For those of us who live in the Charlotte area, Thanksgiving isn’t the only occasion in November when families gather, share stories, and make memories. EpicFest, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s free literary festival for children and their families, also takes place in November. I contacted Walker Doermann, one of the organizers of the event, and asked her about the plans for this year’s EpicFest. Here is what she sent to me:
EpicFest is an extraordinary, free literary festival that joyfully connects children and families with books and the people who write them through activities that encourage a love of reading and learning. Nationally recognized children’s authors and illustrators will share their latest books, experiences and passion for libraries with kids of all ages.
This year’s EpicFest features eight incredible children’s authors who will be visiting Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools on Friday, November 7, 2025, and then promoting their newest books on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Saturday’s family festival will take place at ImaginOn (300 E. Seventh Street). The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. It is a great time for young readers to engage with some of their favorite authors and hear about their writing inspiration, and for aspiring young writers to ask them questions about their writing process. Authors Justin Colón, Charlotte Gunnufson, James Riley, Kirk Reedstrom, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Lucy Knisley, Kwame Mbalia, and Ben Gundersheimer (MISTER G) will be at ImaginOn speaking about their experience as writers and signing books.
In addition to a stellar author lineup on Saturday, there will be an abundance of hands-on activities for children of all ages, as well as a special free Children’s Theatre of Charlotte performance of Topsy Turvy Cinderella at noon. Other festive touches throughout the day include book giveaways, roving costumed book characters, face painting and balloon twisting, and a visit from GameTruck Charlotte. For more information about this year’s featured guests, please click on the following link: https://www.cmlibrary.org/epicfest
The success of EpicFest is tied in part to the contributions of the many enthusiastic volunteers who staff the hands-on activities, assist with administrative matters, and perform as the costumed book characters. I am pleased that students from UNC Charlotte are among the volunteers who have stepped up to help with this event. One of these students is Jessica Berrios, a graduate student in the English Department’s M.A. concentration in Children’s Literature. Jessica volunteered at last-year’s EpicFest, and she has signed up to volunteer again at this year’s event. I contacted Jessica and asked her about experiences as an EpicFest volunteer. Here is what she sent to me:
Last year was my first time experiencing EpicFest as a volunteer, so I didn’t quite know what to expect out of it, but I was willing to help in any capacity I could. The first thing that caught my attention was that there was a position to be a costumed mascot, but it looked like the position had been filled. When I got there and we had all been instructed about what to do, the leader asked us if anyone wanted to volunteer for costumed positions. I was shocked that the person who signed up was not there to play the part, so I volunteered myself to dress as the Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
As someone earning a master’s degree in children’s literature, as well as being a children’s literature enthusiast and aspiring author, I understand that children love to connect with their favorite literary characters in books they enjoy, so to see a larger-than-life representation can be thrilling… or perhaps a bit unnerving, depending on how real the experience is. While I enjoyed waving to kids, giving high fives and hugs, “nibbling” on my fake cookie, and posing for more pictures than I could count, I had not anticipated there would be children who would also run away from the giant, fuzzy rodent in overalls that somehow couldn’t talk or move his mouth. Overall, it was a very worthwhile experience to help kids get excited about reading and learning, as well as give them a fun and memorable moment in their day.
I am very excited about this year’s EpicFest, and I’m preparing myself by familiarizing myself with the character and getting myself ready for a LOT of moving around. This year, I’ve signed up to dress up as one of Mo Willems’ most well-known characters, The Pigeon. I’m sure I will hear a lot of kids tell me not to drive a bus, but something tells me I wouldn’t be able to get onto one even if I tried.
As usual, I will also be volunteering all day at EpicFest. In fact, I will be serving as the emcee for the authors’ presentations. I have my own traditions associated with the day. On Saturday morning, I will put on my book tie, which my wife bought for me at the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library. I will then take the light rail to the Seventh Street Station. After exiting the train, I will take the short walk to ImaginOn where I will spend the day helping the authors with their presentations and book signings. I hope to see you there. I would not miss EpicFest for anything. After all, EpicFest is a Storied Charlotte tradition.