The West Chester Story Slam is a monthly event where anyone can get on stage and tell a five minute story based on the theme of the night. Inspired by urban story slams such as the Windy City Story Slam and Philadelphia’s First Person Arts Story Slam, along with The Moth and NPR’s This American Life, a few friends first met in Jim Breslin‘s living room to tell stories in November, 2009. 

In January, 2010, the West Chester Story Slam officially debuted at Ryan’s Pub. After two seasons at Ryan’s, the Story Slam moved to Victory Brewing Co. in Downingtown for one year. In 2013, the Story Slam returned to the borough, with events now held at Side Bar. Over the first eight years, approximately 880 stories, some touching and others hilarious, have been told in front of rowdy, supportive audiences. In addition to the live event, the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel features videos of selected stories. A monthly podcast is also produced featuring selected stories from the live event and is available through iTunes. 

In November, the winning storytellers from the West Chester Story Slam season compete in the Grand Slam for the title of "Best Storyteller in West Chester." The Grand Slam is traditionally held at the Chester County Historical Society, where a sold out crowd enjoys stories told at our season finale.

For the 2018 season, the West Chester Story Slam live events will take place at Side Bar & Restaurant, which is located in the borough of West Chester. Come on out to listen or to tell your story! Also – check out our sister event, Lancaster Story Slam, which debuted in 2015.