Grab your favorite bookmark and prepare for an adventure! Oviedo Mall, in
partnership with B. Dalton Bookseller, invites families, readers, and dreamers of all ages to Once Upon A
Summer, a free celebration of books, storytelling, and imagination taking place on Saturday, June 20,
2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Designed as a summer reading kickoff event, Once Upon A Summer will transform Oviedo Mall into a
world of literary fun featuring local authors, bookish vendors, creative makers, family activities, and
opportunities to discover new favorite reads.
The event also serves as a celebration of B. Dalton's Summer Reading Program, which encourages
children in grades 1-6 to read throughout the summer and earn a free book. Participants can read any eight
books, record them in a Summer Reading Journal, and then redeem their completed journal for a free
book at B. Dalton between July 1 and August 31.
"One of our goals with Once Upon A Summer is to help make reading exciting and accessible for
families," said Josh Gunderson, Marketing & Events Director for Oviedo Mall. "The B. Dalton Summer
Reading Program is a fantastic way to encourage kids to keep reading all summer long, and we're excited
to build an event around that mission."
Guests can enjoy:
• Meeting local authors and literary creators
• Shopping with bookish vendors, artists, and makers
• Special storytimes presented throughout the day by local authors
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with storybook princesses
• Summer reading inspiration and recommendations
• Family-friendly activities celebrating books and creativity
• Opportunities to support local small businesses and creators
Guests with a sweet tooth won't want to miss a special Ice Cream Social hosted by Oviedo Olive Oil from
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors can discover a delicious new way to enjoy dessert as they sample
premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars paired with ice cream.
Whether you're raising the next generation of bookworms, searching for your next favorite read, or simply
looking for a fun family outing, Once Upon A Summer offers something for everyone.The event is part of Oviedo Mall's growing lineup of community-focused experiences designed to bring
people together through shared interests, creativity, and lifelong learning.
For more information about upcoming events, visit: www.myoviedomall.com
