Romance & Romantasy: Must-Attend Events for Readers and Writers

Originally published June 27,2025. Last updated April 29, 2026

Romance and Romantasy have become cultural powerhouses, captivating millions of readers and redefining the modern book scene. With bestsellers topping the charts, and viral recommendations sweeping across social media, the demand for deeper emotional and immersive stories is at an all-time high. 

This explosion in popularity has given rise to a new wave of themed events where fans and authors come together to celebrate their love of LOVE at book festivals, signing events, reader conventions, lavish romance balls, and galas. Many of these events offer fun-filled adventures that blend escapism, cosplay, and community, making them essential destinations for any romance enthusiast in the year ahead.

They are the ideal place for self-published authors to network, promote their books and their brand, and connect with readers in the vibrant romance and romantasy community. We wanted to give you the lowdown on events coming to a location near you. They run the gamut from sweet romance to 18+ Romantasy, from smaller author signings to extravagant balls—just pick and choose the ones that are right for you.  

So start planning, grab your books and themed merchandise, and get ready for a new adventure.

 

MAY

• United States •

GEORGIA

May 29-30: Black Romance Book Fest—Atlanta

• • Atlanta is the perfect backdrop for Black Romance. A cultural capital rooted in creativity, Black excellence, and storytelling, the city sets the tone for a weekend that feels bold, vibrant, and unforgettable. Join the festival at the Omni Hotel at Centennial Park and stay right in the center of it all, where iconic Atlanta energy meets the heart of Black Romance.

IOWA

May 16: Frisky in the Field—Sheldon

• • A charity event raising money for Awakening Grace, this event offers opportunities for readers to meet their favorite authors, purchase books, get them signed, and participate in after-parties. No age limit to attend, but subject matter is recommended for mature audiences.

MAINE

May 29-31: Signed with Spice 2026—Bangor

• • A celebration of the incredible community of authors, bookish vendors, and readers who share a passion for swoon-worthy, and sometimes spicy, love stories! The Signed With Spice team is committed to building a safe and welcoming environment for every gender, race, sexuality, and background, where everyone can come together to celebrate love in all its forms.

TENNESSEE

May 16: Feel the Heat Book Bash—Chattanooga

• • Join in this experience full of fun, books, and unforgettable moments. All genres are welcome: wholesome, sweet, closed door, steamy, smutty, erotica…doesn't matter. 

 

• International •

CANADA

May 16: Love & Romance in Toronto—Toronto, Ontario

• • This event brings together romance readers and indie authors, featuring a Friday night social, a full-day signing on Saturday, and a wrap-up party, focusing on contemporary, LGBT, and romantic suspense genres. The event serves as a hub for romance fiction enthusiasts and others offering preorders for special editions.

GERMANY

May 16: RARE26Berlin—Berlin

• • This 7-hour event features over 135 romance authors, offering fans opportunities for book signings, photos, and exclusive, often bilingual (English/German) content. 

UNITED KINGDOM

May 23-24: Steam Trains and FairyTales—Derbyshire

• • A Steampunk fairytale weekend with a difference - Steam Trains! The Butterley Station and Swanwick Junction locations at the Midland Railway Trust offer the most amazing playground for this fabulous event. On the green at Swanwick, you'll find a curated Steampunk market with a few extra Steampunk exhibits added amongst the simply enormous number of permanent features. There will also be a market and various characters to interact with as well as droids and other impromptu performances. For all ages, but children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

JUNE

• United States •

GEORGIA

June 27: Romance Atlanta Writers and Readers—Columbus

• • Mingle with talented authors, participate in engaging discussions, and explore a wide range of romantic literary works. Whether you're a fan of historical romance, paranormal love stories, or contemporary relationships, this event promises something for everyone. Attendees must be 18+.

MARYLAND

June 13: Dreaming Dirty in Maryland—Baltimore

• • A reader/author book signing event focusing on dark romance, paranormal romance, horror, and sci-fi romance genres. Features numerous authors, a daytime signing, and after-hours events. Find a list of attending authors here. 

