The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council welcomes you to a 4-day festival of fun!
Start your registration by adding an adult pass.



Already registered?  Need to add a pass, merchandise or a workshop?
Call us at 325-677-1161!
Find the schedule of events and more at abilenecalf.com

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Adult Pass (REQUIRED)

YOU MUST SELECT AT LEAST ONE ADULT PASS BEFORE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SELECT A CHILD OR TODDLER PASS.

Adult pass is for ages 13 and up. A pass allows you entrance into all activities as space allows except workshops, the Young Audiences' Enchanted Eatery, and the Storybook Characters Breakfast, which are an extra fee.

$18.51
($17.00 + $1.51 fee)
Total: $0.00

ADDITIONAL COST EVENTS

The following events are an extra cost.

Show the sticker on the back of your pass when you check in at your event.

Workshops

Hour-long workshops are an option for families with children who want more intensive art & writing activities.  

Art activities for all ages are available at no extra cost at the Dramatic Readings. Please limit workshops to no more than two per child. Teachers and parents may observe workshops at no extra cost.

Click "Add" to buy additional spots for each child you are registering.

  • CALF Collectible (Age 5+)

    CALF Collectible (Age 5+)

    Friday, 10-11 am, 11 am-12 pm, 12-1 pm, 1-2 pm
    Saturday, 10-11 am, 11 am-12 pm, 12-1 pm, 1-2 pm
    Paint a colorful, wooden keepsake sign inspired by the Matt Phelan book Series about Plum the Peacock with step-by-step instructions. Start your CALF collection and add a new design each year!
    Board & Brush Creative Studio, 1031 N. 6th St. Class size: 15. Cost: $15 per child.


  • Origami Art for Kids (Age 8+)

    Origami Art for Kids (Age 8+)

    Friday, 10-11 am and 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    Origami artist Mark Walker will show you how to create origami inspired by Matt Phelan book characters from "Turtle Walk" with folded paper and step-by-step instructions.
    Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St. Class size: 12. Cost: $5 per child.


  • Write & Illustrate Your Own Storybook (Age 7+)

    Write & Illustrate Your Own Storybook (Age 7+)

    Friday, 1-2 pm & 2:30-3:30 pm
    You'll leave this workshop with your very own book, created by you! Taught by Abilene Writers Guild members and art teachers.
    The Grace Museum upstairs classroom, 3rd Floor. Class size: 40. Cost: $5 per child.


  • The Poets Pen (Age 8+)

    The Poets Pen (Age 8+)

    Friday, 9-10 am & 10:30-11:30 am
    Create and illustrate your own book of poems! Taught by master teacher Cynthia Ladyman.
    The Grace Museum, 3rd Floor Classroom. Class size: 12. Cost: $5 per child.


  • Upcycled Robot Sculpture (Age 6+)

    Upcycled Robot Sculpture (Age 6+)

    Saturday, 10-11am and 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    Create and decorate a robot sculpture inspired by Matt Phelan's book "Little Robot Alone." Taught by art teachers Anna Egbert and Emily Eakerns.
    Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St. Class size: 12. Cost: $10 per child.


  • A Kite for Moon (Age 8+)

    A Kite for Moon (Age 8+)

    Friday & Saturday, 10-11 am, 11:30-12:30 pm, 1-2 pm, and 2:30-3:30 pm.
    Inspired by the book "A Kite for Moon," create a colorful kite.
    12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, 1289 N. 2nd St. Class size: 20. Cost: $5 per child.


  • Make Your Own Storybook Sculpture (Age 8+)

    Make Your Own Storybook Sculpture (Age 8+)

    Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm
    Saturday, 1-2 pm & 2:30-3:30 pm
    Create a clay Plum the Peacock inspired by Matt Phelan's chapter book series. Taught Friday by Storybook Sculpture Steve Neves. Taught Saturday by art teacher Thomas Evans.
    Abilene Convention Center foyer, upstairs Room 203-4. Class size: 12. Cost: $15 per child.


  • A Matchbox Full of Kittens (Age 10+)

    A Matchbox Full of Kittens (Age 10+)

    Friday, 10-11 am & 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    Create multi-media artwork from matchboxes inspired by the Matt Phelan book "A Box Full of Kittens." Taught by art teacher Ashley Lowrance.
    Abilene Convention Center foyer, upstairs Room 203-4, 1100 N. 6th St.
    Class size: 12. Cost is $5 per child.


  • Create Graphic Novel Art (Grades 6-12)

    Create Graphic Novel Art (Grades 6-12)

    10-11 am and 1-2 pm Friday & Saturday
    You have graduated to graphic novels, and you are ready to create your own! Teens and tweens are invited to learn about the art of graphic novels, focusing on some panels from Matt Phelan's "The Storm in the Barn", and will have an opportunity to create their own portrait drawings based on Phelan's style.
    Located at 218 Cedar St.
    Class size: 20. Cost is $10 per child.


