- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- ActivitiesBooks
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Begins with the 5th Saturday of January, running for nine days
- Holiday emoji:
- đź“š
National Storytelling Week celebrates the power of narrative every year, beginning with the fifth Saturday of January. This engaging nine-day event encourages people of all ages to indulge in stories, new and old, and participate in this centuries-old form of entertainment. Discover local events, share your own tales, or simply curl up with a good book.
Want to sponsor National Storytelling Week? Learn how
Expected National Storytelling Week Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Storytelling Week often inspires deals from various brands. Look for special offers from independent bookstores like Powell’s Books and Strand Bookstore, as well as major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon on popular titles and audiobooks. Digital platforms such as Audible and Scribd may offer discounted subscriptions or free trials. Educational toy brands like Melissa & Doug might feature storytelling kits, and even local cafes could host themed events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Storytelling Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalStorytellingWeek. Share visual stories, book recommendations, or short video clips of your favorite tales.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalStorytellingWeek. Join community groups dedicated to storytelling and share your personal narratives.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create and upload your own storytelling videos, from dramatic readings to personal anecdotes.
National Storytelling Week Hero
Aesop
History of National Storytelling Week
Once upon a time, long ago, people would inscribe their stories on the walls of caves. These included animals, humans, and other intriguing as-yet-unidentified objects. Some even resembled ancient versions of a graphic novel without the speech bubbles.
Of course, scientists believe storytelling has existed in some form or another since the development of languages, and the earliest evidence we have are these cave drawings. Then, as the world (and man) evolved, so did our storytelling abilities. The ancient cultures — Greeks, Sumerians, Egyptians — gave us oral stories. And then there was Aesop, who was probably also a teller of oral tales. Epic poems like the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” were initially passed down by word-of-mouth and were only later written down.
Similarly, cultures and people like the Native Americans also passed stories down verbally, a tradition that continues to this day in some cultures. Over time, stories changed to incorporate modern inventions. Photographs, video recordings, and television became new ways to tell stories.
In the 21st century, people can explore stories in any form they choose and enjoy any kind they want.
National Storytelling Week timeline
The “Epic of Gilgamesh,” a heroic saga about a king called Gilgamesh, is written on tablets, and is said to be the inspiration for later heroes like Hercules.
Academics study stories from around the world and find that fairy tales originate from this period.
On January 13, WRGB, the virtual and VHF digital channel 6 (initially called W2XB), is broadcast experimentally from New York and continues broadcasting until today.
Companies sell book content for reading on P.D.A.s and Sony and Amazon's e-reading devices spark interest in this industry, causing an increase in the sales of ebooks.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Storytelling Week
Local businesses can embrace National Storytelling Week by hosting open mic nights for community members to share stories, or by partnering with local authors for book readings and signings. Coffee shops and bookstores can create themed events, offering discounts to patrons who share a short tale or review a book. Retailers might feature products that inspire creativity and narrative, such as journals, art supplies, or board games. Even professional services can share their brand’s origin story or client success stories to connect with their audience on a deeper, more personal level.
National Storytelling Week FAQs
When is National Storytelling Week?
In 2027, National Storytelling Week will be observed from Saturday, January 30, through Sunday, February 7. This annual event invites everyone to engage with the power of stories.
How many stories exist in the world?
The sheer volume of human stories is immeasurable, with new narratives emerging daily through personal experiences, creative works, and cultural traditions. Each individual holds a unique collection of tales.
What is the economic impact of storytelling?
The storytelling economy is robust, with the global book market alone valued at over $100 billion. Beyond direct sales, storytelling drives engagement and brand loyalty across diverse sectors, impacting consumer behavior and cultural trends.
What is the origin of storytelling?
The origins of storytelling can be traced back to prehistoric times, evolving from simple narratives shared around campfires to complex epics and modern digital media. It’s a universal human activity vital for cultural transmission and social bonding.
National Storytelling Week Activities
Visit a storytelling event
Each year, various venues host special events for National Storytelling Week. Check out National Storytelling Week events near you and visit if you can. If you can't find one, how about creating your own special storytelling event for your friends and family?
Live your story
Fulfill your fantasy of being an actor — pick your favorite story (or create one) and act it out for your friends and family. You can even choose to honor famous storytellers or literary themes by creating a themed celebration. Explore space themes, horror, or even a murder mystery, and make them come alive.
See stories come alive
Watch the movie or play versions of your favorite books. Visit live retellings (and even author readings) to enrich the way you experience a story.
5 Fun Facts About Books
The world's most-sold book
It is estimated that “The Bible” has sold over five billion copies.
Paperback or hardback?
Traditionally, books are only published in paperback after interest in the hardback version dies down.
President Roosevelt loved reading
President Roosevelt is known to have read a book before breakfast every day.
Authors’ names weren't on the cover
The covers of the first printed books were considered a piece of art and included drawings, leather, or even gold, but not the author's name.
The most expensive book in the world
In 1994, Leonardo da Vinci’s science diary — the “Codex Leicester” — sold for $30.8 million.
Why We Love National Storytelling Week
Storytelling has entertained people for centuries
People drew, painted, orated, and even sang their stories to entertain the world. It shares information and forms bonds with other people.
Storytelling is a powerful tool
People use stories to teach, engage, inspire, and communicate. And best of all, they forge connections.
Stories are a link to our past
Stories have endured for generations and will continue to do so. They help us explore culture, traditions and are our link to the past, often retelling history with a shot of fun.
National Storytelling Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 1–9 | Saturday–Sunday |
| 2026 | January 31–February 8 | Saturday–Sunday |
| 2027 | January 30–February 7 | Saturday–Sunday |
| 2028 | January 29–February 6 | Saturday–Sunday |
| 2029 | January 27–February 4 | Saturday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Storytelling Week
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