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, teens, and their families, also takes place in November. I contacted Emily Nanney, 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, teens and families with books and the people who write them through activities that encourage a love of reading and learning. In its seventh year, EpicFest has become a wonderful family tradition. Nationally recognized children’s and young adult authors and illustrators will share their latest books, experiences and passion for libraries with kids of all ages.
This year’s EpicFest features ten incredible authors who will be visiting Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools on Friday, November 8, 2024 and then promoting their newest books on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Eight children’s authors, including Grey Foley, Tracey West, JaNay Brown-Wood, Meera Sriram, Peter Raymundo, John Patrick Green, Kelly Starling Lyons, and Niña Mata will be at ImaginOn speaking about their experience as writers and signing books.
The EpicFest Family Festival will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at ImaginOn (300 E. Seventh Street). The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. It’s 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. Supplementary to a stellar author lineup on Saturday, there will be an abundance of hands-on activities for children of all ages. In addition to creative learning tables, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte will offer a special free performance of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs at noon. Other festive touches throughout the day include African Drum Circles presented by Drums4Life, book giveaways, roving costumed book characters, face painting and balloon twisting, and a visit from GameTruck Charlotte.
On Saturday, November 9, 2024,our EpicFest program just for teens will be at North County Regional Library from 12-2pm! Teens will have the opportunity to meet two award-winning YA authors, Jonny Garza Villa and Kim Johnson. Festivities include maker activities focused on book cover design and bookmark creation, along with writing stations! There will be a chance to contribute to an online publication as part of our Epic Teen Writing Showcase. Teens will have a truly epic experience through activities and giveaways!
For more information about this year’s featured guests, please click on the following link: https://www.cmlibrary.org/epicfest
As usual, I will be volunteering all day at EpicFest. 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 set up for 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.