 - Oct 31) (Saturday, October 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Session 6

Thinking is overthinking!

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

Event link

Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, November 01, 2026)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling

Instructors:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, November 06, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Seed to Story: Non-fiction Solo Show Workshop (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

About The Course

Have you ever wanted to create a solo show but weren't sure where to begin?

Join CORIN RAYMOND for tips, strategies, and insights on how to develop an autobiographical story into a solo show. Through exercises and discussions, participants will be introduced into methods of evolving a personal experience into the glimmers of a full-length story.

LIMITED SPACE - ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

This 3 hour intensive includes:

Exercises to help uncover and organize your personal story
Exploration of form and storytelling structure
Insights from professional touring creator/performers

The exercises and subjects in this workshop are curated to engage:

Storytellers
Creatives
Theatre artists
Comedians
Writers

Participants are expected to have some level of performing or writing experience, whether professional, amateur, or student. The goal of the workshop is to empower creators to approach the development of their own practice while demystifying the art form. Everyone’s got a story to tell - let’s find yours!

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, November 13, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, November 20, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

Story Pillars: Letters to your Ex (Saturday, November 21, 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Letters to Your Ex – Stories Out Loud is a live storytelling event where 4–5 storytellers share the story of a past relationship before reading a letter written to their ex. Expanding on the published book Letters to Your Ex—a collection of 139 letters selected from over 20,000 global submissions—the featured stories cover crushes, situationships, and committed relationships, reflecting the emotional complexity of love and loss across cultures and identities. Audience members are also invited to contribute to a live "What would you tell your ex?" wall, creating a shared space for reflection, connection, and the reminder that no one experiences heartbreak alone.

Please note: Speakers may touch on abuse, suicide, death, self-harm, and other sensitive topics.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, November 22, 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, November 27, 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent at Wychwood Barns (Saturday, November 28, 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us at The Stop Farmers Market for FREE storytelling with parents and their children. Come to listen, come to learn and come to tell a story.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, November 29, 2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, December 04, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, December 06, 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, December 11, 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

The Food & Warmth Holiday Storytelling Show (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The Food & Warmth Holiday Fundraiser presented by Listen to This! Local storytellers share festive tales while raising funds and support for Toronto charities. This event is hosted by storyteller, comedian and community-builder Michael Salvatore, and will feature Justin Shaw and Dan Yashinsky.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, December 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, December 18, 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, December 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, December 25, 2026)

Sat, 26 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, December 27, 2026)

Sun, 27 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT