NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Community members, readers, storytellers, and visitors from across the region are invited to gather for the 3rd Annual Appalachian Literary Arts and Storytelling (ALAS) Festival. The ALAS Festival offers a fresh perspective on cultural traditions—bringing together a vibrant community of authors, poets, oral storytellers, musicians, visual artists, herbalists, quilters, and filmmakers. By showcasing the evolving ways regional stories are told, the festival provides a dedicated space and place to balance the narrative about who Appalachians are, what they believe, and who they hope to be. This year’s festival is anchored by two exceptional featured keynotes: ● Sharon Hatfield, acclaimed regional nonfiction author and historian whose work captures the rich, complex human histories embedded in Appalachian culture. ● Rachel Sager, an internationally recognized mosaic artist who transforms native stone, coal, and local materials into striking visual narratives that bridge history, art, and landscape. Built around the core belief that sharing stories heals stories, the ALAS Festival features live performances, hands-on workshops, multi-media exhibits, and interactive opportunities for attendees of all ages. Grounded in community support, ALAS works to involve the local community through initiatives and contests, such as the David Wyatt Sportswriting Fellowship, the Untold Stories Exhibit, and others, to ensure local narratives continue to thrive. Whether you have a story to tell, love to listen, or want to explore how different mediums carry vibrant voices, the ALAS Festival offers an engaging space for everyone to connect. Event Details: What: 3rd Annual Appalachian Literary Arts & Storytelling (ALAS) Festival When: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 Where: Stuart’s Opera House, Nelsonville, OH 45764 Keynote Speakers: Sharon Hatfield and Rachel Sager FREE Admission To view the complete schedule, explore featured keynotes, enter open contests, or learn how to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.alasfestival.com.
Annual Appalachian Literary Arts and Storytelling (ALAS) Festival
