The Azalea Storytelling Festival is back for it’s 29th year! Follow this 3-day itinerary March 7th – 9th, 2025 and explore the rich history, unique shops and beautiful scenery of LaGrange between performances.
THREE DAYS
Daily storytelling from talented presenters
Eat your fill of Southern fixins at Taste of Lemon
Shop for unique antiques
Friday, March 7th
Start the Storytelling
Friday Evening Storytelling Concert
A traditional Southern-style lunch
Shop for a piece of history to take home with you
FRIDAY EVENING
STORYTELLING
Friday Evening Storytelling Concert at 7:30 PM hosted in LaGrange College’s Callaway Auditorium. Enjoy tales from across the nation from famed tellers Donald Davis, Michael Reno Harrell, Josh Goforth, Sheila Arnold and Carol Cain, emcee.
There are countless treasures to be found in downtown LaGrange. Around every corner is something new and intriguing. Whether you have a specific treasure in mind or want to be inspired, downtown’s antique stores are waiting for you with unlimited possibilities.
Located in a former Methodist church building, Taste of Lemon is Southern comfort cuisine at its finest. The passionate staff serve up lunch in a meat-and-three style, with poppy seed chicken, country fried steak and salmon croquettes routinely paired with vegetable sides like green beans, okra, sweet potatoes and turnip greens.
Roam one the best preserved 19th-century gardens in the country
THE AZALEA
STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Enjoy a jam-packed Saturday in LaGrange, headlined by three incredible storytelling concerts. Concerts will be presented by Donald Davis, Michael Reno Harrell, Josh Goforth, Sheila Arnold and Carol Cain, emcee at 9:30 AM, 2:30 and 7:30 PM, with breaks for lunch and dinner.
Storytelling Concerts presented by: Donald Davis, Michael Reno Harrell, Josh Goforth, Sheila Arnold and Carol Cain, emcee. Saturday performances will be at 9:30 AM, 2:30 and 7:30 PM, with breaks for lunch and dinner. Downtown LaGrange will provide a shuttle service for the event to allow guests to dine at our downtown restaurants.
If you feel like breaking away from the festival for an afternoon stroll, explore the magical Hills & Dales Estate. This stunning property was once the home of Fuller E. Callaway, respected business magnate and prominent LaGrange citizen. The majestic home and gardens that make up the estate have hosted delegates and leaders from across the world. One visit to Hills & Dales Estate and you will understand it’s worldwide appeal.
Mare Sol is one of the most unique restaurants in LaGrange, with a chic atmosphere and high ceilings. The restaurant offers sixteen craft beers on tap, over 100 wines and a full bar. The diverse menu features classic Southern fare like shrimp and grits and more worldly items like their Beacon Beer mussels and clams. Small and large groups fit comfortably in the dining area and families are easily accommodated and always welcome!
Sunday Morning Sacred Storytelling & Music by Donald Davis, Michael Reno Harrell, Josh Goforth, Sheila Arnold and Carol Cain, emcee. The final event of this inspiring festival, the Sunday Morning Sacred Storytelling session will begin at 9:30 AM, with coffee and donuts, and a second storytelling session at 10:50 AM.
Gus’s Grill, located in Historic Downtown LaGrange, features a Chicago based menu with a Greek flare. Open early for breakfast, Gus’s Grill is known for their homemade biscuits and endless fresh coffee. Make sure to take a look around at the collectibles. From a 1996 Olympic flag to clever knick-knacks, the atmosphere pays tribute to this long time LaGrange staple!
Wrap up an inspiring weekend with a stroll on The Thread. LaGrange’s signature trail system travels almost 30 miles through various neighborhoods and attractions, one of our favorite stops is Local Groundz! This welcoming coffee shop is connected to The Thread and offers a stellar cup of coffee for your return trip.