Earth Fest, Sunshine, and Summer Reading Season Has Officially Begun

If you needed proof that summer is officially knocking on Indiana’s door, Earth Day Indiana’s Earth Fest ’26 at Garfield Park was it!

The sun was shining, the grass was green, and thousands of people spent their Saturday doing exactly what Saturdays were made for—wandering through a beautiful park, supporting local makers and businesses, learning new ways to live a little lighter on the planet, sampling delicious food, listening to live music, swapping clothes instead of buying new ones, and discovering that sustainability somehow still results in carrying home far more treasures than originally planned.

I parked myself near the kids’ area, which meant I had a front-row seat to bike ramps, special guest appearances, and a steady stream of excited children making their way across the park. Around me, Garfield Park was buzzing. Yoga classes stretched under the trees. Food vendors kept delicious smells floating through the air all day. Artisan makers displayed everything from handcrafted goods to garden-inspired treasures. The farmer’s market was in full swing. Music drifted through the park. It was one of those events where everyone seemed genuinely happy to be exactly where they were.

And then there were my visitors.

Some were longtime Book Fairy friends who know exactly where to find me. Some were brand-new readers discovering the camper for the first time. And, as always, there were the camper enthusiasts—the folks who stop mid-sentence, walk a complete circle around me, and then launch into a detailed discussion about vintage campers. I am always amazed by the knowledge of my fellow camper friends.

What I noticed most, though, was that summer reading season has officially arrived.

Families were stocking up. Kids were carefully selecting books for vacations, pool days, road trips, camps, lazy afternoons, and those inevitable moments when parents hear, “I’m boooored.”

One of my favorite conversations of the day was with a young reader who left carrying E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars. After some discussion, she committed to diving into the series and promised she’d report back. Reader accountability. We love to see it.

By the end of the day, my shelves were a little lighter, book bags were a little fuller, and summer reading lists were taking shape all over Indianapolis.

Earth Fest was the perfect reminder of why I love events like this. Great people. Great books. Great local businesses. Great conversations. And a community that shows up to celebrate all of it.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

Summer, we’re ready for you!!

See you down the road,

XO-Sylvia

Hit me up for your summer event, I’d love to be there-casey@thebookfairyindy.com

Planning for next school year?? Let’s make the ’26-’27 school year a literary success!