11th annual children’s book festival starts next week

MAY 30, 2023 – The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council is preparing to welcome more than 5,000 people downtown for the 11th Children’s Art + Literacy Festival.

Festival registrants can start picking up their orders Thursday, June 1 at festival headquarters in the T&P Depot, 1101 N. 1st St.

The festival starts Thursday, June 8 with Group Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for nonprofit child-care groups. It opens to the public later that day with free events starting with the costume contest at 4 p.m. in the Elks Arts Center and the Storybook Parade at 5:30 p.m. The newest addition to the Storybook Sculpture Project will be unveiled at 6:15 p.m. followed by Evan’s Magnificent Garden Party. Then head to the Paramount Theatre for Sketch with Brian followed by a book signing.

This year’s CALF brings to life the books of award-winning illustrator Brian Lies, whose original artwork will go on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) on June 8.

The festival continues Friday and Saturday, June 9-10, in downtown with 17 venues participating in the celebration. Festival passes are required for Friday and Saturday events, which include dramatic reading of Brian’s most popular books and the best children’s entertainment from across Texas.

On Sunday, June 11, wear your CALF pass to the Abilene Zoo for free admission and enjoy additional dramatic book readings followed by Animal Encounters in the pavilion.

CALF brings more than 5,400 people from all over Texas and states across the country to the Storybook Capital of America©. More than 500 volunteers help make the festival possible, along with our generous sponsors.

Brian Lies (pronounced “lees”) has illustrated more than 30 books, including two best-selling bat books series and the Caldecott Honor-winning book, “The Rough Patch,” which also won the Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His newest illustrated book is “Wombat Said Come In” written by Carmen Agra Deedy.

Registration for CALF will continue through June 11 online at www.abilenecalf.com and in person at the T&P Depot. Passes are $11 for children age 3-12 and $16 for ages 13 and up. Children 2 and under are free (no lanyard or pass provided).

CALF was started in 2012 by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce dedicated to promoting the arts and enriching lives in Abilene.