About the event

On Saturday, May 9th, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm join us at Color Burst Park, located in the heart of the vibrant Merriweather District, discover the world of books and enjoy family-friendly activities at the 10th Anniversary of the Books in Bloom festival, hosted by the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard Hughes Communities and sponsored by Columbia Association. This year we are celebrating the voices of local authors and teen voices! 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. Performances /Readings by: Generation Verse: Featuring readings and spoken word from high school and middle school authors Authors all Around: Panel discussion feature local authors and their works INTERACTIVES /ACTIVATIONS - Calling all Book Clubs! Register for a VIP Book Club Meet-up at 11:00am for an exclusive reception featuring complimentary refreshments and exclusive giveaways. Not part of a Book Club? Recruit some friends and download our Books in Bloom Book Club Guide to start yours today!! -Local Author Village showcasing the authors next door located on Mango Tree Road -Creator Labs to discover ways to express your story through podcasting, vlogging and illustration - Presentations from Howard County Public School student authors of the Navigating the Margins and Our Vision -Outdoor Bookstore hosted by Busboys & Poets - Flower Shop hosted by Calluna Flower truck -Signature Giveaway: First 100 guests will receive a signature giveaway -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). -Reading Garden with family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting and glitter tattoos - Future is in Bloom DIY Author Covers - Immersive, Insta-worthy photo ops and interactives - Visit booths from local partners and organizations -Wine & Cocktail Bars hosted by Cured and 18th & 21st and GameOn -Food available for sale from local restaurateurs

Dates

May 09, 2026 · 11:00 AM - May 09, 2026 · 3:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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Location

Maryland, United States

6221 Mango Tree Rd, Columbia, Maryland 21044-3747, United States

Directions

Parking instructions

Free Parking at Symphony Woods Garage, located at 6275 Mango Tree Rd, Columbia, MD 21044

Event highlights

Downtown Columbia Partnership

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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

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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

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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.

Tickets

Price: $0.00 + Applicable Fees and Taxes

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.

Artists, vendors & exhibitors applications

Interested in applying:

4 active applications

Books in Bloom - Partner Exhibitors

Deadline: May 09, 2026

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BY INVITATION ONLY: Join us for the Books in Bloom Partner Village! Currently, applications are invitational. If you have not received an invitation to apply, we cannot guarantee participation upon submission of interest. Please submit this form to confirm your event participation and be listed in the virtual marketplace for all event attendees to see. Celebrating the joy of books and reading. Since its inception in 2017, the festival has hosted renowned authors, chefs, activists, poets, and more, with interactive programming around salient themes including race, feminism, equality, and culture. Books in Bloom has served as an enduring expression of Columbia's love of literature and venue for meaningful dialogue since its inaugural year, and will continue to do so for years to come.

Merriweather District Merchants

Deadline: May 09, 2026

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Welcome to Books in Bloom at Color Burst Park! As a business located at Merriweather District you are encouraged to promote your business at this event. Participating in events is a great way to showcase your business, build brand awareness and drive traffic to your business by offering giveaways, special promotions and general business information. If you would like to discuss the opportunity, Book a Call: https://usemotion.com/meet/janae-wheeler/meeting Please submit this form to confirm your event participation and be listed in the virtual marketplace for all event attendees to see.

Featured Author

Deadline: Mar 31, 2026

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Applicants will be emailed with a selection decision by the end of March, 2026.

If you are selected as a Featured Author:
● You will receive an acceptance email that will both provide and request further information

● You will be given a presentation timeslot and space for a book signing following your presentation. The festival presentation schedule will be finalized by late March, 2026.

● You will be provided with someone to introduce you prior to your presentation

● The ordering and sale of your books will be handled by our bookseller, Busboys & Poets. On occasion, Busboys & Poets may determine that an author will need to provide and/or sell his/her own books. We will notify authors individually if that is necessary

● The Books in Bloom is not able to assist with travel expenses, but may be able to assist with hotel accommodations, if needed

● Please be aware that your presentation may be photographed and/or filmed

Author Exhibitor

Deadline: Mar 31, 2026

Apply now

Applicants will be emailed with a selection decision by the end of March, 2026.

ALL selected Authors will be provide a 10x10 Tent.
Exhibitors will provide your own table, chairs, and display equipments.

Hosted by Merriweather District

Joined Eventeny in February 2024

34 events

Columbia, Maryland, United States

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Books in Bloom | 2026

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Books in Bloom | 2026

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