NORTH CAROLINA

June 28: Romance Era Experience 2026—Charlotte

• • An author signing event that genuinely connects romance authors and readers for an amazing, memorable experience. The theme for 2026 is “Queens of Authenticity” (real art by real people). Showcasing artists who authentically bring a book to life— authors, narrators, designers, character artists, and such. Event(s) may include explicit adult content. (18+ or adult supervision recommended.) 

OHIO

June 27: Love in the Queen City—Cincinnati

A romance author event with more than 50 signing authors and several amazing vendors, followed by a one-of-a-kind casino night with entertainment, desserts, and amazing prizes. Find a list of attending authors here.

WASHINGTON

June 12-13: Hot & Steamy in the PNW—Vancouver

• • Join favorite authors for a day packed with swoony reads, spicy surprises, and unforgettable moments. Then, grab your favorite pajamas to enjoy a night filled with fun, good company, and games. For ages 18+.

June 13: Emerald City Romance Writers—Seattle

• • Join your favorite swoon-worthy authors for a full day of book signings, spicy stories, flash tattoos, flirty fun, and all the heart-eye vibes you can handle. Whether you're into slow burns, steamy scenes, or second-chance love, this event is your perfect match. 

WASHINGTON DC

June 5-6: Imaginarium Book Festival—Washington, DC

• • IBF brings together those who share a love for fantastical story-telling. Whether you're new to fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal genres, or a long-time fan, you're sure to find a book here that ignites your imagination.

JULY

• United States •

ARKANSAS

July 17-19: Rebels & Realms Book Convention—Rogers

• • An 18+ event for those who love fantasy, romantasy, and dark romance. Come meet your favorite authors, narrators, and bookish influencers and explore all the creative merch from local and nationwide vendors.

CONNECTICUT

July 24-25: RomantiConn—Trumbull

• • A fun-filled romance author signing event brought to you by Kitty Berry Books. Dedicated to inclusivity, RomantiConn showcases a wide variety of romance subgenres and celebrates diverse backgrounds and orientations. The event supports all authors—from emerging voices to seasoned bestsellers, both independently and traditionally published, from around the world. All ages allowed, but be mindful that not all tables will be appropriate for all ages.

FLORIDA

July 23-26: Enchanted: Live the Fantasy—Orlando

• • Your story is yours to write—select your path through immersive experiences and activities across the weekend. Features fantasy classes and workshops, secret quests, and a gaming hall. And, as the stars align and the realms unite, the grand Enchanted Fantasy Ball awaits. A night of music, magic, and wonder, where dreams take form, and fantasy becomes reality. For ages 21+.

ILLINOIS

July 11: Writers on the River—East Peoria

• • This public event has over 100 romance authors in one room, including New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers. Chat with them, get selfies together, or buy a signed book. All ages welcome as long as tickets are available. The after party is for ages 21+. 

MARYLAND

July 25: Romantasy in the Valley—Hunt Valley

• • Meet a curated lineup of romantasy-focused authors, discover new voices, and get books signed in a welcoming atmosphere, then explore a marketplace of bookish vendors offering custom merchandise, fantasy-inspired art, and unique reading-themed gifts.

NEW MEXICO

July 15-18: Romance Writers of America Annual Conference—Albuquerque

• • Readers and writers: Join RWA for inspiring workshops and insider access sessions, plus pitch appointments with agents and editors actively acquiring romance manuscripts. Features author book signings open to the public and a vendor marketplace, July 16-18.

OHIO

July 23-26: Beyond the Read Author Event—Columbus

• • Join Columbus Convention Center for their 5th year of hosting this annual author signing event with 150 + authors, vendors, models, and narrators. Under 18 admitted with parent or legal guardian.

OKLAHOMA

July 31: RomanceLahoma—Oklahoma City

PENNSYLVANIA

July 25: Tales as Dark as Time—Grantville

• • An indie author book signing event featuring 90 authors and vendors with a Wicked Fairytale theme and an Epic PJ Afterparty at the Hollywood Casino. Check with event organizers for any age restrictions.

TENNESSEE

July 25: A Meet (& Greet) Cute Author Signing Event—Knoxville

• • Book Besties & Co. welcomes you to the hottest book signing event in Knoxville. Authors include Kandi Steiner, Holly Renee, Julia Connors, Willow Winters, Harlow James, and Evelyn Leigh. No one under the age of 16 permitted.

