Children's Festival of Reading 2026

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 at the library!

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 below 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!

• Allan Wolf
• Alyssa Capucilli
• Bob Shea
• Carmen Agra Deedy
• Chris Grabenstein
• Erin Falligant – One Book Author
• Kwame Mbalia

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!

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!

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.

Free downtown parking