Books in Bloom Recap: A Bloom-tastic Day at Color Burst Park!

This past Saturday, Color Burst Park transformed into a literary wonderland for the annual Books in Bloom event, and boy, it was a day to remember! From interactive activities to inspiring author talks, the park buzzed with excitement as attendees of all ages came together to celebrate books, creativity, and community.

The event was nothing short of magical, with beautiful spring weather (a sunny 73 degrees!) setting the stage for a vibrant day of storytelling, crafts, and some seriously good vibes. Here’s what made it an unforgettable experience:

Highlights of the Day

Buzzing Reading Garden

The day began with a bang thanks to the Teacher VIP Mimosa Meet-up, where teachers mingled with authors over mimosas, music, and special giveaways. Meanwhile, the Reading Garden came alive with local author interviews hosted by the Little Patuxent Review, offering everyone a chance to connect with the literary minds behind the pages.

Stellar Author Lineup

The Prose Pavilion and Literary Lane stages stole the show with dynamic author panels, live Q&A sessions, and book signings. Readers got up close and personal with their favorite writers, hearing incredible behind-the-scenes insights before taking home autographed copies of their books. It was a dream come true for bookworms!

Fun for the Whole Family

With so much to explore, families couldn’t stop raving about the Children's Zone. From face painting and glitter tattoos to creative crafts like bookmark making, the kiddos had a blast. The complimentary Stroller Valet was a thoughtful touch, making it a breeze for parents to fully enjoy the event.

Blooming Creativity and Local Flair

Guests couldn’t get enough of the Calluna Flower Truck, which added natural beauty to the park with fresh bouquets and floral inspiration. Plus, attendees enjoyed designing their own bookmarks at the blooming mural photo booth, courtesy of Amanda Gallagher Orthodontics.

The Community Reading Garden was another crowd favorite. Visitors swapped books, “planting” pre-loved reads and “picking” new literary treasures to take home. It was the perfect way to promote sharing and diversity in reading

Food, Drinks, and More

Foodies were thrilled with the delicious eats served by local restaurants, all while sipping on signature cocktails courtesy of GameOn and Cured. And for dessert, the ice-cream cart by The Creamery hit the sweet spot for many.

Why Books in Bloom Stands Out

With over 3,000 attendees making their way to Color Burst Park, the atmosphere was electric. Last year’s success was topped with onsite impressions exceeding 15,000, proving just how much this event has grown. Attendees were greeted with custom "Bloom Into Wellness" journals, and the first 70 guests who spent $75+ at onsite vendors received beautiful bouquets from the flower shop.

A parent attending the event shared, "The Stroller Valet was a game-changer! It made navigating the Children’s Zone so easy, and my kids absolutely loved the crafts and face painting. Can’t wait for next year."

With each touchpoint meticulously planned—from thoughtful guest services to vibrant stages filled with storytelling magic—Books in Bloom truly bridged the gap between entertainment, education, and community.

A Day to Remember

We’d like to thank all our vendors, including Busboys & Poets for hosting the outdoor bookstore, GameOn and Cured for the incredible beverages, Little Patuxent Review for their author interviews, and so many more who made this event possible.

We can’t wait to see you all again next year for another day of inspiration where books meet community!

See you next time! 🌸