July 31-August 1: Forbidden Love: A Fantasy Book Event—Nashville

• • An immersive fantasy book convention designed for readers who crave magic, mischief, and a touch of danger. Hosted by Tea & Tropes, this two-day event brings together bestselling authors, beloved book influencers, and passionate fans for a weekend of panels, signings, shopping, and unforgettable themed experiences.

TEXAS

July 25: Kiss & Tell 2026—Dallas

• • An annual event owned by Texas Literary Voices with the goal of bringing readers together to meet some of their favorite authors and get to know new-to-them authors as well. Attending authors include Becca Jameson, Jenna Hartley, Livy Hart, Ruby Dixon, and many many more. 

VIRGINIA

July 25: Sexy & Sassy Signing—Richmond

• • Join the 10th year of the Sexy & Sassy Signing in Richmond for the "Desirable Decades Weekend". Look for a weekend full of great fun and amazing people! Plenty of authors are anticipated.

AUGUST

• United States •

FLORIDA

August 8: Flirty in Tampa—Tampa

• • This one-day event, formerly known as T.I.A.B.C., offers fans a chance to meet authors, buy new books, and attend a VIP session. Features romance authors and focuses on connecting readers with authors. See a list of attending authors here. 

MASSACHUSETTS

August 14-16: Sinners & Stardust—Boston

• • A dark romance themed event, bringing together fans, authors, and creators for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned spicy romance fan or new to the genre, Boston is the perfect place to start a thrilling adventure. For ages 18+.

OKLAHOMA

August 1: Red Dirt Romance Book Event—Oklahoma City

• • Presented by RomanceLahoma: Come meet bestselling romance authors from around the United States at Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown. From sweet love stories to steamy reads, this event has something for everyone.

TENNESSEE

August 1: Rockin' Romance Readers—Alcoa

SEPTEMBER

• United States •

CALIFORNIA

September 17-19: Books, Gowns, & Crowns—San Diego

• • Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the pages of your favorite book? This event is your chance to do just that—a weekend where fantasy becomes reality, beloved stories come alive around you, and you're surrounded by people who love them just as much as you do.

FLORIDA

September 11-12: FanGrrrl Romance Recs Premiere Book Signing Event—Orlando

• • A two-day book signing event with a formal ball/after-party at Disney Springs® resort area. The event includes author panels, general admission book signings, a cocktail hour, a red carpet event, and a Hollywood Glam Ball. Check with organizers for any age restrictions.

September 16-20: Smut Lovers: The Conference—Orlando

• • Are you a writer, reader or kink lover? Have you ever sat back and wondered, does it really work like that? If you have, then you’ve come to the right place…where the gap is closing between the romance book world and the kink community. 

SOUTH CAROLINA

September 18: Romance Out East—Charleston

• • Romance Out East brings together authors, vendors, and readers who share a love for romance in all its forms—sweet, spicy, and everything in between. No matter the subgenre, if it’s romance, it has a place here.

TENNESSEE

September 24-26: Tennessee Lit Con—Kingsport

A multi-genre author signing convention focusing primarily on romance, featuring more than 100 authors, vendors, and audio narrators, offering panels, a VIP PJ party, and book signings. 

WASHINGTON

September 19: Book Blast in Seattle—Seattle

A six-hour gathering featuring more than 150 authors, offering VIP access for early entry and exclusive items. All ages, but some material may not be suitable for those under 18. 

OCTOBER

• United States •

CONNECTICUT

October 3: Fictionally Yours—Hartford

• An intimate, indie romance book signing that strives to create events that are fun and low-stress for readers and authors who value community and genuine connection. Formerly known as Kiss & Tale, they've entered a new chapter, but with the same heart and values that you’ve come to expect from their events.

ILLINOIS

October 30-31: Romance Readers & Writers Experience—Peoria

• • An unparalleled celebration of romance literature, where industry leaders, iconic authors, and passionate readers converge to honor the past, shape the future, and elevate the art of romance writing. Experience four days of engaging activities, including book signings, author meet and greets, photo ops, vendor shopping, surprise celebrity guests, live performances, and more. 

