It's time to celebrate!
Join us for the AWARD-WINNING 19th Children's Festival of Reading set for May 17, 2025 from 10:00 to 3:00 at World's Fair Park.
That's right! We are honored to receive the 2025 Kaleidoscope Award for the best children's event by the Southeastern Festivals and Events Association.
Enjoy world-class authors and illustrators, storytellers, musicians, science demonstrations, arts & crafts, and so much more! You're even invited to be in the Parade of Books and snap a selfie with our storybook friends. Plan your day.
The Children's Festival of Reading is the best kickoff for summer ever!
We are saddened to share that author Kate Messner is unable to join us this year. Our thoughts are with her and her family, and we hope to welcome her in the future.
2025 Featured Artists & Performers
Aisha Saeed
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Elliott Smith
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Favorite Story Friends
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Jennifer Nielsen
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Kate Messner
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Kevin Lewis
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Vivian Vande Velde
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Be sure to visit the Summer Library Challenge tent at the Festival to pick up your gameboard.
Our summer challenge rewards kids, teens, and adults for reading or listening during the summer. When you’ve met your goal, return to any Library location to receive a Read City prize.
Volunteers like you make our festival possible! Fill out the form above to join us this year.
Note: All vendor spots are full for the 2025 Festival.
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 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.
