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

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.

---

NOVEMBER

• United States •

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

November 29: Frost & Fable Faire—Pickens

• • Featuring a unique blend of a winter theme with a touch of fantasy or fae (fairy) elements, this event is described as a Winter Fae Ball where "realms collide and magic reigns". Expect live performances, including music, and other forms of entertainment that capture the theme of the event. For all ages.

DECEMBER

ARIZONA

December 5: Phoenix Winter Fantasy Ball 2025: Dragons & Embers—Phoenix

• • This enchanting event will transport attendees to a world where dragons soar the skies and heroes ride upon their majestic wings. Drawing inspiration from beloved fantasy books, movies, and TV shows, the night promises an unforgettable journey through legendary tales and epic adventures. For ages 18+.

GEORGIA

December 6: The Realms of Winter Gala—Atlanta

• • Magic comes alive at the enchanting Realms of Winter Gala, a night inspired by the timeless realms of favorite series such as Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, ACOTAR, Throne Of Glass, Crescent City, Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, The Witcher, and more. For ages 18+.
    

KENTUCKY

December 6: Books, Blankets, & Cocoa: A Cozy Winter Book Signing—Louisville

• • Meet beloved authors, connect with fellow book lovers, and discover sweet romances, spicy reads, and heartwarming stories—perfect for curling up with cocoa. Enjoy holiday swag, exclusive merch, and special opportunities to mingle with the storytellers behind your favorite pages.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

December 13: A Very Merry Bookmas: A Holiday Romance Book Faire—Manchester

• • Get in the holiday spirit with a wide selection of romance novels from your favorite authors. Meet fellow book lovers, discover new reads, and maybe even find the perfect gift for someone special. Don't miss out on this magical event filled with love, laughter, and of course, romance. Check with event organizers for any age restrictions.

WASHINGTON

December 13: A Gathering of Frost & Fables—Mill Creek

A free-to-attend mini romantasy convention featuring 12 incredible authors across three signing time slots. Each author will have books available for purchase, and will be signing, chatting, and connecting with readers all day long. Fantasy-inspired attire is encouraged. 

• International •

AUSTRALIA

December 6: Heroes & Villains Book Ball—Brisbane

• • ​This holiday season, step beyond the page and into a night of whimsy, wonder, and wicked delight at the first-ever She Journeys Christmas Party!  Join fellow readers, cosplayers, and book lovers for a magical evening where your favourite characters come to life. Whether you channel your inner dark queen or noble knight, this is your chance to dress up, celebrate the stories we love, and toast to the year that was.

 

2026 Events

JANUARY

•United States •

ARIZONA

January 10: Chapter 4: The Night Court Ball—Gold Canyon

• • Magic, mystery, and timeless elegance await. This exclusive, immersive event promises an unforgettable evening of twirling in exquisite gowns, sharp tuxedos, and dazzling dreamers beneath a starlit sky. For ages 18+.

FLORIDA

January 10: Lust in Miami—Coral Gables

• • Come enjoy the sun (hopefully) along with some beautiful sights, amazing atmosphere, and gorgeous venue! This event will showcase 30-35 authors and be the perfect easement into meeting some of the best people ever! Attending authors include: Rebecca Jose, Ali Lucia Sky, Gracie Cooper, and many more. 

January 18: Scandals & Swoons: A Celebration of Historical Romance—Orlando

• • Scandals & Swoons Festival celebrates the rich traditions and diverse voices of historical romance. They aim to create a space for historical romance readers both old and new to come together, form connections, and create long-lasting memories. The goal is to organize an event that’s accessible, cozy, and relaxed, where readers can celebrate the genre while connecting with kindred spirits.

January 31 - February 1: Feel the Heat Romance Book Bash—Orlando

• • Ready for a sizzling day filled with your favorite romance authors? Whether you're into sweet romance or steamy love tales, this event has something for everyone. Meet and mingle with writers, discover new books, and maybe even find a new book boyfriend. For all ages.

NEW JERSEY

January 30-February 5: Throne of Starlight Ball—Parsippany

• • As the realms of Fae gather in a celebration of opulence, power, and hidden desires—the fate of the Night Court hanging in the balance—every attendee must decide where their loyalties lie and what they are willing to risk for power, glory, and love. For ages 18+.