  • Very Hairy Bear (Age 6+)

    Very Hairy Bear (Age 6+)

    Saturday 1-2 pm and 2:30-3:30 pm.
    Draw art inspired by the Matt Phelan book "Very Hairy Bear." Taught by art teacher Toni Pedroza.
    The Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St.
    Class size: 20. Cost is $5 per child.


  • Sweater Weather (7+)

    Sweater Weather (7+)

    Saturday, 10-11 am, 11:30 am-12:30 pm.
    Create a yarn sweater inspired by Matt Phelan's book, "Sweater Weather." Taught by art teacher Clarissa Ruiz.
    The Grace Museum, 3rd Floor Classroom.
    Class size: 12. Cost is $5 per child.


  • Painting (8+)

    Painting (8+)

    Saturday, 10-11 am, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    Learn how to draw and paint! Inspired by the Matt Phelan book "A Kite for Moon". Taught by art teacher Bethany Connell.
    Abilene Convention Center foyer, upstairs Room 203/4, 1100 N. 6th St.
    Class size: 12. Cost is $10 per child.


  • Mixed Media (Age 6+)

    Mixed Media (Age 6+)

    Saturday, 1-2 pm, 2:30-3:30 pm.
    Create mixed media art inspired by the Matt Phelan book "Sweater Weather." Taught by art teacher Shayla Miller.
    The Grace Museum, 3rd Floor Classroom.
    Class size: 12. Cost is $5 per child.


Storybook Characters Breakfast

  • Breakfast Ticket - One Per Individual

    Breakfast Ticket - One Per Individual

    *ONE TICKET PER INDIVIDUAL REQUIRED - LIMITED AVAILABILITY*
    Join us in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden to meet and collect autographs from 20 of your favorite costumed characters and eat breakfast. Enjoy complimentary face painting and hair decoration. Autograph books available for purchase through registration or at the event.
    Cost: $5 per individual. Meal includes pancakes, sausage, juice box or coffee.




CALF Store

  • 2025 CALF T-Shirt

    2025 CALF T-Shirt

    Youth & Adult - Gildan soft style, crew neck
    Toddler - Rabbit Skins fine jersey tee, crew neck


  • Extra CALF 2024 Tote

    Extra CALF 2024 Tote

    Each registration will receive 1 tote bag (NOTE: One bag per registration, not per pass). You may order extra tote bags while supplies last.

    $7.00 ea. [74 remaining]

  • Storybook Capital  of America® Autograph Book

    Storybook Capital of America® Autograph Book

    Collect all of the Storybook Capital characters' signatures with your very own autograph book! Bring yours to the Storybook Character Breakfast!

    $5.00 ea. [7 remaining]

  • Storybook Capital  of America® Enamel Pin

    Storybook Capital of America® Enamel Pin

    This lapel pin is the perfect addition to your Storybook Capital collection. Gold border. 1 inch.

    $4.00 ea. [189 remaining]

  • CALF Baseball Cap

    CALF Baseball Cap


  • CALF 2025 Ornament

    CALF 2025 Ornament

    Gold-plated ornament depicting Matt Phelan's beloved character, Plum the Peacock.

    $6.00 ea. [100 remaining]

  • Storybook Capital  of America® Patch

    Storybook Capital of America® Patch

    This patch is the perfect addition to your Storybook Capital collection.

    $4.00 ea. [100 remaining]

  • "Mr. Tiger" Storybook Print

    "Mr. Tiger" Storybook Print

    Frameable, 12x12 print on high quality paper of Jack Harkins painting of the "Mr. Tiger" Storybook Sculpture in downtown Abilene inspired by the Peter Brown book.

    $15.00 ea. [91 remaining]

  • "Man in the Moon" Storybook Print

    "Man in the Moon" Storybook Print

    Frameable, 12x12 print on high quality paper of Jack Harkins painting of the "Man in the Moon" Storybook Sculpture in downtown Abilene inspired by the William Joyce book.

    $15.00 ea. [90 remaining]

  • "Duck on a Bike" Storybook Print

    "Duck on a Bike" Storybook Print

    Frameable, 12x12 print on high quality paper of Jack Harkins painting of "Duck on a Bike" Storybook Sculpture in downtown Abilene inspired by the David Shannon book.

    $15.00 ea. [97 remaining]

  • "Evan and His Friend" Storybook Print

    "Evan and His Friend" Storybook Print

    Frameable, 12x12 print on high quality paper of Jack Harkins painting of "Evan and His Friend" Storybook Sculpture in downtown Abilene inspired by the Brian Lies book.

