Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is once again transforming its campus into a world of imagination, creativity, and discovery with the return of its beloved Festival of Tales, held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 25, 2026, on the Union Hills campus. Now in its 18th year, the free, literacy-centered event continues to stand out as one of the college’s most treasured traditions, inviting children, families, educators, and community members to experience the joy of storytelling together.
Each year, the festival transforms PVCC into a vibrant hub of story-centered magic, filled with interactive activities, live performances, and hands-on learning experiences. This spring, attendees can once again enjoy favorites such as crafts, outdoor games, interactive stations, and storytime at Buxton Library, alongside exciting additions celebrating the richness of Mexican culture such as mariachi music, folklórico dancers, mask-making, graffiti art, bilingual storytelling, and rodeo biking. Both the PVCC and Scottsdale Community College flute choirs will also be performing.
Hosted by PVCC’s Education Program in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department, the Festival of Tales reflects the college’s deep commitment to early literacy and community engagement. The event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Engelman Berger and book donations from Southwest Human Development, helping ensure that stories and the tools to tell them reach young learners across the community.
New this Year
PVCC is collaborating with the Palomino Neighborhood Association, which for years, has partnered with the City of Phoenix Neighborhood to celebrate El Día del Niño (Day of the Child), honoring the joy, well-being, and importance of children. Bringing this meaningful tradition to the Festival of Tales creates a powerful connection,strengthening the festival’s impact, and bringing even more families into a shared celebration of literacy and learning.
“We’re so excited to partner with the Palomino Neighborhood Association,” said PVCC Education Director Meggin Kirk. “This is such a great opportunity for us to connect with new communities and expand our reach. I love the richness this brings to the experience; it’s such a meaningful and fun way for families to come together to honor children, culture, and community."
Gladys Garcia, president of the Palomino Neighborhood Association, agreed, adding, “We are delighted to partner with PVCC to bring together the Día del Niño and the Festival of Tales. Both events share a common mission: to celebrate and educate our future generations, ensuring that our children are prepared, inspired, and empowered through learning. Together, we are stronger.”
Bringing Stories to Life
At the heart of the Festival of Tales is a powerful purpose grounded in research. Studies show that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops before age five, and by age three, their brain is twice as active as an adult’s. Activities like reading, singing, talking, and storytelling during these formative years play a critical role in building vocabulary, comprehension, and school readiness—laying the foundation for lifelong academic success.
Throughout the day, families can explore a wide variety of performances and experiences designed to spark imagination and connection. Highlights include the theatrical production A Little Bit of Pixie Dust, where Wendy and Peter Pan journey through classic tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Jack and the Beanstalk. The PVCC Dance Program will present a live performance followed by an interactive movement session, while storytelling sessions led by PVCC students will bring stories to life through voice and expression.
Younger attendees can step into the Fairytale Forest for small-group readings and interactive activities, or enjoy music and movement during storytime at Buxton Library. A special live reading of Ollie the Owl and the Unexpected Visitor introduces important conversations around mental health through an engaging puppet performance. For families interested in blending storytelling with technology, a unique session in the Computer Commons pairs a live reading with a hands-on coding activity.
Live entertainment will fill the campus throughout the event, including performances by the Wildfire Elementary School Choir, PVCC student musicians, and local artists at the amphitheater. Additional highlights include flute choir performances, mariachi music, and traditional folkloric dance, creating a dynamic and culturally rich experience for all ages.
For a full schedule of events, click here. To learn more about PVCC’s education program, visit the website.