Books in Bloom

Check back for our 2026 Authors and Line Up soon.

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

2025 Activations IncludeD

• Teachers Meet-up: Exclusive VIP reception for local educators.
• 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.