NORTH CAROLINA

January 17: Frostbound Ball—Jacksonville

• • Break the curse of the eternal winter at this Lazy Daisy Event. Experience a night of whimsy and enchantment with fellow romantasy enthusiasts. Dance, discuss books, and meet new friends in a magical setting. For ages 21+. 

January 30-31: Persephone's Grove: A Midwinter Ball—Charlotte

• • Not just a book ball venue—but a portal to another world. Step inside Crowe Mansion, where a velvet-draped ballroom and moonlit terrace await. Built in 1912 and brimming with stories, this historic estate will set the stage for a night of myth, magic, and romance. For ages 21+.

SOUTH CAROLINA

January 16-18: Love in the Carolinas—Florence

• • Celebrating Black romance and authors, this event includes a meet-and-greet, the main book expo, a candle-making experience, and a game night, ending with a farewell brunch. Hosted by author Juri Hines.

TENNESSEE

January 17: Frosted Flames Book Signing—Gatlinburg

• • This special gathering, hosted by Unalive Promotions, celebrates the fiery passion of romance literature, bringing together authors and fans from across the genre for an unforgettable day of books, conversation, and community. For all ages.

• International •

January 21: ERA26: A Fantasy and Romance Book Event—Melbourne

• • Wander through a realm of stories with author signings and bookish stalls to explore. Join a Q&A panel, attend a workshop, create your own signature scent, and just enjoy being among fellow fantasy and romance readers – you’ll be inspired to find your inner magic here. Attendees under 16 are allowed at the parent’s discretion, as there will be merchandise of an adult nature during the book signing.

FEBRUARY

ARIZONA

February 13-14: Wild & Windy Phoenix—Phoenix

• • Wild & Windy Book Events are romance book conventions hosted annually in by Nicole Huffman & Michelle Mankin. A portion of proceeds from each event are donated to the food banks in the cities where the events are held. Event is 18+.

CALIFORNIA

February 13-15: LoveLitCon—San Diego

• • Meet amazing authors face to face, get books signed, hear unknown revelations at panels, discover new and rising voice, peruse bookish merch—all alongside romance lovers. Enjoy a safe and accessible environment, padded schedules with downtime, space to take breaks when needed, plus beautiful weather and views to complement great books. 
    

February 26-28: Romantasy BookCon—Los Angeles

• • Calling all book dragons to embark on a magical weekend that brings together passionate readers, incredible authors, and bookish vendors. Embrace your inner darkness and getting ready for a weekend unlike any other. Ages 18+ for daytime events, and 21+ for evening events.

FLORIDA

February 19-22: Coastal Magic Convention—Daytona Beach

• • A casual, beachside reader weekend celebrating the magic of stories and storytellers, with a focus on creating opportunities for authors and readers to mingle, have bookish fun, and create amazing memories. 50+ featured authors. For attendees under 18, parental or legal guardian permission is required.

February 27-March 4: Love Lit Cruise 2026—Miami

• • A one-of-a-kind boutique romance book convention on a luxury cruise ship, where readers and authors come together for an intimate, immersive, and unforgettable adventure. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s the ultimate escape for romance readers! A five-night, intimate voyage aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, blending the magic of books with the luxury of cruising. For ages 18+.

GEORGIA

February 13-15: Love Y'all Romance Book Fest—Decatur

• • What started as friends talking about their favorite books ended up becoming an annual celebration of romance for all, featuring 80 authors, two days of panels and signings, and exclusive author experiences. For all ages.

MISSOURI

February 7: Flirty in Kansas City—Kansas City

• • An annual book signing and meet-and-greet for romance and erotica authors. Meet your favorite authors and discover new books. For all ages, but some available content may be for mature audiences.

NEVADA

February 28-March 1: Boozy Book Tour: Pajama Jammy Jam—Las Vegas

A book signing and melanin ball providing authors and readers with a new take on literary events. BBT is a more personable, intimate setting; showcasing an amazing variety of Indie Authors. Giving the collective a revamped experience when it comes to book signings, meet & greets, and spirit & wine tastings.

• International •

AUSTRALIA

February 7: Meet Me in the Mountains 2026—Penrith NSW

• • Come and meet your favorite authors and maybe even find some new faves. Over 70 authors and vendors to choose from spanning the romantasy, dark romance, rom com, and paranormal genres. For ages 18+.

