Festival of Tales
Paradise Valley Community College is proud to partner with Engelman Berger for the bi-annual Festival of Tales, a FREE community literacy event. Engelman Berger is a Phoenix-based law firm with a talented team of attorneys specializing in business law. Together, PVCC and the Engelman Berger team invite families to enjoy a full day of storytelling and cultural activities. It's an event that brings reading to life!
Children who participate receive free books and can participate in various activities including; demonstrations, vendors, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks and more!
“Festival of Tales is one of my favorite events here at PVCC,” said Meggin Kirk, education program director. “Not only does it help develop awareness and understanding for other cultures through storytelling, it often is the spark to ignite one's passion for learning.”
Since its inception in 2009, Festival of Tales has attracted more than 17,000 people from Maricopa County and more than 40,000 books have been given away to children and their families. In 2019, Festival of Tales was recognized with two distinguished awards from the Maricopa County Community College District, including the Diversity Advisory Council award and the Paul M. Pair Innovation of the Year award.
Join us April 25th, 2026 from 9:00am - 1:00pm for this FREE event!
Where: PVCC Union Hills Campus, 18401 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ
Event activities will occur in and around the Kranitz Student Center (KSC). Free parking is available.
Check out our incredible lineup!
Theatre: A Little Bit of Pixie Dust (Ages 5 and up)
10:30 and 12:00 Approximately 40-45 minutes
Follow Wendy and Peter Pan as they journey through familiar tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Beauty and the Beast, and Jack and the Beanstalk. Along the way, they step into each story’s world, meet unexpected companions, and discover meaningful lessons woven into every adventure.
Dance Performance in the Black Box Studio Theater (all ages)
9:30 Approximately 20-25 minutes
Enjoy a special performance from the PVCC Dance Program, featuring a selected piece from its Spring Dance Collection, followed by an interactive creative movement session led by Sara Malan-McDonald.
Storytelling sessions in M Classrooms (ages 4 and up)
10:00, 11:00 & 12:00 Approximately 20-25 minutes
Experience the art of live storytelling as PVCC’s Introduction to Storytelling students take the stage to share tales that come to life through voice, movement, and imagination.
Storytelling Session - Live Reading of Ollie the Owl and the Unexpected Visitor (ages 5 and up)
11:00
Approximately 20-25 minutes
Ollie the Owl and the Unexpected Visitor is a children’s book that helps children learn about mental health through an imaginative lens and opens doors for conversation and connection. Come join us for this live book reading, featuring fun puppets to bring Ollie’s story to life!
Fairytale Forest Storytime (ages 5 and up)
9:30, 10:30, 11:30 & 12:30 Approximately 20 minutes
Enjoy Fairytale Forest storytelling, a casual reading session where PVCC Education students share stories aloud in a small-group setting. This session focuses on connection, listening, and the shared experience of hearing stories brought to life through voice and expression.
Story Reading and Coding Activity (ages 4 & up) 11:00 in (Computer Commons: E-144)
11:00 AM - Noon
Hosted by the PV Advising Team’s Computer & Information Technology (CIT) Field of Interest (FOI). Join us for a lively reading of The Mighty Threat Intelligence Warrior, followed by an interactive MIT coding activity that brings the story’s ideas to life. A great session for curious kids and their families.
Buxton Library storytime with music and movement (ages 4 and under)
10:00 & 11:00 Approximately 20-25 minutes
Get ready to sing, dance, and imagine in this interactive storytelling session where stories come alive through rhythm, song, and creative movement. (approximately 30 minutes)
10 am: Dogs: Fetch some fun with tales full of wagging tails, silly barks, and puppy‑sized adventures.
11 am: Cats: Curl up for cozy kitty stories packed with meows, purrs, and whiskered mischief.
E Amphitheater
9:00-9:30: Wildfire Elementary School Choir
10:00-10:30: Live music performances by PVCC students and local musicians.
10:30-11:00: Live music performances by PVCC students and local musicians.
11:15-12:00: Live music performances by PVCC students and local musicians.
12:00-12:30: Live music performances by PVCC students and local musicians.
12:30-1:00: Live music performances by PVCC students and local musicians.
KSC covered area
9:30-10:00: Paradise Valley Community College Flute Choir
10:00-11:30: Scottsdale Community College Flute Choir
11:30-12:30 Mariachi
Cafeteria
DJ (9:00-1:00)
Mexican Folkloric Dancers 10:30-11:00
Thank you to our sponsors
Questions?
Contact E-mail: meggin.kirk@
Contact Phone: 602-787-6659
Check out this video for a quick peek at past events: https://www.youtube.