
Up, up, and away!
Eight thousand children and families joined us for the AWARD-WINNING 19th Children's Festival of Reading on May 17, 2025 at World's Fair Park. Thank you families, volunteers, and staff for making this a memorable day for the love of literacy and learning.
Children flooded the Festival lawn to meet One Book author, Elliott Smith, and get their book signed! Other artists who participated included Kevin Lewis, Jennifer Nielsen, Vivian Vande Velde, Aisha Saeed, Sarah Pirkle, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Hominy Mamas, Jodie Manross, Miss Lynn, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker, the Bearden Middle School Drumline, and more. Additionally, seventy community groups and vendors offered arts- and literacy-related activities to support a summer of reading and learning.
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.
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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The Festival kicked off our Summer Library Challenge. Pick up your gameboard at any library location now through August 7. The Read City USA 'Sky Above Us' 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 prize.
Volunteers like you make our festival possible! Fill out the form above to join us next year.
Vendors may join the "interested" list for next year as well.
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.