20th Children's Festival of Reading
Join us for the milestone 20th Children's Festival of Reading on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10:00 to 3:00 at World's Fair Park. We're celebrating with world-class authors, illustrators, musicians, storytellers, and so. much. more. Stay tuned for the lineup!
The Children's Festival of Reading was honored to receive the 2025 Kaleidoscope Award for the best children's event by the Southeastern Festivals and Events Association.
Headlining authors & illustrators
We've invited some of our favorite authors back to celebrate 20 years of the Children's Festival of Reading! The lineup of world-class authors and illustrators can't wait to ignite kids' passion for a good story! We are fortunate to be joined once again by this year's One Book Read City author. Erin Falligant will greet the many fans who will read her book (title TBA!) together this May.
Activate Explore-asaurus mode!
The Festival kicks off our Summer Library Challenge. Pick up your gameboard at the Festival or any library location beginning May 16. The Read City USA challenge rewards kids, teens, and adults for reading, listening, exploring, and attending any of our pteriffic summer programs!
Volunteers like you make our festival possible! Fill out the form above if you're interested in joining us. We'll email you in March when registration opens.
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.
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 Christina Best (cbest@knoxlib.org or (865) 215-8713) if you require special accommodations to make your visit to the Festival the best it can be.