Events
Upcoming Events
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – 5PM-7PM
Location: Rhode Center for the Arts – Kenosha, Wisconsin
The 2026 Line up is here! Excited to see some new faces and always happy to see returning ones too! Tickets are now available at The Pollard Gallery, Copy Center and at the Rhode Link here.
Boozy Book Fair – hosted by Booked Eau Claire
Date & Time: Sat. April 11, 2026 – 12PM-4PM
Location: The Brewing Projekt -1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Join us on Saturday, April 11th, from 12-4pm for our spring Boozy Book Fair! Sip on a drink while you explore and shop with local authors + bookish vendors.
Slay the Lake: Kenosha LGBTQ+ Book Fest
Date & Time: Sat. April 18, 2026 – Early entry 2PM-3PM; Free entry 3PM-8PM
Location: Location: The Final Girl Bar – Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Jessie Rose and RE Bunch present: Slay The Lake, a horror book fest to support the LGBTQ+ community. Join us Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3 PM – 8 PM FREE to the public at The Final Girl bar in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Early entry is 2PM-3PM tickets can be purchased here.
This curated event will have authors who represent the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will be holding a book drive to support LGBT Books to Prisoners.
Thank you to The Final Girl Bar in Kenosha, WI for hosting us.
This event is 18+.
Kenosha Book Festival 2026 – Chapter One
Date & Time: April 26, 2026 – 10AM-3PM
Location: Studio Moonfall Book Store – Kenosha, Wisconsin
The Kenosha Book Festival is back at Studio Moonfall for our first chapter of 2026! Save the date for Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 10am to 3pm, at Wisconsin’s indie-est of indie bookstores, Studio Moonfall, located at 5031 7th Avenue.
Pig Mind’s Brewing Boozy Bookfair
Date & Time: May 2, 2026 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Pig Mind’s Brewing – Machesney Park, Illinois
We are gearing up for our next Boozy Bookfair on May 2nd, 2026! Hope to see you there!
Spooky Frog Presents: A Horrifying Book Fair
Date & Time: Sat. MAY 16, 2026 – 11AM-4PM
Location: Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel, Brookfield, WI
On Saturday, May 16th, we’re turning the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel into the ultimate hangout for the horror community at the Spooky Frog Horrifying Book Fair.
We’ve curated a space designed to be as fun as it is atmospheric, bringing together indie horror authors, spooky artists, and genre-loving vendors. It’s part book fair, part social event, and entirely welcoming to anyone who loves the darker side of creativity.
Come for the stories, stay for the vibes. We’ll have a cash bar, free snacks, and a perfect backdrop of music provided by Goth Barge, DJ Synthia, and DJ Ferngully throughout the day.
Whether you’re hunting for your next favorite read, looking for unique art, or just want to connect with fellow horror fans, this is the place to be.
Come as you are, or dress up in your favorite horror, goth, or cosplay aesthetic-everyone is welcome in our swamp. ALL AGES EVENT. $5 ADMISSION.
Date & Time: May 30, 2026 – 11PM-2PM
Location: 800 Block of West College Ave. – Appleton, Wisconsin
Last year’s Block of Books went so well that for 2026 we are going even bigger! Come meet (& support) over 100 Wisconsin authors and other book related vendors. We are also adding story time for the kiddos & poetry readings this year
Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026 at noon to 8 p.m
Location: Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach
2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
Lake County PrideFest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, drawing thousands of attendees. This free, family-friendly outdoor festival will feature food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, a resource fair, games and entertainment for children, drag shows, live music and more.
Attendees are invited to celebrate LGBTQ+ life and culture and show their support for Lake County’s LGBTQ+ community. A $10 donation at the door, supporting the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County, is greatly appreciated.
Slay the Lake: Chicago Pride Book Fest
Date & Time: Saturday, June 27th, 2026 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. Tinley Park, Illinois
Slay the Lake is hosting Chicago Pride Book Fest on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 from 12PM-5PM at Soundgrowler Brewing Co. in Tinley Park, Illinois. This is an all ages event, FREE to attend. Author & vendor applications are now open. All genres are welcome. LGBTQ+, BIPOC & Women authors are prioritized at our events.
