THE NINTH ANNUAL BOOKS IN BLOOM IN COLOR BURST PARK IS BACK ON MAY 10, 2025.
Since 2017, this must-attend festival has offered attendees the chance to meet their favorite authors, discover new books, and participate in a variety of interactive experiences for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for a fun day out, this festival has something for everyone to enjoy.
This event is free and open to the public.
Kwame Alexander – Why Fathers Cry at Night
Eric Puchner – Dream State
Laurie Frankel – Family Family
Andy Shallal – A Seat at the Table
Sue Fliess – So Many Books!
Ann Marie Stephens – So Many Books!
E. Ethelbert Miller
Howard County Poet Laureate Truth Thomas
Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion
Activations include
• Teachers Meet-up: Exclusive VIP reception for local educators at 10:00am – More details coming soon.
• Authors interviews followed by live Q&A on two stages located within Color Burst Park & Mango Tree Road
• Presentations from Howard County Public School student authors of the Navigating the Margins and Our Voice magazine
• Outdoor Bookstore hosted by Busboys & Poets
• Create your own flower bouquet by Calluna Flower truck
• Stroller Valet- Enjoy complimentary stroller parking allowing you to navigate the festival with more ease
• Signature Giveaway: First 200 guests will receive a signature ‘Bloom into Wellness’ writing journal
• Books in Bloom Raffle win a Merriweather District Prize Pack featuring a variety of gift cards from local businesses and copy of each book highlighted in the festival.
• Community Book Swap: Bring a pre-loved book to our Community Book Garden and pick a book to take home with you. Free to “plant”/pick a book.
• Reading Garden with family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting and glitter tattoos
• Wine Bar hosted by GameOn; Cocktail Bar hosted by Cured and 18th & 21st
• Light bites available for sale from local restaurateurs
• Immersive, Insta-worthy photo ops and interactives
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