Winnie-the-Pooh Turns 100 As CALF Returns To Abilene

Every year, thousands of families make their way to downtown Abilene for one of the city's most beloved traditions, the Children's Art + Literacy Festival (CALF). This year promises to be even more special as Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th birthday during four days of family-friendly fun from June 11-14, 2026.

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For 14 years, CALF has continued to grow, attracting visitors from across Texas and beyond to the city known as the Storybook Capital. Organizers say registrations are already ahead of previous years, thanks to the popularity of Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.

A New Hundred Acre Wood Comes To Downtown Abilene

One of the biggest attractions this year will be the grand opening of the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden and the debut of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Families will be able to explore new sculptures featuring Winnie-the-Pooh and his eight best friends, adding to Abilene's impressive collection of nearly 60 storybook sculptures. The collection is believed to be the largest of its kind in the nation.

The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) will also launch its new exhibition, "A Journey Through the Hundred Acre Wood," featuring artwork inspired by Pooh and the beloved stories created by A.A. Milne.

Four Days Of Family Fun

The festival begins Thursday, June 11, with free public events including a costume contest, Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th Birthday Party, character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, activities, and the official opening of the new storybook garden.

Friday and Saturday activities include dramatic story readings, art projects, train rides, animal encounters, live performances, balloon shows, music, and appearances by favorite storybook characters. Children can also collect CALF buttons throughout the festival and add them to their event lanyards as they complete activities.

Festival Passes Include Zoo Admission

Thursday's events are free to attend.

Festival passes for Friday and Saturday are $15 for children and $20 for ages 13 and older.

There's a bonus this year for pass holders. Your CALF pass gets you free admission to the Abilene Zoo, where families can enjoy additional book readings and animal encounters as the festival wraps up.

For registration information and a complete schedule of events, visit the CALF website.

A Tradition That Keeps Growing

I've been writing about the Children's Art + Literacy Festival since it began, and I've had the privilege of broadcasting live from the streets of downtown Abilene as families gather to celebrate books, art, and imagination.

What makes CALF special to me is that it has become a tradition for my own family as well. Every year, my daughter Branddy and my granddaughter ask about CALF and what new adventures await downtown. Seeing this festival continue to grow while introducing a new generation to the joy of reading is one of the reasons I'm looking forward to this year's celebration of Winnie-the-Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood.

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