Haunters Against Hate the Event IV
Date & Time: August 1st-2nd, 2026
Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo, Michigan
The HAH event returns in 2026 to an all-new location and state! Come join us in Kalamazoo, MI for a weekend of scary, fun, drag, competitions, workshops all in a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment promoting acceptance and love. Get your tix, hotel rooms and vendor booths at HAHtheEvent.com
Date & Time: Sat. Sept 18-Sun. Sept 19, 2026
Location: The Lismore Hotel – Eau Claire, WI 54703
Booked Eau Claire is bringing the wonderful world of storytelling to life with an exciting new literary celebration on September 18-19, 2026! Join us at the Lismore Hotel in downtown Eau Claire, WI, for this two-day event dedicated to amplifying voices, igniting creativity, and fostering a vibrant community of book lovers through panels, workshops, + more.
Focused on empowering women and LGBTQIA+ communities, Booked Eau Claire proudly features over 60 authors from across the country, offering a diverse range of YA, NA, and Adult books. And you won’t want to miss our Keynote Authors.
Connect with fellow readers, meet new authors, explore book-related vendors, and engage with influencers who share your love for reading. Make it a weekend getaway—fall in Eau Claire is truly magical! Get tickets here.
Past Events
Slay the Lake: Kenosha Krampus Market
Date & Time: Sat. Dec. 6, 2025 – 1PM
Location: The Final Girl Bar – Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Kenosha Krampus Market & Community Food Drive.
Join us Dec. 6, 2025 12PM-4PM at Final Girl Bar in Kenosha, 7546 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53143.
Meet horror authors & get your books signed. Find unique gifts from creepy creators. Great food & drinks. OH, and meet Drag Krampus! 21+ event.
Slay the Lake: Chicago LGBTQ+ Horror Book Fest
Date & Time: Sat. Nov. 15, 2025 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. Tinley Park, Illinois
BLOOD drunk and more powerful than ever before. Are you ready to SLAY THE LAKE Chicago?
Jessie Rose and RE Bunch present: Slay The Lake, a horror book fest to support the LGBTQ+ community. Join us Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12 PM – 5 PM at Sound Growler Brewing Co. in Tinley Park, Illinois.
This curated event will have authors who represent the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will be fundraising to support LGBTQ+Center Lake County
Thank you to Sound Growler Brewing Co. in Tinely Park, Illinois for hosting us.
This event is all ages.
Spooky Frog Presents: A Horrifying Book Fair
Date & Time: Sat. Oct. 18, 2025 – 11AM-4PM
Location: Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel, Brookfield, WI
Right in the heart of spooky season, the Spooky Frog Horrifying Book Fair returns for a full day of horror, art, literature, and eerie community.
Featuring over 45 horror authors, artists, crafters, and vendors, you’ll explore a curated collection of spine-tingling books, dark art, creepy crafts, oddities, and more. If you love horror, gothic art, Halloween vibes, or supporting strange and wonderful creators, you won’t want to miss it!
🎟️ Entry: just $5 + tax — pay at the door or grab tickets now at:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1411276318459?aff=oddtdtcreator
Boozy Book Fair – Fall Edition hosted by Booked Eau Claire
Date & Time: Sat. Oct. 11, 2025 – 12PM-5PM
Location: The Brewing Projekt -1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Join us on Saturday, October 11 from 12-5pm for our Boozy Book Fair! Sip on a drink while you explore and shop with local authors + bookish vendors.
2025 Port of Fear Film Festival Spooky Market
Date & Time: Sat. Oct. 4, 2025 – 10AM-8PM
Location: The Kemper Center – Kenosha, Wisconsin
Port of Fear Film Festival Spooky Market
Get ready to shop til you drop with Port of Fear’s 4th Annual Spooky Market! We have fiendish foods, ghoulish merch & witchy art that is sure to make your little black hearts soar!
The Kemper Center bar will be there to serve some tantalizing libations to drink while you shop around the Kemper grounds.
The Spooky Market will be open Friday 10/3 from 3-10pm & Saturday 10/4 from 10am-8pm. Admission to the Spooky Market is FREE & open to the public.
