SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco’s favorite family block party is back. San Francisco Public Library and Department of Early Childhood invite families to the 27th Annual Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros festival, a free celebration of the importance of literacy that welcomes children of all backgrounds. The festival takes place on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Parque Niños Unidos on 23rd and Folsom Streets.   

2026 marks 27 years of Día, and this year, the festivities include a lineup packed with family activities and entertainment. Enjoy a diverse range of live performances: Mexican indigenous dance with Danza Azteca Xitlalli-Xolotl; sensory-friendly bubble magic with Sterling Johnson; live, bilingual children’s music with Malinky Music; and a capoeira demonstration and workshop led by Jarrel Phillips. Día also features hands-on fun, where children can participate in arts and crafts, climb aboard a Bookmobile and a playground, pick out their favorite book and make new friends. 

"Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros represents everything that the Library values most," said Ruben Balderas, Early Learning Coordinator at San Francisco Public Library. "Being able to provide free community resources for families as well as an inclusive space where children can play, read and grow is always a highlight of my year." 

Día de los Niños is a Mexican holiday that has grown throughout Latin America and recognizes the importance and influence of children in society. In 1997, the first Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros was celebrated in New Mexico, bringing together the idea of honoring children and promoting literacy by celebrating their language, culture and books. Since then, the celebration has grown nationally and has been observed by San Francisco Public Library since 1999.   

Children are invited to build their home libraries with the onsite book giveaways and enjoy activities, provided by generous San Francisco community agencies, especially from the local Mission neighborhood. Each agency has thoughtfully planned an activity for children to interact with while their grown-ups gather much-needed information to support families in San Francisco.   

Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros 
Sunday, April 26, 2026  
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  
Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd and Folsom Streets   

Schedule
11 a.m. – Sensory Friendly Family Time featuring Sterling Johnson Bubbles (no amplified sound during the performance for individuals with auditory sensitivity)   

12:00 p.m. – Danza Azteca Xitlalli-Xolotl   

1:15 p.m. – Malinky Music   

2:15 p.m. – Capoeira with Jarrel Phillips   

Día is presented in partnership by San Francisco Public Library, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco Department of Early Childhood and KQED. It brings together community organizations with a passion for literacy and youth, including Good Samaritan Family Resource Center, KQED, San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, Tandem Partners in Learning, Wu Yee Children's Services and the San Francisco Early Literacy Network.