Jacksonville Review – July 2025 Issue

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN EVERY BOOK!—EACH SUMMER, in the heart of the Rogue Valley, families slow down, share the magic of stories, let their imaginations run wild, and join together to celebrate childhood at the Children’s Festival.

Held July 12-14, on the Britt hill, the Children’s Festival will be continuing its legacy as a place where storytelling takes center stage and where children can explore a world built just for them! A world where queens reign, dragons can speak, and adventures are just around the corner.

The Children’s Festival provides a nostalgic, hands-on space where children unleash their creativity through activities like molding clay, panning for gold, or joining a royal coaurt. At a time when screens are so dominant in kids’ lives, this is a space where books and stories take the spotlight! “It’s the kind of event that reminds you how simple joy can be,” says Kelli Cox, a grandparent who now brings her grandkids after attending the festival with her own children. “Children’s Festival is a family tradition. My kids loved it in the 90’s and now I get to make some of those same memories here with my grandkids too!”

The Children’s Festival, hosted by the volunteer-run Storytelling Guild, not only supports creativity, and literacy, but also stands as the primary fundraiser for the group. Proceeds from the festival are used to support year-round literacy programs like: Puppet Theater, Pass the Book, Bookwalk, and Dial-a-Story.

Over 400 volunteers put on this three-day celebration which welcomes over 6,000 attendees. From toddlers to tweens (and their nostalgic parents!), there’s something for everyone to explore.

Admission is just $4 per person, promising an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

So, gather your group, pack up your sense of wonder, and come experience the wild magic of the Children’s Festival. It’s more than just another festival—it’s a celebration of stories, community and the simple joys of childhood.

Experience the fun firsthand!

  • Saturday, July 12, 4:30-8:30pm
  • Sunday, July 13, 4:30-8:30pm
  • Monday, July 14, 9:30am-1pm