The 2026 Virginia Festival of the Book returns to downtown Charlottesville March 20-22 with StoryFest, a full day of family-friendly author events, storytimes, and book activities for kids ages 0-18. Sponsored by CharlottesvilleFamily, StoryFest features local Virginia authors, interactive panels for parents, and hands-on literary fun for young readers. Here’s your complete guide to StoryFest and family events at the Virginia Festival of the Book.
StoryFest, sponsored by CharlottesvilleFamily, is the festival’s family-friendly program where young readers find creative activities and plenty of chances to meet local children’s authors. Parents can dive into panels filled with tips, takeaways, and meaningful conversations, too.
Whether you have a preschooler who loves picture books or a middle-grade reader ready for their next adventure, StoryFest has something for everyone.
Here’s your guide to the can’t-miss experiences for kids, teens, and the grown-ups raising them.
2026 Virginia Festival of the Book
Friday, March 20, 2026 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Downtown Charlottesville
Psst… Don’t Miss The Preview!
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tangleroot: A Play of Shadows – Jefferson School African American Heritage Center | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Shadow puppetry brings to life the story of a teen moving into an old plantation house with even older secrets.
Why Kids Will Love It: Uncover history, mystery, and storytelling through shadow puppets and live performance.
StoryFest Lineup
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Get ready for a day of stories, adventures, and imagination! StoryFest has programs for every young reader, from lively storytimes to creative activities and meet-the-author moments. Here’s what’s in store:
Morning Events (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Book Swap – Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Central | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Kick off the weekend with this free, popular book swap to refresh your kids’ bookshelves.
Why Kids Will Love It: Pick new favorites and swap stories with friends.
- Childhood Is Magic: Stories of Land and People – Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Gordon Ave | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Explore stories connecting kids to nature, heritage, and community, like You Are the Land by Steph Littlebird and Magick Hoodoo Child by Amber McBride.
Why Kids Will Love It: Explore nature, culture, and magical summer adventures.
Midday Storytimes & Activities (11:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
- VPM Building Brains 90by5 Storytime (ages 0–5) – VPM Charlottesville | 11:00 am – 11:45 am & 3:00 pm – 3:45 pmJump in with interactive books and hands-on activities, while parents learn strategies to boost early literacy.
Why Kids Will Love It: Playful, engaging stories and fun activities for little learners.
- Roots & Resilience: Stories of Heart for Children – Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Gordon Ave | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Discover brave, uplifting tales like Planting Hope by Frederick Joseph and CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella by Shana Keller.
Why Kids Will Love It: Courageous characters and inspiring real-life stories.
- A Bit of Whimsy! Imaginative Books for Kids – Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Gordon Ave | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Find playful, adventurous stories, including Two-Headed Chicken by Tom Angleberger, The Boy Who Became a Parrot by Wolverton Hill, and Rus and Moose by Chuchu Wang.
Why Kids Will Love It: Silly adventures, magical mishaps, and nonstop imagination.
Afternoon & Evening Events (1:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Before We Wake – YA Paranormal Graphic Novel Signing – Hello Comics | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Meet Sophia Glock and dive into her dreamy paranormal graphic novel for young adults.
Why Kids Will Love It: Step into a story where dreams and waking life collide.
- Middle Grades That Matter – New Dominion Bookshop | 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Experience meaningful middle-grade fiction, including Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann, The Teacher of Nomad Land, and The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur by Allan Wolf.
Why Kids Will Love It: Honest stories about history, adventure, and resilience.
From fantasy to real-life stories, StoryFest inspires curiosity and helps kids see that their stories matter, too.
Virginia Voices Take StoryFest
The best part about StoryFest? Some of Virginia’s very own literary talent is among those spotlighted, giving families the chance to meet Virginian authors. Authors include:
- Tom Angleberger – Two-Headed Chicken: Chaos in the Cosmic Library delivers humor and adventure for young readers.
- Wolverton Hill – The Boy Who Became a Parrot: A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear is a New York Times Best Book of 2025.
- Dionna L. Mann – Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings celebrates heritage, imagination, and community.
- Amber McBride – Magick Hoodoo Child connects kids to culture, tradition, and playful storytelling.
- S. J. Sindu – Tall Water, a Stonewall Award-winning graphic novel, tells the story of 16-year-old Nimmi navigating family and courage, perfect for teens and adult readers.
Beyond StoryFest: Panels for Parents
For parents looking for deeper conversations beyond the kids’ programming, the festival offers thoughtful panels for adults, giving families meaningful conversations and takeaways for navigating modern life. Here are a few to consider:
- Man-Made – Explore masculinity and identity in today’s culture. A timely discussion for parents raising boys.
- Untold Stories: Maverick’s Monacan Homeland – Learn about the Monacan Nation and Indigenous history in Virginia.
- Adulting: Relationships, Work, and Family – Tips for balancing work, partnership, and parenting in today’s busy world.
Why It’s Worth Registering
Many StoryFest events are free, but registration is required and spots are filling fast. Here’s why you’ll want to sign up now:
- Intentional Family Time: A slower, more meaningful experience for families to listen, learn, and connect.
- For Kids: Builds literacy, confidence, and a love of reading.
- For Teens: Fosters belonging, curiosity, and critical thinking.
- For Parents: Sparks conversations that continue at home with tools and ideas for learning and growth.
Whether you attend a single StoryFest session or make a full weekend of it, the festival creates meaningful experiences that connect kids, teens, and parents alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About StoryFest 2026
When is StoryFest at the Virginia Festival of the Book?
StoryFest takes place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM in downtown Charlottesville as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book (March 20-22, 2026).
Is StoryFest free?
Many StoryFest events are free, but registration is required. Some events may have limited capacity, so register early at vabook.org.
What ages is StoryFest appropriate for?
StoryFest offers programming for ages 0-18, including storytimes for preschoolers (0-5), middle-grade events (ages 8-12), and YA programming for teens.
Where is StoryFest located?
StoryFest events take place at multiple downtown Charlottesville locations including Jefferson-Madison Regional Library (Central and Gordon Ave), VPM Charlottesville, Hello Comics, and New Dominion Bookshop.
Do I need to register for StoryFest events?
Yes, registration is required for most StoryFest events and spots fill quickly. Register at vabook.org or vahumanities.cventevents.com/event/bookfest.
Can parents attend StoryFest with their children?
Yes! StoryFest is designed for families. Many events welcome both kids and parents, and there are separate adult panels for parents while kids attend age-appropriate programming.
Are Virginia authors featured at StoryFest?
Yes! StoryFest spotlights Virginia authors including Tom Angleberger, Wolverton Hill, Dionna L. Mann, Amber McBride, and S.J. Sindu.
Plan Your Visit to the Virginia Festival of the Book
The 2026 Virginia Festival of the Book takes place Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22, in downtown Charlottesville. Families can spend the weekend exploring author talks, book signings, book swaps, and panels. Be sure to check out StoryFest, sponsored by CharlottesvilleFamily, where imagination, learning, and community come together to celebrate stories created just for young readers.
Your Go-To Resource
CharlottesvilleFamily is your go-to resource for busy parents! A place where you can Meet Charlottesville Children’s Book Authors. Try out easy recipes for weeknight dinners and school lunches, explore local daytrip ideas in and around Cville, and find fun after-school activities for kids. Stay inspired all season long by signing up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. And be sure to meet the wonderful partners and local businesses we feature.
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on writing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.