Books in Bloom 2025

THE NINTH ANNUAL BOOKS IN BLOOM IN COLOR BURST PARK IS BACK ON MAY 10, 2025.

Since 2017, this must-attend festival has offered attendees the chance to meet their favorite authors, discover new books, and participate in a variety of interactive experiences 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.

This event is free and open to the public.

RSVP

The 2025 Author Lineup

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!
E. Ethelbert Miller
Howard County Poet Laureate Truth Thomas
Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion

Activations include

  • Teachers Meet-up: Exclusive VIP reception for local educators at 10:00am – More details coming soon.
  • Authors interviews followed by live Q&A on two stages located within Color Burst Park & Mango Tree Road
  • Presentations from Howard County Public School student authors of the Navigating the Margins and Our Voice magazine
  • Outdoor Bookstore hosted by Busboys & Poets
  • Create your own flower bouquet by Calluna Flower truck
  • Stroller Valet- Enjoy complimentary stroller parking allowing you to navigate the festival with more ease
  • Signature Giveaway: First 200 guests will receive a signature ‘Bloom into Wellness’ writing journal
  • Books in Bloom Raffle win a Merriweather District Prize Pack featuring a variety of gift cards from local businesses and copy of each book highlighted in the festival.
  • Community Book Swap: Bring a pre-loved book to our Community Book Garden and pick a book to take home with you. Free to “plant”/pick a book.
  • Reading Garden with family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting and glitter tattoos
  • Wine Bar hosted by GameOn; Cocktail Bar hosted by Cured and 18th & 21st
  • Light bites available for sale from local restaurateurs
  • Immersive, Insta-worthy photo ops and interactives

Presented By

Sponsored By

Downtown Columbia Partnership Members

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Howard County Economic Development Authority

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

The Mall in Columbia

Howard County Chamber of Commerce

Howard Community College

Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny

Residences at Vantage Point

UHY Advisors

APL Fed Credit Union

Key Commercial Real Estate

TEDCO