The ninth annual Books in Bloom festival is back in Color Burst Park on May 10th.
2025 Authors:
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 Rainbow Vision Literary Magazine and Our Vision
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