We STRONGLY recommend to stop by the Port of Fear booth & check out our various film blocks, 2025 merch & raffle baskets – we have a chilling line up that will be available one weekend only! Mark you calendars because this is an annual event you don’t want to miss!
Pig Mind’s Brewing Boozy Bookfair
Date & Time: Sept. 7, 2025 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Pig Mind’s Brewing – Machesney Park, Illinois
This September we are gearing up for our next Boozy Bookfair!
Date & Time: Sept. 6, 2025 – 12PM-4PM
Location: Public Space One – Iowa City, Iowa
The idea behind One of Us is to champion small presses and outsider voices. We want to foster a sense of community among us, the fans, writers, and publishers from around the Midwest who celebrate the strange and unusual. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just curious, you’ll find a welcoming, inclusive space to discover new favorites and connect with like-minded folks.
Kenosha Book Festival 2025 – Chapter Five
Date & Time: Aug. 24, 2025 – 10AM-3PM
Location: Studio Moonfall Book Store – Kenosha, Wisconsin
The Kenosha Book Festival is back at Studio Moonfall for our fifth chapter of 2025! Save the date for Sunday, August 24th, from 10am to 3pm, at Wisconsin’s indie-est of indie bookstores, Studio Moonfall, located at 5031 7th Avenue.
Date & Time: Aug. 23, 2025 – 12PM-3PM
Location: Phase Three Brewing – Lake Zurich, Illinois
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Books On Tap, where EIGHT local authors from diverse genres—fantasy, horror, thriller, romance, and young adult—come together under one roof!
Date & Time: July 26, 2025 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. – Tinley Park, IL
Summerween is just around the corner at Soundgrowler Brewing!
Join us on Saturday, July 26th from 12–5PM for our Spooky Artisan Market—where Halloween meets summer vibes! Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good goods from a lineup of local makers. Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer, and celebrate the spooky season a little early with us!
Hot Ghoul Summer – Dark Arts & Oddities
Date & Time: July 27, 2025 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Phase Three Brewing – Lake Zurich, Illinois
Wander through a carefully curated indoor space filled with hauntingly beautiful artwork, handcrafted jewelry, sculptural oddities, dark decor, stickers, books, and real insect taxidermy. Maybe even a live spider or two…
Date & Time: June 28, 2025 – 11AM-3PM
Location: The Inclusive Bean – 1930 Albert St, Racine, WI
🎉✨ Welcome to Malted: A Queer Market! ✨🎉
Racine’s FIRST-EVER queer market is here — and it’s gonna be unforgettable.
🌈 This isn’t just a market — it’s a full-on celebration of queer joy, local talent, and community power. Whether you’re here to shop, connect, snack, or just vibe, we’ve got something for you:
🧡 Whether you’re queer, trans, questioning, or a proud ally — you’re invited. Bring your friends, your family, your grandma, and your most fabulous self. This is a space to support small businesses, celebrate third spaces, and uplift inclusivity in the Midwest.
Let’s show Racine (and beyond) what love, resilience, and queer brilliance looks like — together. Follow @RacineQueerMarket on Instagram for updates and vendor highlights:
Date & Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at noon to 10 p.m
Location: Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach
2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
Lake County PrideFest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, drawing thousands of attendees. This free, family-friendly outdoor festival will feature food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, a resource fair, games and entertainment for children, drag shows, live music and more.
Blue House Books: Independent Bookstore Day
Date & Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at noon to 10 p.m
Location: Blue House Books & Kenosha Public Museum
Welcome to our annual Independent Bookstore Day celebration!
Every year on the last Saturday in April, we celebrate what makes your local independent bookstore special! We always have great deals, exclusive items, and giveaways in the store, alongside an amazing author event!
Bestselling authors Ashley Winstead, Ali Novak, Layne Fargo, Rita Woods, and Jessie Garcia will be joining us for interviews and book signings during a special event at Kenosha Public Museum!
Halfway to Halloween Macabre Market
Date & Time: April 12, 2025 2PM-8PM
Location: Burn ‘Em Brewing – Michigan City, IN
Join us April 12th for The Third Annual Halfway to Halloween Macabre Market at Burn ‘Em Brewing!
We will be showcasing all the dark & spooky creators that we are known for just on a smaller scale than previous years at the Expo Center.
