Children's Festival of Reading

Children's Festival of Reading - Feel the Beat - Free! World's Fair Park, Saturday, May 20 - Fun! 10 am to 3 pm

We had such a great time meeting everyone in the community at the 2023 Children's Festival of Reading. Smiles, laughs, music, and fun were had all day, rain or shine! We want to extend a big thank you to our storytellers, musicians, authors, illustrators, sponsors, and guests who make this day the best it can be. We can't wait to see you next year!

2023 Featured Artists & Performers

Kick off Summer Library Club

Summer Library Club rewards kids, teens, and adults for reading or listening during the summer. When you’ve met and logged your reading goal (36 hours), return to any Library location by August 5 to receive a Read City prize. Kids and Teens also earn a reward book full of treats and adventures like pizza, skating, arcade play, bowling, and more!

Be sure to visit the Summer Library Club tent at the Festival to register!

summer library club logo with rainbow

 

"READ" balloon arch at outdoor Children's Festival with Sunsphere in the background
Highlights from the 2023 Festival

Thank you!

young woman seated at a table outdoors, smiling - festival volunteer

We extend an enormous thank you to the volunteers, community groups, guests, and sponsors who made this day possible!

We'd love your organization to join us next year. Registration will open in early 2024.

Block of sponsor logos for Children's Festival of Reading

FAQs

Thanks to the University of Tennessee, free and convenient parking will be available at the 11th Street Parking Garage. Free parking is also available at the Blackstock lot on Grand Avenue, Locust Street Garage, the Market Street Garage, and on the street. This map of the parking options will help you plan.

Rain or shine, the Festival will go on! We'll still be having a great time, so throw on some galoshes and come on down, barring any extreme weather events. Many activities, booths, and stages are under tents, and there are places to seek shelter (and enjoy a show), such as the Amphitheater.

Yes, public restrooms are located near the stairs at the Clinch Ave. bridge. A family care/nursing tent will also be available.

Yes. Food vendors will have a variety of options available for purchase. 

Yes. All activities and performances hosted by the Library and its community partners are free. Some vendors will have merchandise or food for sale. The nearest ATM is located in Maker Exchange in the bottom level of the Marriott.

Children's Festival of Reading program cover - graphic of headphones
Festival Program 2023

Accessibility

The Children's Festival of Reading is committed to making our event accessible to everyone, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please contact Jennifer Harrell (jharrell@knoxlib.org or (865) 215-8713) if you require special accommodations to make your visit to the Festival the best it can be.