2026 Festival Schedule
October 14–16, 2026
Three days of stories, art, ideas, discovery, and unforgettable encounters with authors, illustrators, creators, and special guests. Choose the festival day that fits your students, then explore the full schedule.
Choose Your Festival Day
Opening Day
PreK–Middle School
Stories, illustration, poetry, humor, hands-on art, the VMFA Artmobile, and memorable encounters created for our youngest readers through middle school students.
Explore WednesdayAll-Ages Festival Day
PreK–Young Adult
Our broadest day includes picture books, literature, illustration, the VMFA Artmobile, and special STEM experiences with astronaut Leland Melvin.
Explore ThursdayOlder Readers Day
Middle School–Young Adult
Writing, literature, performance, visual storytelling, the VMFA Artmobile, Books & Basketball, and conversations designed for older students.
Explore FridaySessions fill quickly. We strongly recommend choosing a first choice and at least two alternatives for each session block before registration opens. A preferred session cannot be guaranteed.
Special Events
The festival continues beyond the regular session schedule with special programs for our community, families, educators, and festival friends.
LCVA Reception with Erin & Philip Stead
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts
Join the Virginia Children’s Book Festival and the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts for a special reception celebrating featured illustrators Erin and Philip Stead and the art of children’s books.
Keynote Community Cook-Off with Daniel Nayeri
North Street Press Club
Our keynote celebration takes storytelling beyond the page with a lively community cook-off bringing together food, competition, conversation, and connection. Join acclaimed author Daniel Nayeri for a one-of-a-kind festival evening built around stories, community, and the joy of gathering around food.
Sensory-Sensitive Sessions at SHLS
Speech, Hearing & Learning Services
Special Friday sessions offer a smaller, sensory-sensitive festival experience for children who benefit from a quieter and more individualized setting. These sessions are designed to provide the joy and excitement of VCBF while allowing for smaller groups and more individualized engagement.
Planning a School Visit?
Recommended grade ranges on the daily schedules are flexible guidance rather than hard cutoffs. Choose the sessions that are the best fit for your students.
The VMFA Artmobile will be available throughout all three festival days, including during the lunch and bookstore period. The Artmobile accommodates approximately 20 students at a time, so availability will be limited.
Session locations and some special-event details will be added as festival plans are finalized.
Festival programming is subject to change. Please check the daily schedule pages again before your visit.