There will be around 30 unique artists, makers & purveyors of all things strange & unusual for this all ages show. Free to enter!
Reads & Records: Half Acre Brewing Co.
Date & Time: April 12, 2025 2PM-8PM
Location: Burn ‘Em Brewing – Michigan City, IN
Join us April 12th for The Third Annual Halfway to Halloween Macabre Market at Burn ‘Em Brewing!
We will be showcasing all the dark & spooky creators that we are known for just on a smaller scale than previous years at the Expo Center.
There will be around 30 unique artists, makers & purveyors of all things strange & unusual for this all ages show. Free to enter!
Vintage Market – Soundgrowler Brewing
Date & Time: March 1, 2025 12PM-5PM
Location: Burn ‘Em Brewing – Michigan City, IN
Join us at Soundgrowler Brewing on Saturday, March 1st, at 12 PM for an exciting Vintage Market, presented by the Streetz Artz Alliance! Discover a wide array of vintage clothing, home décor, and other unique finds. Whether you’re hunting for rare treasures or just love vintage style, this market is the perfect place to spend your Saturday. Come out, enjoy some great brews, and shop from an amazing selection of retro goods. See you there
Slay the Lake: Kenosha LGBTQ+ Book Fest 2025
Date & Time: Sat. April 19, 2025 3PM-8PM
Location: Location: The Final Girl Bar – Kenosha, Wisconsin.
They came from the lake. Hungry for knowledge and BLOOD.
Are you ready to SLAY?
Jessie Rose and RE Bunch present: Slay The Lake, a horror book fest to support the LGBTQ+ community. Join us Saturday, April 19, 2025, 3 PM – 8 PM at The Final Girl bar in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
This curated event will have authors who represent the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will be fundraising to support LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Please stay tuned for the charity announcement.
Thank you to The Final Girl Bar in Kenosha, WI for hosting us.
This event is 21+.
2024 North Alabama Author Festival
Date & Time: Sat. Nov. 9, 2024 – 9am-Noon
Location: Scottsboro Public Library, Scottsboro, Alabama
The North Alabama Author Festival will showcase the incredible talent of over 20 authors from our region. Whether you are a lifelong bookworm, a budding writer, or just looking for a fun and educational day, you’ll enjoy our program. This festival is for all ages and all interests.
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of over 20 authors writing in suspense, science fiction, horror, fantasy, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books. You will have the opportunity to meet these talented writers, engage in discussions, and get your books from them. The North Alabama Author Festival will have something for your entire family.
Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 27th, 2024 – 10am to 3pm
Location: Studio Moonfall – 5031 7th Ave., Kenosha, WI
BookoWeen is Sunday, October 27th!
Join us at Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Avenue, from 10am to 3pm for $1 Used books & comics, Tacos a Spooky Costume Contest, Tarot Readings, a Draw Your own ZomBean Contest, Local Authors, a Demon Summoning, and Candy!
Plus, it’s our Five Year Anniversary for the shop. You bring the cake!
Tomes of Terror Horror Convention
Location: Red Raccoon Games – 301 N. Main Street, Bloomington, IL
Date & Time: Saturday, October 26th, 2024 – 10am – 4pm
Join Bobzbay Books for a spine-tingling day of thrills and chills at the second annual Tomes of Terror Horror Convention. This annual FREE event offers authors, readers, local businesses, and horror fans from across the Midwest an opportunity to celebrate the darker side of literature together. Attendees can expect author meet and greets, book signings, horror themed giveaways, and more!
Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival
Location: Haverhill Public Library – 99 Main St, Haverhill, MA 01830
Date & Time: Saturday, October 19th, 2024 – 10am – 4pm
Join us for the annual Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival! Over 60 authors, panels, great books available, meet and greet, and enjoy a great day with other horror fans. Admission and parking are free.
Date & Time: Sun. Oct. 6th, 2024 – Noon to 5pm
Location: Pig Minds Brewing Co. – Machesney Park, IL
Come shop from some awesome local vendors to find your next favorite book or accessory.
