BAM! FESTIVAL
2025 SCHEDULE

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Kick off your creativity with writing warm-ups led by author Stephen Kozan, then dive into the Flash Fiction Challenge. One talented writer will win the chance to craft and publish their own book with Mr. Kozan’s publishing company and return to BAM! Festival 2026 as a published author!

Join us for an essential discussion on tackling tough topics in literature as these authors explore issues such as mental health, identity, social justice, and relationships in their work. Discover how they approach sensitive subjects with authenticity and empathy, offering young readers a safe space to engage with complex emotions and experiences.

Dive into the chilling intersections of horror, magic, and mayhem in this thrilling panel! Explore how supernatural elements and dark narratives intertwine. Discover the inspirations behind these author’s spine-tingling tales, and learn how they balance fear with wonder. Whether you love eerie enchantments or psychological thrillers, this panel will leave you spellbound!

The Calypso Cats are Panther Run Elementary's premier music group. The group was founded when the school opened in 1991 under the direction of Dwayne Earnhardt, and has continued to be a tradition at the school. The Calypso Cats perform at school events, travel to perform all throughout Palm Beach County, and have previously performed at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Explore the unique charm and diverse landscapes of Florida in this fun-filled panel! From manatees to murder, listen to these creators explore why the Sunshine State’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant ecosystems are the perfect setting for every type of story.

Who doesn’t love a good romance? Join talented authors as they share how they craft love stories that make our hearts race. From meet-cutes to happily-ever-afters, they’ll explore the sparks, struggles, and deeper themes that make romance a staple of YA fiction.

Get ready for the fun as authors and illustrators dive into book-themed games! Watch them tell jokes, show off goofy dances, and share book secrets – all to win the title of Crayola King, Queen, or Monarch. This lively showdown ends with one lucky winner claiming the coveted Crown of Crayons. Who will it be?

Join these talented authors and illustrators as they explore the power of storytelling to celebrate different cultures, identities, and experiences. Hear how they create relatable, inclusive characters and stories that help every child feel seen, valued, and understood. Leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of stories that unite us—and your very own stick portrait character!

Ever dreamed of writing a book? So did the teens on this panel—and they made it happen! Discover how they wrote and published their own books, all before graduating high school.

Ever dreamed of writing a book? So did the teens on this panel—and they made it happen! Discover how they wrote and published their own books, all before graduating high school.

The Calypso Cats are Panther Run Elementary's premier music group. The group was founded when the school opened in 1991 under the direction of Dwayne Earnhardt, and has continued to be a tradition at the school. The Calypso Cats perform at school events, travel to perform all throughout Palm Beach County, and have previously performed at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Discover the magic of storytelling through the eyes of young characters in this interactive panel with talented authors and illustrators. From everyday moments to epic adventures, see how small lives inspire big ideas. Then, unleash your creativity as you craft your very own picture book! Perfect for kids with big imaginations and budding storytellers of all ages.

Get ready for a thrilling and interactive panel where the stakes are high and the fun is endless! Here the audience takes the reins by proposing prompts for our brave authors. Watch as these talented writers reveal secrets about their creative processes, inspirations, and personal experiences— or take on daring challenges that push their boundaries!

These authors break boundaries and bring fresh, diverse stories to life. Hear about their creative journeys, the unique voices behind their books, and how they champion inclusion in their writing. Join us in celebrating authenticity, creativity, and the power of stories to lift voices out of the margins and into the spotlight!

Cheer on your favorite authors and illustrators in a live, kid-judged drawing competition where YOU help decide what they create! Suggest features for their characters, help shape their stories, and learn about their latest books in this fun, interactive event.

Get ready to laugh out loud in this wild and wacky storytelling game! It starts with one person writing a single sentence, then passing it on to the next, who draws a picture inspired by the sentence. The next person writes a sentence based on the drawing, and the cycle continues. But there's a twist – they fold the paper to hide the sentence before passing it along! The result? A hilariously nonsensical story full of surprises and big laughs for all ages!

Join us for a vibrant discussion on the power of bilingual literature! This panel brings together authors who explore the richness of language and culture in their work, highlighting the importance of representation in storytelling.

Boom! Bang! Pow! Enter the dynamic world of graphic novels in this engaging panel! Join a diverse group of creators as they discuss the unique storytelling power of combining visuals with text. Explore the creative process behind crafting compelling narratives and stunning artwork, and discover how graphic novels can tackle complex issues in an accessible way.

Need a dose of creative inspiration? Join Peter H. Reynolds and his twin brother Paul A. Reynolds for an engaging, story-filled presentation that will inspire YOU to “Create Bravely!" They will share several of their signature “storybooks for all ages” that have inspired millions around the globe to be creative and to make one’s mark on the world.

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