Bloomington Guild Holds 51st Ghost Story Festival
The Bloomington Storytellers Guild hosted its annual tradition of memory-based performances at Bryan Park.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Puppetry
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The Bloomington Storytellers Guild recently hosted its 51st annual Festival of Ghost Stories at Bryan Park. The event showcased nine performances where storytellers recounted tales entirely from memory.
Why it matters
The guild hosts this long-standing annual event to help keep the traditional art of oral storytelling alive in the community. By relying on memory rather than books, performers maintain a historical connection to classic folklore and literary narratives.
The festival featured nine distinct stories, including an 11-minute performance of The Monkey's Paw. Approximately 100 people attended the outdoor gathering at Bryan Park.
The players
Bloomington Storytellers Guild
An organization established in 1975 that promotes the tradition of oral storytelling through performances and community events.
Ken Oguss
A seasoned storyteller who has participated in the annual festival for the past 10 years.
Brian Sturm
A long-time attendee who first experienced the festival in the late 1980s and traveled from North Carolina.
The details
Storytellers are selected through a competitive open audition process held four to five weeks before the festival, based on story length and thematic fit. This year, veteran performer Ken Oguss, who has contributed to the festival for 10 years, narrated an adaptation of the 1902 story, The Monkey's Paw.
Timeline
The Bloomington Storytellers Guild was formed in 1975.
Brian Sturm first attended the festival in the late 1980s.
The 51st annual Festival of Ghost Stories took place on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival highlights the ongoing cultural relevance of oral traditions in an era dominated by digital media consumption. By maintaining this 51-year-old event, the guild successfully preserves a niche performance art that stands apart from mainstream theatrical trends.
Residents can participate in the guild's future performances by auditioning during the open call held weeks before the annual event. Attendees typically access these performances at no cost in the park, providing an accessible way to engage with live literary art.
The takeaway
Preserving stories through memory requires consistent practice and a dedicated community of performers to keep the tradition relevant. Interested residents can support the guild by attending future festivals or preparing a story for next year's audition cycle.
Further reading
Explore the local arts scene further at Bloomington Puppetry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by COLUMN: 'I Love Boosters' features wacky surrealist visuals and hilarious comedy - Indiana Daily Student.
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