The annual Storytelling Arts of Indiana Hoosier Storytelling Festival begins today, but the big attractions will happen this week at Military Park. Five professional storytellers will take the stage for “Scary Stories: Disquieting, Disturbing and Dreadful” Oct. 10 from 6-10 p.m. and again Oct. 11, first in “Unplug and Listen to Stories” from noon-5 p.m. in the park and and then in “The Story Cabaret” at the Indiana History Center from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Featured tellers this year are Charlotte Blake Alston, who specializes in traditional and contemporary stories from the African and African-American oral and cultural tradition; Brenda Wong Aoki, whose stories synthesize Japanese traditional theater and modern dance; Beth Horner, who culls stories from around the world; Kevin Kling, from NPR’s All Things Considered; and Gene Tagaban, a performer of combined Cherokee, Tlingit and Filipino ancestry.

Workshops, book signings and special story times are also included in the festival. Go to www.storytellingarts.org for a complete lineup. Tickets to the festival are $10 per session in advance and $5 for children. The Indiana History Center is located at 450 W. Ohio St. and Military Park is across the street.