Family Activities, Entertainment & Food
2026
Bring the Whole Family!
In addition to author panels, this family-friendly Festival offers plenty to do for both grown-ups and younger readers.
The Festival features:
- A huge used book sale with thousands of books of every genre
- ComicKey!
- Live music and entertainment
- Amazing raffle items
- Children’s activities, book sales and authors
- Tea parties
Family Entertainment
in the Amphitheater
10:00 a.m.-11:00 A.m. - Club SciKidz
Come join Club SciKidz for an engaging Science Show. They will use very simple ingredients in their experiments and invite some volunteers come on stage to help! Learn about the environment and the effect styrofoam has in landfills. Explore chemical reactions and see the effects of acids and bases. Watch some neat color changes using different ingredients. They look forward to sharing their love of science with you! Visit their website at www.clubscikidzmd.com
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - LOUIS THE MAGICIAN
Enjoy laughter, surprises and audience participation as Louis the Magician brings his high-energy comedy magic show to the Annapolis Book Festival. Known throughout the DMV for his engaging, family-friendly performances, Louis blends storytelling, humor and interactive magic that delights children while entertaining adults. His fun, fast-paced show is designed to spark imagination and create memorable moments for audiences of all ages. Visit his website at www.childtimemagic.com
12:00-1:00 p.m. - two dog night
Two Dog Night Dancing Dog Troupe presents a lively, upbeat program featuring three poodles and a dachshund leaping, twirling and bouncing in choreographed dances with their human partners. In “Poodles in Oz,” their signature production, the
poodles travel through Oz with Dorothy, meeting all of the beloved characters from the original story. Check out the videos at www.TwoDogNightPoodles.com
1:00-2:00 p.m. - key school theater showcase
Don't miss this captivating showcase and celebration of Key's students' talent featuring the high-energy songs of the Upper School’s Little Shop of Horrors and a special sneak peek of the Middle School’s Charlotte's Web (May 21 & 22).
2:00-3:00 p.m. - the hunt school of irish dance
The Hunt School of Irish Dance invites you to a performance filled with rhythm, culture, and fun. Get ready for a high-energy show featuring a variety of dance routines set to both traditional Irish tunes and modern favorites you’re sure to recognize! From the classic spirit of "The Rattlin' Bog" and "Tell Me Ma" to the upbeat energy of "Everybody Dance Now," there is something for everyone to enjoy. Learn fascinating insights into the rich history and vibrant culture of Irish Dance. It’s more than just a show—it’s an experience for the whole family! Hunt School of Irish Dance
3:00-4:00 p.m. - Boh re mi
Boh Re Mi is Baltimore’s premier post-collegiate a cappella group. While their members come from a range of backgrounds and professions, they are united through their love of music, and making that music together. They are excited to perform a set of their own arrangements!
4:00-5:00 p.m. - Key school jazz ensemble
Enjoy the lively music of the Key School Jazz Ensemble.
Food Trucks!
Children's Book Authors
in the First School Building
Kamal E. Bell - Akeem Keeps Bees!
12:00 p.m. (Children ages 6-10)
Kamal E. Bell is the founder of Sankofa Farms, a regenerative agriculture and education enterprise in North Carolina. He’s a farmer, author of the children’s book Akeem Keeps Bees!, and a national voice on food justice, land access and community-centered farming. Through Sankofa, he blends food production, youth education and storytelling to build resilient local food systems and inspire the next generation of growers.
Janelle Washington - The Heart of Our Home
2:00 p.m. (Children ages 3-6)
Janelle Washington is a paper-cut artist, illustrator and recipient of the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator for illustrating Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy. The Heart of Our Home is her authorial debut. She is a member of the Guild of American Papercutters.
Dragons Love Tacos: Story Time Fiesta For children ages 4-8
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Parties are at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Each party lasts one houR
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first school building
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DECAFFEINATED TEA AND LIGHT SNACKS WILL BE SERVED
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Tickets are $25.
Children will gather for a lively reading of the beloved picture book Dragons Love Tacos, a favorite among young readers. In this silly story, dragons love tacos—but everyone must be very careful to keep spicy salsa far away!
Guests can dress up using dragon capes, sombreros and chef's hats as we imagine the perfect taco feast for our dragon friends. We will sip whole leaf, decaffeinated tea served in special tea cups while enjoying light taco-themed snacks together.
We’ll finish with a creative craft inspired by the story—choosing between a paper fire-breathing dragon or taco craft—so each guest can take home a little reminder of their dragon-filled tea party.
Online tickets sales are closed.
Tickets may be available at the door on the day of the Festival.