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About the event
Discover the world of books and enjoy family-friendly activities at the ninth annual Books in Bloom festival, hosted by the Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTCP) and Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc. On Saturday, May 10th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Color Burst Park, located in the heart of the vibrant Merriweather District.
Books in Bloom is more than a book festival, is a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the power of storytelling to unite generations and cultures. This free event invites families and book lovers of all ages to revel in a day filled with captivating readings, interactive activities, and engaging discussions.
Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking for a day of family fun, Books in Bloom promises a unique way to experience it all.
Be one of the first 200 guests on-site and receive a signature journal.
*Must show your RSVP at the Guest Services tent to receive the journal and other giveaways. Must be present during any raffles to claim prize. Restrictions apply and subject to change.*
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!
Performances /Readings by:
- POETRY+ This is the Honey Showcase of Black Poets
- SPILLED MILK: A Storytelling Event About Motherhood (9 readings)
- STUDENTS OUTLOUD: Featuring readings and spoken word from high school and middle school authors
INTERACTIVES /ACTIVATIONS
- Calling all Teachers! Register for a VIP Mimosa Meet-up at 10:00am for an exclusive reception with the authors featurin complimentary refreshments exclusive giveaways and with a chance to win a Books in Bloom Prize Pack featuring a copy of each book highlighted by our authors.
- Authors interviews followed by live Q&A on two stages located within Color Burst Park and Mango Tree Road
- Presentations from Howard County Public School student authors of the Navigating the Margins and Our Voice
- Outdoor Bookstore hosted by Busboys & Poets
- Flower Shop hosted by Calluna Flower truck: First 70 Guest to show a receipt for $75+ from an onsite retailer or restaurant receive a complimentary bouquet
- Enjoy complimentary Stroller Valet allowing you the convenience of baby-wearing to navigate Color Burst Park with ease.
- Signature Giveaway: First 200 guests will receive a signature ‘Wellness in Bloom’ writing journal crafted to help you focus on your wellness through writing
- Chance to win a copy of Eric Puchner's Dream State- an Oprah Book Club featured publication- when you are one of the first 50 to check in at the tent for his session.
- Reading Garden with family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting and glitter tattoos
- Community Book Swap: Bring a pre-loved book to plant in our Community Book Garden and pick a book to take home with you. Free to plant/pick book(s).
- Wine & Cocktail Bars hosted by Cured and 18th & 21st and GameOn
- Food available for sale from local restaurateurs
- Immersive, Insta-worthy photo ops and interactives
- Floral Photo Booth: Create Your Own Bookmark (near Amanda Gallagher Orthodontics)
- Visit booths from local partners and organizations
Dates
May 10, 2025 · 10:00 AM - May 10, 2025 · 4:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
The event has ended
Location
Parking instructions
FREE PARKING:
SYMPHONY WOODS GARAGE
6275 Mango Tree Road, Columbia, MD 21044
Event highlights
Downtown Columbia Partnership
Downtown Columbia Partnership proudly serves a new urban district that embraces its future as an exceptional business, residential, retail, and cultural destination. We promote the growth and vitality of this community and its businesses, implement beautification projects, support transportation initiatives, and host events that bring people together.
Howard Hughes
A hub of culture and commerce featuring an electrifying arts and music scene, Merriweather District in Columbia has a walkable urban center with experiential retail, restaurants, entertainment and natural beauty everywhere you look.
Conveniently located between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Columbia is comprised of ten residential villages with a diversity of housing and the Merriweather District.
Columbia Association
The Columbia Association (CA) is a non-profit community services corporation that manages the planned community of Columbia, Maryland. Founded in 1967, CA provides a wide array of recreational, cultural, and community services and programs for residents and businesses, aiming to enhance the quality of life and foster a strong sense of community. Their responsibilities include managing open spaces, recreational facilities, cultural events, and various community programs.
Horizon Foundation
The Horizon Foundation is the largest independent health philanthropy in Maryland, committed to building a Howard County and greater Maryland free from systemic inequities where all people can live abundant and healthy lives. They work side-by-side with the community to build power, advocate for policy change, and dismantle structural racism to achieve better health for everyone. The foundation focuses on areas such as equitable and compassionate health and mental health care, access to affordable and safe homes and healthy food, and the ability for all residents to generate and pass down wealth.
Women’s Giving Circle
The Women's Giving Circle (WGC) of Howard County is a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County. Its mission is to build a community of philanthropists and create a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. The WGC brings women together to learn about issues impacting their community and pools their resources to fund programs that increase life skills, encourage healthy development and personal authority in young girls, and raise awareness of gender disparities.
HoCo Politso
Founded in 1974, the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to enlarging the audience for contemporary poetry and literature and celebrating culturally diverse literary heritages. They accomplish this mission by sponsoring readings with acclaimed writers, literary workshops, programs for students, and "The Writing Life," a writer-to-writer interview show. HoCoPoLitSo strives to present high-caliber, innovative literary programs that foster literary appreciation across diverse populations in Howard County.
Tickets
Price: $0.00 + Applicable Fees and Taxes
Festival RSVP
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NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
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Teachers VIP Mimosa Meet-Up RSVP: TEACHERS ONLY
You need to select one of the following ticket first: Festival RSVP
$0.00
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
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Books in Bloom 2025
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Hosted by Merriweather District
Joined Eventeny in February 2024
25 events
Columbia, Maryland, United States 
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