YOUR VISIT
Answers to frequently asked questions!
Free Parking
Most streets downtown.
Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St.
Public Parking Lots, 241 and 201 Cedar St. (across from library) and N. 2nd and Pine Street
Parking lot between Datroo & NCCIL, 1200 block of N. 1st St.
Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St.
First Baptist Church parking lot, N. 1st and Hickory streets.
The Well, 137 Mesquite St.
Pick Up Passes
Orders placed before the festival begins can be picked up starting June 3, 2024 at the T&P Depot board room at 1101 N. 1st St. Shipped orders are mailed in late May. T&P Depot hours are 8:30 am-5 pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30 am to noon Friday. Extended hours CALF weekend.
About CALF
CALF is a three-day family experience in the Abilene Cultural District with a fourth day at the Abilene Zoo. The festival was started in 2012 by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and other community leaders to emphasize the importance our city places on families, art and literacy as the Storybook Capital of America®. The theme each year is based on the books of the summer artist on exhibit at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL). The NCCIL chooses the artist based on several qualifications, including award-winning work.
Food + Drink
There are many downtown restaurants and food trucks available for both inside and outside dining during the festival. Food trucks will be located along N. 1st Street.
Food Court Sponsored By:
Nursing Rooms
Center for Contemporary Arts, upstairs restroom, 220 Cypress St.
The Well, room located off the lobby, 137 Mesquite St.
Abilene Public Library, second floor, 202 Cedar St.
Branding Guide
Our guide ensures that the CALF brand is represented consistently across all platforms. The guide helps in creating each part of the visual aspect of the festival, from signage to website, posters and brochures.
The logo was updated in 2022 to depict a cow jumping over the moon, which celebrates the festival’s acronym, CALF, and pays homage to early illustrated children’s literature in the form of the old English nursery rhyme: “Hey diddle diddle; the cat and the fiddle; the cow jump’d over the moon.”
Strollers
Most festival activities are indoors. Because of limited space, some venues may ask for strollers to be left outside or in a designated area. Use something to identify your stroller, such as colored ribbon or a name tag. Please remove all valuables before leaving your stroller unattended. We are not responsible for lost or stolen goods. Tightly close all food and liquids before entering a venue.
Calming Spaces
Three CALF venues feature Calming Spaces, which are a quiet place for children with sensory sensitivities and their families to rest and do sensory-friendly activities related to CALF 2024 books. Visual festival schedules and festival suggestions available. Presented by Positive Behavior Supports Corp. (PBS Corp.) .
The Well, 137 Mesquite St. Room is located in the lobby. 10 am-4 pm
Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St. 10 am-4 pm. First floor, Hamilton Library