Stone Soup Storytelling Festival Returns to Woodruff April 24–25

The Stone Soup Storytelling Institute, a Woodruff nonprofit, held its 2026 festival April 24–25 at Stone Soup at MUSE 134 and nearby downtown locations, with a ticketed brunch on Sunday, April 26. This year's theme was "Compassion and Happiness."

Headliners were Adam Booth, Papa Joe Gaudet and Donna Washington, with Lona Bartlett in the New Voices showcase and featured tellers Liz Z. Pardue and Misty Mator. Friday opened with school storytelling sessions and evening shows; Saturday brought a full day of personal stories, comedy, showcases and headline performances. The South Carolina Arts Commission helped support the festival.