Imagine strolling through a garden where storybook characters come to life — where a proud peacock named Plum welcomes you, and a turtle takes you on a quiet walk of wonder. This summer, that dream becomes reality as the Children’s Art + Literacy Festival (CALF) returns to downtown Abilene, bringing with it not only the whimsical worlds of acclaimed author and illustrator Matt Phelan, but also the opening of a brand-new storybook garden.
From June 12-15, the 13th annual CALF will once again transform Abilene into the magical Storybook Capital of America, a place where stories leap off the page and into the streets.
At the heart of this year’s festival is the unveiling of Phase One of the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden, a new addition to the beloved Storybook Sculpture Project. Featuring sculptures inspired by Phelan’s “Leave It to Plum” series and his book Turtle Walk, these vibrant new additions bring the total sculpture count to 46 — the largest collection of its kind in the nation.
The new garden will also showcase Storybook Giving Tree, a signature contemporary art piece by local artist Nic Noblique, inspired by Shel Silverstein’s timeless tale The Giving Tree. These installations join a beloved tradition made possible through the vision of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, dedicated sponsors, and hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers.
CALF 2025 promises four days of unforgettable family fun.
The festivities kick off Thursday, June 12, with Group Day for local daycares and summer camps, giving more than 600 children the chance to experience the festival, many for the first time. Thursday also features free public events, including the always-popular costume contest and the brand-new CALF Kick-Off Party, complete with music, food trucks, bubbles, and stilt walkers. Guests can also meet Matt Phelan himself at a special Paramount Theatre sketch session and book signing.
Friday through Sunday, festival pass holders can dive into dramatic book readings at six unique venues, art activities, character meet-and-greets, and a lineup of new entertainment — from The Singing Zoologist to Mr. Will and the Excavators. And of course, crowd favorites return: puppet shows, train rides, the Abilene Philharmonic’s Instrument Petting Zoo, and even a brand-new animal petting zoo.
Children can collect up to 15 CALF buttons as they complete each experience — a keepsake of their literary journey.
Festival passes are just $12 for children (ages 3-12) and $17 for adults (ages 13+), with kids under 2 getting in free. Thursday’s events are open to the public at no cost, while passes cover access for all remaining days.
Ready to turn the page into a new adventure?
Register today at www.abilenecalf.com and be part of a celebration that has drawn visitors from 28 states and 156 Texas cities. For travel tips and places to stay, head to www.abilenevisitors.com.
Let your story begin in the heart of Abilene this June — where imagination takes root and stories bloom.