4 Fun Activities for Adults at the Children's Art + Literacy Festival in Abilene
Attention parents: are you tired of only being able to enjoy kids' activities at the expense of your own entertainment? Well, fear not! The Children's Art + Literacy Festival in Abilene has plenty of fun activities for adults too!
We know you're already taking the little ones to this fantastic festival, so make the most of your experience by participating in some adult-friendly activities. From collecting buttons to rubbing elbows with the featured artist at an elegant dinner, we've got you covered. So, take a break from chasing your kids around and let's dive into four fun activities for adults at CALF!
Thursday Night
Kick off the festival in style by attending the Thursday night events. From the Storybook Parade to the Storybook Sculpture unveiling, garden party with food trucks, and Sketch with the Artist event at the Paramount Theatre, this is a night that you won't want to miss. Thousands of people turn out to celebrate the start of the festival and see the featured artist, making it a true highlight of the weekend.
Collecting buttons
Collecting buttons is a beloved festival tradition, and even adults can get in on the fun! Attend Dramatic Readings and other festival events to earn a character button for your lanyard. Plan your schedule carefully to earn all 15 Matt Phelan buttons, starting with the Sketch with Matt event on Thursday night and finishing up with a Dramatic Reading at the Abilene Zoo on Sunday.
Signed Books
One of the festival highlights is having your picture book signed by the artist. Luckily, there are multiple ways to do this. Become a member of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL), purchase your books in the NCCIL gift shop, and leave the books at the museum for Matt Phelan to sign. No waiting in lines! Matt will also sign books at various times throughout the festival, including immediately after the Sketch with Matt event on Thursday night, Friday morning at the NCCIL, and during the Workshop with Matt event on Saturday.
Dinner with the Artist
For a truly special experience, consider attending the elegant dinner hosted by the NCCIL on Friday night of the festival. This dinner takes place in the gallery and includes amazing food, beautiful décor, and a special talk by the artist. It's the perfect way to get to know the Matt Phelan better and hear about his career as you are surrounded by Matt's incredible, original artwork.
Well, there you have it, parents! You don't have to sacrifice your own fun to make sure your kids are entertained at the Children's Art + Literacy Festival. Whether you're a collector, an art enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy a fancy dinner, there's something for everyone at CALF. So, don't let the little ones have all the fun. Take a break, let your hair down, and indulge in these adult activities. Trust us, you'll be glad you did! Visit www.abilenecalf.com for more details,