Tea ‘n’ Tales

What is "Tea 'n' Tales?"
A remarkable storytelling event in an idyllic river-side park setting with a rich history of almost two decades!

Every Friday morning in the summer, there's excitement, anticipation, and a buzz as people gather in the Guelph Enabling Garden in Riverside Park on the Speed River in Guelph at 10:00 in the morning with stories starting at 10:30. Some listeners arrive early to set up their chair in their favourite spot, greet friends, listen to music, enjoy a free coffee or iced tea (in their own mugs), or just luxuriate in a peaceful setting. 

This is a successful collaborative project between the Guelph Enabling Garden and the Guelph Guild of Storytellers (GGS). It has to be admitted, that when launched in 2007, it got off to a very rocky start, with a mere dozen listerners or even fewer that first year. Since then people have been drawn in ever-increasing numbers to the sublime setting of the Enabling Garden nestled along the Speed River to be part of a community and listen to stories. Today it has become a "Go-to" summer event for over 100 regular listeners.  

During the summer, on Friday mornings at 10:30, we have a one-hour program consisting of performances by local and invited tellers, some accompanied by music or puppets. Listeners bring their own chairs or sit on rocks and benches.

Although the events are free, freewill donations are graciously accepted and shared between the partners. These donations have allowed, amongst other things, the GEG to purchase necessary items to enhance their supplies and programs and covered the operating expenses of GGS, including an honourarium for the tellers.

There is limited seating provided, so audience members are strongly encouraged to bring their own chairs and to arrive early to ensure the best view. Iced tea and lemonade are prepared and served by Garden volunteers with the first 30+ people, who bring their own mugs, treated to a free coffee, compliments of Planet Bean. (Organizers do not provide any disposable cups.)

Each session begins with an acknowledgment that this beautiful garden stands in ancient Indigenous land and that today Guelph and its surroundings continue to be blessed with a strong community of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit descendants who have beautiful stories to tell us which teach us many things.  .  

2023 - We enjoyed thirteen Friday mornings of delightful tales in the idyllic setting of the Guelph Enabling Garden on the banks of the Speed River - -  storytellers from near and far, June 16 to September 8.

The summer storytelling event series at the Guelph Enabling Garden