MASSACHUSETTS

October 10-11: Getting Witchy with It 2026—Salem

• • Join hundreds of amazing authors in one place at the same time, at this event focused on various genres, including romance, dark mafia romance, and paranormal fiction, with a strong emphasis on author appearances and book signings. No age limit to attend, but some subject matter is recommended for mature audiences.

October 16: Love Letters to Boston—Boston

• • Held at the Encore Boston Harbor, this event will be a single-day-only event filled to the brim with some of your favorite authors, who are all excited to meet you. Put on your sparkliest dress or outfit, grab your favorite books from the shelves, and come meet your faves.

October 23: Fall in Love New England—Marlborough

• • The ultimate romance reader meets romance author conference and book signing event. One full day of romance-themed games, author spotlights, author panels, and book crafts that will have you laughing out loud, celebrating the romance genre.

MISSOURI

October 17: Books by the Arch—St. Louis

• • Dive into a world of words, where authors and book lovers come together to celebrate the magic of storytelling. Get ready to explore new worlds, meet fascinating characters, and discover your next favorite read in the romance genre. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow book enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of literature.

NEW YORK

October 23-24: Spellbound in the Valley—Hudson Valley

• • Get ready for a magical weekend as Spellbound in the Valley brings spooky vibes and bookish fun to the enchanting Hudson Valley. 100+ authors and vendors attending, featuring: dark romance, dark fantasy, paranormal, monster, horror, thriller and everything that goes bump in the night.

TENNESSEE

October 22-24: Be Love, Spread Love Author Event—Nashville

• • A three-day romance reader/author convention featuring signings, panels, and an "After Dark Bedtime Stories" pajama soiree. Under 18 admitted with parent or legal guardian.

TEXAS

October 2-3: The Traveling Bookshelf—Grand Prairie

• • The Traveling Bookshelf is committed to offering a mix of established and emerging authors as well as a variety of genres, most under the romance umbrella. The event is a positive, stress-free environment dedicated to bringing together authors and readers. Bring on the fun, fellowship, and flamingos.

• International •

GERMANY

October 3: RARE26Florence—Florence

• • Each attendee will have the opportunity to find new to you authors and meet as many signing authors as possible. Depending on ticket type purchased, you’ll have 7 or 5 hours to be in the signing room and purchase books, get your books signed, chat and take pictures with authors. There is no additional ticket or fee to meet or have your pictures taken with authors on event day.  

UK

October 26: The Maasquerade Ball—Alcester, Warwickshire

• Step into the Court of Spice for an evening that honors the next chapter in Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses universe, featuring immersive entertainment and festivities as you count down to midnight and the release of ACOTAR 6. Don your most exquisite mask and ballroom attire and join this romantasy ball you won’t forget.

NOVEMBER

• United States •

MARYLAND

November 13-15: Royal Book Bash in the DMV—Annapolis

• • An author-signing weekend with 35+ regional authors, a royal feast, games, a Saturday book sale and banquet after-party, plus brunches with the authors.

MINNESOTA

November 6-8: Fables & Flames Romantasy Gala & Book Convention—Bloomington

• Fables & Flames is a three-day fantasy book convention and gala celebrating the worlds of romantasy, high fantasy, and the readers who love them. Meet beloved authors, discover new favorites, shop magical vendors, and immerse yourself in themed experiences designed to make you feel like the main character.

November 7: Book Blast in Dallas—Dallas

• • Brings together more than 150 authors for signings, featuring VIP experiences like early access and specialized totes. Similar in spirit to large book festivals or community-driven "Book Bonanzas." All ages, but some material may not be suitable for those under 18. You can find a list of attending authors here. 

2027

ILLINOIS

June 17-19: Inked & Enchanted—Chicago

• • Escape into a realm of Romantasy and tattoos at this weekend event. Meet and greet with a diverse lineup of romance authors and narrators. Get your favorite books signed, hear about their latest works, and immerse yourself in the world of literature. For ages 18+.

We'll be updating this list often, so be sure to come back and see what's been added. 

Don't miss our Ultimate List of Book Fairs, Festivals, and Conferences article, covering more than just the romance and romantasy genres!