Date & Time: Sat. Sept. 28th, 2024 – 1pm to 7pm
Location: Porter County Expo Center – Valparaiso, IN
We are excited to once again invite you to join us for our Fifth Annual Bizarre Bazaar! We will be filling the Porter County Expo Center with over 100 incredible artists, vintage purveyors and makers of all things strange and unusual. Hosted by Rogue Syndicate.
Kenosha Book Festival 2024 – Chapter 5
Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 25th, 2024 – 10am to 3pm
Location: Studio Moonfall – 5031 7th Ave., Kenosha, WI
The Kenosha Book Festival is back at Studio Moonfall for our second chapter of 2024! Save the date for Sunday, May 26th, from 10am to 3pm, at Wisconsin’s indie-est of indie bookstores.
The Kenosha Book Festival is back at Studio Moonfall for our second chapter of 2024! Save the date for Sunday, May 26th, from 10am to 3pm, at Wisconsin’s indie-est of indie bookstores.
Spooky Frog Presents – A Horrifying Book Fair Part 2
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 24th, 2024 – Noon – 4:00 PM
Location: X Ray Arcade – 5039 S Packard Ave, Cudahy, WI
Admission: FREE! Join us for a spine-chilling day at X Ray Arcade in Cudahy, WI, on Saturday, August 24th! Dive into the world of horror with over a dozen indie horror authors, select local vendors, and talented artists. Groove to the eerie tunes provided by Goth Barge while you explore!
Hebron Public Library Book Fest
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10am-1pm
Location: Hebron Public Library – 9908 St Albans St, Hebron, IL 60034
Leading up to our second annual Street Dance, the Hebron Public Library is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a used book sale AND a panel of eight local/independent authors who will be selling their books!
Books of Horror Presents: Books & Brews
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 – 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Double Clutch Brewery: 2121 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL 60201-3014
Join Books of Horror at Double Clutch Brewing Company as we host over 40 horror authors for a book signing/meet-up from 10AM until 4PM.
Kenosha Book Festival 2024 – Chapter 4
Date & Time: Sunday, July 28th, 2024 – 10am to 3pm
Location: Studio Moonfall – 5031 7th Ave., Kenosha, WI
The Kenosha Book Festival is back at Studio Moonfall for our second chapter of 2024! Save the date for Sunday, May 26th, from 10am to 3pm, at Wisconsin’s indie-est of indie bookstores.
Date & Time: Saturday, July 22 – noon
Location: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. – 8201 183RD ST. SUITE P, Tinley Park, IL,
Celebrate Halloween in the Summer with us! Come on out to Soundgrowler Brewing on Saturday July 27th at 12pm for our Summerween Market!
Date & Time: Saturday, July 14 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Hailstorm Brewing Co. – 8060 186th St, Tinley Park, IL
The Flurry Artisan Market is back and this time on July 14th, 2024 from 11am to 5pm at Hailstorm Brewing in Tinley Park, IL. Over two dozen artists are anticipated to showcase their best and newest handmade items, art and treats at this event. And this is something you won’t want to miss.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 22 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum – 164 Hawley St. Grayslake IL 60030
Grayslake Author Fest brings together authors, readers, and aspiring writers. Founded by local writers from Lake and McHenry counties, and supported by groups and individuals throughout Grayslake, Illinois, the second annual Grayslake AuthorFest is coming your way! *** FREE ADMISSION ***
Kenosha Book Festival 2024 – Chapter 2
Date & Time: Sunday, May 26th – 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Studio Moonfall – 5031 7th Ave., Kenosha, WI
The Kenosha Book Festival is back at Studio Moonfall for our second chapter of 2024! Save the date for Sunday, May 26th, from 10am to 3pm, at Wisconsin’s indie-est of indie bookstores.
Spooky Frog Presents – A Horrifying Book Fair
Date & Time: Saturday, May 25th, 2024 – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: X Ray Arcade – 5039 S Packard Ave, Cudahy, WI
Admission: FREE! Over a dozen indie horror authors showcasing their bone-chilling books and merchandise. Sinister treasures from select local vendors, including Books of Horror, Omen Alternative Music and Media, Visible Artifacts, and Goth and Green. DJs Dance Commandr and XDominionX from Goth Barge will be conjuring ethereal beats to set the haunting atmosphere.