    $15.00 ea. [99 remaining]

  • Set of 4 Storybook Prints

    Set of 4 Storybook Prints

    Collection of all four frameable, 12x12 prints on high quality paper of Jack Harkins' paintings of "Mr. Tiger," "Man in the Moon," "Duck on Bike" and "Evan and His Friend" Storybook Sculptures in downtown Abilene.

    $50.00 ea. [53 remaining]


Questions


Thursday, JUNE 12, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CLICK HERE!

Note: This event has moved to the DoubleTree Hilton.


Matt Phelan Books For Sale at the NCCIL

Matt Phelan will only be able to sign books purchased from the National Center For Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) at 102 Cedar St. in Abilene. Buy in person or call 325-673-4586. NCCIL members (memberships start at $65) can leave their books before the festival at the NCCIL to be signed by Matt without waiting in book signing lines.


These terms and conditions apply between "the Festival" and those persons registering for and participating in the Festival's events ("Customer").

1. REGISTRATION; ACCEPTANCE OF CUSTOMER:
a. Registration is on a first-come, first served basis. Early registration helps to ensure availability. Walk-in registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis. The Festival reserves the right to substitute speakers, presenters, facilities, venue and/or any program to be offered at the Event at any time. By registering for this Event, Customer represents, warrants and ensures that he/she is physically and mentally able to participate in the program for which he/she is registering and/or any others in which Customer may participate. If you have any questions concerning the Event, please contact the Festival directly.

b. By registering for this Event, Customer agrees to fully and completely comply with all terms and conditions hereof and the Festival's and venues' rules and regulations. Festival reserves the right to refuse attendance to any individual at any of its Events. All packages, bags, and other containers brought to the Event are subject to search, and may be required to be stored during the Event. Failure to comply with the Festival's rules and regulations is grounds for immediate dismissal from the Event. Persons dismissed from the Event shall not be entitled to a refund or cancel any unpaid balance due. Customer's failure or inability to use all of the facilities, classes or services offered at the Event for any reason, except as otherwise provided herein does not relieve or suspend the Customer's obligation to make all payments required hereunder on a timely basis, nor entitle the Customer to a refund or credit. Customer understands and agrees that payment for the Event is not a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.

2. BILLING AND PAYMENT: Billing and payment processing for the Festival's events is performed by WePay. Please read their terms of service here: https://go.wepay.com/terms-of-service#us.

3. NO REFUNDS

4. RELEASE; INDEMNIFICATION: Customer understands and agrees that his/her participation in and attendance at the Event is knowing and voluntary. Customer understands and agrees that strict observation of the Event rules and regulations is required and that use of the Event facilities and the Customer's presence at the Event are at the sole risk of the Customer. Customer indemnifies and holds harmless the Festival and MSI, and their officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any claims, demands, actions, liabilities, damages, costs or expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees arising out of or relating to: (i) Customer's participation in the Event; (ii) claims against the Festival and/or MSI by any third parties arising from or related to Business' or MSI's actions and/or omissions, (iii) claims relating to any violation or alleged violation by the Festival and/or MSI and/or any third party of the applicable laws relating to the conduct of the Event; and/or (iv) claims arising from or relating to Festival's and/or MSI's performance of its obligations hereunder. Customer specifically understands and agrees that he/she is assuming the risk of any and all injuries that he/she may suffer or incur as a result of his/her registration and/or participation in the Event. Customer's indemnification obligations shall survive the expiration or termination of this agreement.

5. COPYRIGHT; USE OF IMAGES: This Event is copyrighted by the Festival. Customer, for him/herself and his/her/its heirs, executors and administrators, hereby irrevocably consents to the unrestricted use by festival of Customer's name, likeness, statements, photograph or motion picture, for advertising, sale, marketing, promotion or any other purposes of trade and Customer waives the right to inspect or approve such completed images used in connection therewith. Customer grants to Festival the exclusive right to exploit and license or assign for exploitation all such matter or any approved derivatives thereof in any manner in any medium or field of use, in the form delivered.

6. UNAVAILABILITY; FORCE MAJEURE: Festival will use commercially reasonable efforts to hold the Event. However, under no circumstances will festival be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond the Festival's reasonable control, including acts of God, acts of government, flood, fire, earthquakes, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes or other labor problems nor can any reservation be cancelled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond the Festival's reasonable control.

7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State in which the Festival is located. All rights and obligations of the Festival and Customer under this Agreement are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. These terms and conditions shall be deemed revised to conform to applicable statutes, rules and regulations. Festival and/or MSI may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in their sole and absolute discretion. Customer shall be bound by the modified Agreement and agree that no other modifications shall be enforceable. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

8. COVID-19: By purchasing tickets, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending this event, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

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