Merriweather District’s signature book festival, Books in Bloom, is back for its 9th year, bringing together community with top storytellers for a day of fun and discovery, packed with exciting activities for all ages. This year’s festival will feature Kwame Alexander—the multi-talented creator behind bestselling books, TV shows, and podcasts—alongside award-winning novelists Eric Puchner and Laurie Frankel.
This free outdoor event is presented by the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. in Merriweather District’s Color Burst Park and has been a must-attend festival since 2017, offering attendees the chance to meet their favorite authors, discover new books, and participate in a variety of interactive experiences including a community book swap, make your own flower bouquet, a pop-up book store presented by Busboys and Poets, specialty drinks at the Books in Bloom Bistro as well as crafts, face painting and plenty of photo-worthy fun 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.
Meet the Authors
Kwame Alexander, an internationally renowned poet and New York Times bestselling author, will headline the event. Recently honored with an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work-Poetry, Alexander has written more than 40 books spanning poetry, memoir, and young adult fiction. His award-winning novel, The Crossover, was adapted into a hit Disney+ series, and his latest memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, weaves together personal history, family recipes, and heartfelt poetry.
Eric Puchner, a novelist and short story writer, recently gained recognition as an Oprah’s Book Club pick for his latest work, Dream State. He is also the author of the novel Model Home, a PEN/Faulkner Award finalist, and two collections of short stories. His works explore family, ambition, and life’s unexpected twists with warmth and humor.
Laurie Frankel, a New York Times bestselling author, brings heartfelt and thought-provoking storytelling to the festival. Her latest book, Family Family, is now available in paperback. Frankel’s novels, which have been translated into more than 25 languages, tackle themes of love, identity, and family dynamics. A Columbia, MD native, she brings a local connection to this year’s lineup.
Beyond these featured authors, Books in Bloom will showcase a diverse range of storytellers:
Andy Shallal, founder of Busboys and Poets, will read from his memoir A Seat at the Table.
Children’s book authors Sue Fleiss and Ann Marie Stephens will bring their co-authored book, So Many Books, to life for young readers.
“Spilled Milk: A Storytelling Event About Motherhood” will feature local women writers sharing personal and powerful stories.
The “Poetry+” session will highlight poetic voices, including Alexander, Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion, Howard County Poet Laureate Truth Thomas, and poet-activist E. Ethelbert Miller.
With free admission, engaging activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Books in Bloom is the perfect family outing—whether you’re searching for your next favorite read, enjoying interactive experiences, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
For the latest event schedule and updates, visit https://merriweatherdistrict.com.
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