Mangalore Children's Lit Fest 2026 is a day-long celebration of reading, storytelling and creative arts designed specifically for children, young readers, parents and educators. Taking place on Sunday, 22 November 2026, at Deer Park, opposite Kadri Park, Mangaluru, the festival brings together acclaimed authors, storytellers, illustrators, puppeteers and theatre practitioners from across India.

The festival features storytellers from Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurgaon and Bengaluru alongside local and national authors. Highlights of the event include interactive storytelling sessions by Janaki Sabesh, Alma Dhingra and Shubha, ventriloquism and puppetry performances by M. Santhosh Kumar and Ujjwala, two dedicated theatre productions—including a performance by Kalabhi Theatre and a stage show by Chali Kahani—and creative comic illustration workshops led by the team behind Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle, featuring Art Director Vineet Nair and Senior Sub-editor Shreya Ghosh.

In addition to stage performances and hands-on workshops, Mangalore Children's Lit Fest 2026 hosts official book releases for Malli and the Mulky Stories 2 by Mangal D. Karnad, A Suitcase Full of Travel Stories by Matilda Pinto, and It Takes a Tribe – 25 Inspiring Tribal Leaders of India by Ramendra Kumar. The festival also spotlights published student writers from local schools in Mangaluru and Udupi, giving young readers an opportunity to meet inspiring peers.

Throughout the day, attendees can participate in open activities such as clay pottery making, art sessions by Pixncil, a book exhibition, book donation drives, and quiz competitions across age groups. The festival concludes with a musical evening showcasing regional cultural art forms, including tiger dance and Yakshagana snippets, followed by an official closing ceremony.

Organised by a community team comprising Hakuna Matata, Mangalore Ladies Circle 82, The Glowing Corner, Young Indians and Ladies Circle India, the festival is supported by the Dakshina Kannada District Administration and Karnataka Tourism Department, with The Yenepoya School serving as the main sponsor. Registration is available online through the official festival website.