May 17, 2025

Knoxville Hosts Children’s Festival of Reading and Holleroo

News Summary

Knoxville is gearing up for a vibrant weekend featuring the 19th annual Children’s Festival of Reading at World’s Fair Park and the third-ever Holleroo in Happy Holler. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including world-class authors, crafts, a Parade of Books, and live music. The Holleroo event will also showcase a thrilling Soap Box Derby and benefit local charities. This exciting lineup enhances community involvement and offers enriching experiences for attendees of all ages.

Knoxville Hosts Children’s Festival of Reading and Holleroo Weekend Events

Knoxville is set to host an exciting weekend filled with activities, highlighted by the 19th annual Children’s Festival of Reading on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at World’s Fair Park, and the third-ever Holleroo from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Happy Holler.

Children’s Festival of Reading Features Exciting Activities

The Children’s Festival of Reading promises a day of entertainment and education for kids and families alike. Notable features of the festival include world-class authors, illustrators, storytellers, musicians, and various science demonstrations. In addition, attendees can enjoy crafts activities designed to stimulate creativity.

A standout moment of the festival will be the Parade of Books occurring at 11 a.m., where participants can march alongside vibrant book posters, making it a fun and interactive event for all ages. This festival has been described as “the Bonnaroo for children’s literature,” thanks to its vibrant atmosphere that engages all participants.

The festival recently earned the 2025 Kaleidoscope Award for Best Children’s Event from the Southeastern Festivals and Events Association, underscoring its significance in the local community. Past participants at the festival have included renowned authors such as Mo Willems, Judy Schachner, and Anna Dewdney, making it a noteworthy event for patrons of children’s literature.

Additionally, this festival marks the launch of the Knox County Public Library’s summer reading programs, which aim to encourage a love for reading among local youth.

Holleroo Brings Community Together

Concurrently, the third Holleroo will run in the Happy Holler neighborhood from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s Holleroo will feature a Soap Box Derby beginning at noon, where participants can showcase their ingenuity with homemade vehicles in a fun racing event.

Live music performances will commence at 4 p.m., featuring a lineup including local bands such as The Weeks, King Super, and the Excellents. The Holleroo not only serves as an entertainment venue but also acts as a fundraiser for XHunger, an organization dedicated to supporting local food banks and pantries.

This event focuses on strengthening community involvement while promoting Happy Holler as a vibrant neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.

Additional Weekend Events and Activities

The weekend will also include the 8th annual Cattywampus Parade & Street Party later in the day at Suttree Landing Park. This festive event will feature a parade alongside live performances from various local artists. In preparation for the parade, community organizations have organized puppet-making workshops, encouraging collaborative participation.

Moreover, other events scheduled over the weekend include the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games and the Tennessee River Watershed Mussel Fest, offering diverse options for attendees and showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.

Logistics and Community Support

For those attending the events, free parking will be available at multiple locations near the venues. Attendees are encouraged to support local businesses by visiting shops and eateries in the area during the festivities.

This weekend promises to be a highlight in Knoxville, with several events enriching the community and providing opportunities for family fun and togetherness.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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