Who We Are
The Ojai Storytelling Festival, produced by Performances to Grow On and founded by Brian Bemel, is a four-day event celebrating the art of storytelling. Since the year 2000, the festival has featured a variety of performances, workshops, and activities designed for both children and adults. Storytellers from across the country to gather and share stories that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Ojai Storytelling Festival has a robust Youth Outreach Program which takes place during the festival and offers school assemblies year-round.
Where is the Ojai Storytelling Festival?
The festival is held annually in Ojai, California, a picturesque valley surrounded by the Topa Topa Mountains. Ojai is a small town with a big heart and a deep artistic soul. Known for its vibrant creative community, spiritual roots, and natural beauty, Ojai offers a peaceful, inspiring setting that attracts artists, storytellers, musicians, and seekers from around the world. Performances take place at various locations around town, including the historic Libbey Bowl, the Ojai Art Center, Sam's Place, Ojai Coffee Roasting, and Help of Ojai, among other beloved Ojai locations.
Who can attend?
Everyone is welcome! The festival includes programming for families, children, and adults of all ages. The main stage performances and workshops cater to a broad audience, while special events like the Story Swap Workshops allow attendees to share their own stories.
The Ojai Storytelling Festival actively works to include Ventura County's Hispanic/Latino community through:
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Bilingual outreach and marketing in Spanish-language media and community organizations.
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Showcasing Hispanic/Latino storytellers on the main stage, offering workshops in Spanish, and curating exhibits that highlight storytelling traditions within these cultures.
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Collaborating with local schools and Spanish-speaking performers to engage students and Latino authors in storytelling sessions, assemblies, and workshops.
Accessibility is a key focus for the festival.
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Sign language interpreters will be provided as funding allows.
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Workshop materials and programs are available in Spanish upon request.
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Designated seating areas will be accessible for attendees with mobility and hearing challenges.
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Both the Libbey Bowl and The Ojai Art Center are ADA-compliant, and volunteers are available to assist attendees.
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Closed captioning technology is available for those who are hearing impaired but do not speak ASL.
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Large print and Braille programs are available upon request.