Storytelling Toronto upcoming events

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, August 14, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

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.

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent Hosted by: Eden Nameri (Saturday, August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 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, August 16, 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 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.

Listen To This! "BFFs" (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

True, funny stories about our best friends.

Thursday, August 20th, 2026. Doors at 8PM.

Free Times Cafe
320 College St, Toronto

https://www.nowlistentothis.ca/

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, August 21, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 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, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for a FREE open mic storytelling session IN PERSON at The Stop Farmers Market. Tellers young and old, novice and experienced, amateur and professional get together to share stories, listen, and enjoy. The StoryTent is for people who have never told a story before and want to try it out; tellers who are working on a story and want to see how it lands; tellers with a tale for young and old; tellers from near and far. All stories are family-friendly and everyone is welcome to tell a story.

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, August 23, 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling (Friday, August 28, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

Storytent Hosted by: Mariella Bertelli (Saturday, August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 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.

Danu Telling Spree (Saturday, August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Come an clelbrate a full day of traditional storytelling and workshops at Danu Social House.

Tickets: The Spree is free but we welcome donations to cover venue costs. Open seating.

Workshop Reservations: Please write to: dan_yashinsky@hotmail.com (limited space)

Food & Drink: Danu serves great drinks AND has an excellent kitchen. (www.danusocialhouse.ca)

*****

11 am – 12 pm Workshop #1: Your Story Begins in Your Body – Dancer/choreographer Annemarie Cabri leads storytellers through a sequence of eight whole-body movement patterns that ready your creativity, breath, and body for performance.

12:30 pm – 1:30 Workshop #2: The Red Thread of the Story – Storyteller/writer Dan Yashinsky uses playful exercises to explore the mysterious question of what makes your listeners want to know what happens next.

2 pm – 3:15 Foolishwise Eden Nameri, Adham Husseini, Celia Lottridge, Dan Yashinsky, Asha J.

3:30 – 5:00 Loving & Misloving Anna Kerz, Mariella Bertelli, Walquiria Reis, Elena Spanu, Katy Scott, Brandon Lista, Lynn Torrie, Charly Chiarelli.

5:30 – 7 Old Stories Remixed Brian Walsh, Eden Nameri, Sage Tyrtle, Asha J, Mary Anne Cree and Mariella Bertelli

7:15 – 8:30 Luck & Loss Adham Husseini, Sarah Abusharar, Akari van den Driesen, Katy Scott, Brandon Lista

9 – 9:45 Danced Stories Annemarie Cabri, Jaron Freeman-Fox, Russell Hartenberger, Dan Yashinsky

10 – 11ish Comeuppance Alin Condescu, Brandon Lista, Lo Humeniuk, Donna Dudinsky

StorySwap Canada ONLINE Open-Mic (Sunday, August 30, 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

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

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

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

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

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

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

First Steps into Storytelling (Tuesday, September 22, 2026)

Tue, 22 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

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

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New storytellers are always welcome!

Pay what you can: $5 suggested

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

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 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

Instructors:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Letters To Your Ex, presented by WhyWithCai. This live storytelling experience expands on the book Letters to Your Ex, a published collection of 139 letters from contributors in 41 countries, created from more than 20,000 submissions. The stories span crushes, situationships, committed relationships, and everything in between, reflecting the emotional complexity of love and loss across cultures and identities.

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

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