20th Children's Festival of Reading
Saturday, May 16 | 10:00–3:00 | World's Fair Park
The 20th Children's Festival of Reading is presented by Comcast
Roarrrrr into a story on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10:00 to 3:00 at World's Fair Park. We're celebrating our milestone with world-class authors, illustrators, musicians, storytellers, and so. much. more. Enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, music and storytimes, science and sports demos, hands-on activities from community organizations, and the beloved Parade of Books. Plus, to kick off our T-rexcellent summer theme, you'll meet prehistoric pals from East Tennessee Dinosaur Adventure, lounge in the dino-brary, and see how anything is foss-ible! Stay tuned for the full schedule.
The Children's Festival of Reading was honored to receive the 2026 Kaleidoscope Award for the best children's event by the Southeastern Festivals and Events Association.
Special appearances by...
Enjoy special appearances by story characters Corduroy, Biscuit (plus meet creator Alyssa Satin Capucilli), Bad Kitty, Penelope Rex, and East Tennessee PBS's Buddy from Dinosaur Train. Meet and greet baby dinos as well as Tater the T-Rex with East Tennessee Dino Adventure. And returning this year—catch a ride on East Tennessee Pediatric Dentistry's Molar Express!
Triceratop-notch presenters
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. Select "more details" under each author to check out their books in our catalog.
Other presenters include musicians, storytellers, scientists, and more!
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.