Join us for the inaugural Zora Neale Hurston Children’s Festival, a day filled with engaging activities, storytelling, art, and movement designed to inspire young minds and celebrate the remarkable legacy of Zora Neale Hurston. This vibrant event coincides with the Zora Neale Hurston Summit and offers a dynamic program that introduces children to Zora’s life, works, and her passion for storytelling and folklore.

The Zora Neale Hurston Children’s Festival is the first event offered for Zora’s younger fans. All programming has been selected by Cameron Chesny, our 8-year-old Children’s Ambassador, in partnership with the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling to provide all attendees with an immersive child-centered and child-led experience.

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Location: Barnard College, James Room

Cost: Free and open to the public with registration required.
Sponsored by: The Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling

All children must be supervised by their parent or guardian for the duration of the festival.

Zora Neale Hurston Children’s Festival Highlights

Interactive Storytimes

Experience Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s adaptations of Zora’s works for children, including The Making of Butterflies, Magnolia Flower, and Barracoon for Young Readers. These interactive story sessions incorporate music, movement, and imaginative play, bringing Zora’s tales to life.

Zora’s Garden: Art and Creativity Activities

• Create Your Own Garden Craft: Contribute to our collaborative "Zora’s Garden" installation or take home your handmade butterflies and flowers.

• Build Your Own Zora’s Dream Cabin: Step into Zora’s world and recreate her beloved one-room cabin in Eau Gallie, Florida. Learn about her love of nature while crafting something meaningful.

Music and Movement Workshops

Through Afro-diasporic dance, improvisation, and storytelling, children will immerse themselves in the themes of Zora’s stories. These workshops explore self-expression, resilience, and the beauty of shared cultural history.

Zora’s Dress Up Corner

Kids can step back in time, dressing up in vintage styles that reflect Zora’s unique flair. With Eatonville, her vibrant hometown, as a lively backdrop, they’ll explore her roots, embrace her bold spirit, and feel the magic of her trailblazing journey—as their grownups capture the moment in photos.

Interactive Games and Art Exploration

Enjoy a variety of activities during breaks, including:

• A cozy Reading Corner featuring Zora-inspired children’s books.

• Zora Coloring Pages and Games at the activity table.

• “Zora’s Fun Facts” Lunchtime Quizzes with engaging tidbits about Zora’s life and work.

Additional Festival Features

• Self-Guided Activities: Relax and explore On Demand Story Reading or enjoy Zora-inspired activities at your own pace.

Join us at the Zora Neale Hurston Children’s Festival for a day of exploration, inspiration, and creative discovery. Let’s honor Zora’s legacy by igniting the imaginations of our youngest dreamers and storytellers.