Tag Archives: Family Events

August 30, 2017 · 8:58 am

The 17th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is on Saturday!

If you’re going to be in town this holiday weekend, then plan to book it to one of DC’s biggest, most anticipated annual events on Saturday: The 2017 Library of Congress National Book Festival!

Book enthusiasts young and old come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances.

All genres are represented on stages throughout the festival — Children, Teens, Contemporary Life, Thrillers & Fantasy, Fiction, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Graphic Novels — where readings, presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more exciting experiences for guests will take place. And a Book Sales area gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors.

If your children love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there. Kids will also be able to enjoy an array of fun and exciting activities on the Expo Floor, from a literacy corner reading space to special story times and a Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt.

Even more, there’s bound to be a writer — or many — that parents will be excited about, too. David McCullough, Diana Gabaldon, J.D. Vance, Thomas Friedman, and Julia Glass are among the many that will be in attendance. Have a look for yourself at the complete list and start planning your National Book Festival experience. Most presentations are first come, first served — and people do line up early to get seats, so plan accordingly.

The National Book Festival will be held at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, September 2, from 9am – 7:30pm. Admission is free. You can read about one of our past visits when it was still held on the National Mall — including an interview with Magic Treehouse author Mary Pope Osborne! — here.

The 2016 Library of Congress National Book Festival

Book lovers, mark your calendars! On September 24, readers of all ages are invited to join some of the country’s most celebrated authors for the 16th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival.

Book enthusiasts, young and old, come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 120 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances.

All genres are represented on stages throughout the festival — Children, Teens, Picture Books, Contemporary Life, Culinary Arts, Fiction & Mystery, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Science and Special Programs — where readings, presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more exciting experiences for guests will take place. And a Book Sales area gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors.

If your children love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there (Andrea Beaty, author of the hugely popular Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer, among them). Kids will also be able to enjoy an array of fun and exciting activities on the Expo Floor. Last year, Sasha had a blast visiting booths representing every state and getting her passport stamped to earn a special souvenir.

Even more, there’s bound to be a writer — or many — that parents will be excited about, too. Joyce Carol Oates, Salmon Rushdie, Lauren Groff, Sarah Vowell, even Stephen King (!) are among the many that will be in attendance. Have a look for yourself at the complete list and start planning your National Book Festival experience. Most presentations are first come, first served — and people do line up early to get seats for the favorites — the Stephen King presentation requires tickets, which are free and will be issued electronically on September 14 at 9am.

The National Book Festival will be held at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, September 24, from 9am to 10pm. Admission is free. You can read about one of our past visits — including an interview with Magic Treehouse author Mary Pope Osborne! — here.

European Adventures in DC, Courtesy of the 8th Annual Kids Euro Festival

How about some cultural adventures for the kids of the European variety? Thanks to the 8th Annual Kids Euro Festival they will be aplenty — and you don’t need passports or money to experience them.

From October 24 through November 8, the Festival will present more than 125 FREE family-friendly, Euro-themed events all around the DC-metro area. Dancers, storytellers, musicians, films, and puppeteers are just a few of the exciting acts on the schedule. DC embassies, The Kennedy Center, National Gallery of Art, Sidney Harman Hall, public libraries, Hill Center, and Strathmore Mansion are among the many performance venues.

The festival, designed for kids ages 2-12, is the largest of its kind in the country. All 28 nations in the European Union are represented in the shows that highlight national cultural traditions and art.

Some events require reservations, so be sure to visit the Kids Euro Festival website for details, including the complete schedule of performances, age recommendations, and registration info. You can also like the Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for updates on events.

The 2015 Library of Congress National Book Festival

If you’re going to be in town this holiday weekend, then plan to book it to one of DC’s biggest, most anticipated annual events on Saturday. The 2015 Library of Congress National Book Festival is returning for its 15th year, and this one is going to be the most expansive yet!

Book enthusiasts, young and old, come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 170 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances. There will be 18 pavilions categorized by genre — Children, Teens, Picture Books, Contemporary Life, Culinary Arts, Fiction & Mystery, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Science and Special Programs — where readings, presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more exciting experiences for guests will take place.

A Book Sales pavilion gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors. An International pavilion features artists from around the world. And all kinds of family-friendly activities take on the Expo Floor place throughout the day.

If your children love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there. And there’s bound to be a writer — or many — that parents will be excited about, too. Have a look for yourself and start planning your Festival experience! You can read about one of our past visits — including an interview with Magic Treehouse author Mary Pope Osborne! — here.

The National Book Festival will be held at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, September 5, from 10am to 10pm. Admission is free.