Program
Books & Beats Colour Run & Festival
Where Reading Meets Rhythm, and Stories Meet Colour.
Event Overview
The Books & Beats Festival is Uganda’s first inclusive literacy color run and festival, hosted annually by the Book Drive Store in partnership with the Read to Learn Foundation.
It’s a joyful fusion of reading, music, and colour — a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community.
Thousands of children, families, schools, and partners come together for a day of fun runs, storytelling tents, book exhibitions, art installations, and live performances — all aimed at raising awareness and funds for literacy programs across Uganda.
Purpose & Impact
- Promote inclusive literacy: Celebrate children of all abilities through reading games, sign language sessions, and storytelling zones.
- Support sustainability: Showcase recycled learning kits and eco-literacy exhibits made from plastic waste.
- Unite communities: Bring schools, corporates, and NGOs together through a fun, colorful experience of purpose and play.
- Fund literacy programs: Proceeds directly support community book clinics and the 1 Million Books to 1 Million Kids campaign.
Festival Highlights
- Colour Run
- A 5km fun run for all ages with vibrant color splashes, music, and reading checkpoints.
- Book & Art Fair
- Interactive storytelling booths, book signings, and recycled art installations.
- Live Performances
- DJs, spoken-word artists, children’s choirs, and school bands.
- Inclusive Zones
- Braille, sign language, and sensory play areas for children with disabilities.
- Green Village
- Display of solar-powered hubs, recycled products, and eco-education demos.
- Marketplace
- Partner activations, school booths, food vendors, and children’s play corners.
Get Involved
Register Your School for the next colour run
- Sponsor a Child or Zone (Inclusive Tent, Green Village, Art Corner)
- Volunteer or Perform at the festival
- Exhibit Your Brand in our partner marketplace
- Sponsor a Child or Zone (Inclusive Tent, Green Village, Art Corner)