MARCH

• United States •

ARKANSAS

March 21: Authors Rocking Little Rock—Little Rock

LOUISIANA

March 13-15: Shadows & Seduction Dark Romance Ball—New Orleans

• • An event dedicated to spicy romance created by spicy romance lovers. Enjoy a weekend celebrating the books and authors that brought our darkest fantasies to light and introduced things we never thought we’d love. Attendees must be 18+ to attend author signing and 21+ to attend the ball.

MINNESOTA

March 13-15: Sports Romance Con 2026—Bloomington

• • A three-day fan convention for sports romance readers and authors featuring a welcome party, panels, a signing hall, and a vendor hall, with different ticket options available for full weekend, Saturday only, or Sunday only access. An 18+ event. 

TEXAS

March 6-8: The Dreamers & Readers Festival—Dallas

• • From the grandeur of the Dreamers & Readers Expo (a 200+ expo of authors and bookish vendors) to the whimsy of fantasy balls including The Dreamers & Readers Ball, The Fantastique Starfall Ball™, and the Mythical Creatures Masquerade, the possibilities are as vast. For ages 18+.

March 20-22: Lust in the Lowcountry Romancecon—Charleston

• • A celebration of readers, writers, and all things romance, taking place in the heart of the sexiest city in the Southeast. Includes a Romantasy Ball with live performances and a book signing event. For ages 18+.

March 21: Holidays with the Belles 2026—Allen

• • A Southern Belle Book Event—Join 70 of your favorite romance authors for a single-day book signing filled to the brim with tried and true returning authors, new-to-us attending authors, and literary vendors. Contact event organizers for any age restrictions.

VIRGINIA
March 7-8: Sinful Signings—Roanoke

A sinfully fun weekend full of bookish debauchery! Two days of author signings and opportunities to meet some of your favorite Booktok creators. Some of your favorite narrators will be in attendance, and there'll be bookish vendors onsite with their wares. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.

March 14: Secrets & Sins Book Signing—D.C.        

• • A scandalous book signing event full of networking, bookish fun, and connecting with readers who are passionate about romance and scandalous stories. For all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• International •

CANADA

March 21: Bonded and Enchanted—Victoria, BC

• • Vancouver Island's romance and fantasy themed convention and home ofthe Amethyst Ball. Join us for a gathering of fellow book enthusiasts. Discover new books, meet authors, and engage in lively discussions about all things romance. Whether you're a fan of mythical creatures, epic love stories, or enchanting worlds, this event is perfect for you. Let's bond over our shared love for romance and fantasy at this enchanting convention!

NEW ZEALAND

March 13-14: A Romantic Adventure 2026—Christchurch

• A romance-focused book signing event, featuring more than 100 romance authors and vendors, with opportunities for attendees to meet authors, browse books, and purchase exclusive editions. For all ages.

APRIL

•United States •

ARKANSAS

April 11-12: TropiCon™ Book Lovers Festival—Hot Springs

• • Meet and mingle with 75 book-signing authors and vendors. Score autographed books, swag, and more from bestselling authors. Event location is in a historic hotel with character in a town famous for its mobsters and bathhouses. For all ages.

NORTH CAROLINA

April 18: Vintage Fairytale Ball—Asheville

• • Lose yourself in an evening of music, storytelling, and immersive magic, where every detail is designed to transport you to another era. This ball invites you to adorn yourself in elegant vintage or fairytale-inspired attire and dance beneath chandeliers as the echoes of forgotten tales fill the air. For ages 18+.

TEXAS

April 10-12: Kink & Ink Books & Tattoos—Dallas

• • A weekend event celebrating the fusion of literature, body art, and a touch of the unconventional. Whether you're a book lover, tattoo enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, this event has something for everyone. For ages 18+.

UTAH

April 17-18: Romance Out West—Sandy

• • 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. Their mission is simple: to create a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to connect, discover, and celebrate love stories.

WASHINGTON

April 11-12: Wicked Readers 2026—Tacoma

• • A dark romance signing event presented by Romantika Designs and Naughty Nerd Author Services. Featuring authors, models, narrators, and influencers. This is an 18+ event due to the dark theme of the books and vendors. Concessions will be made for infants/toddlers/nursing mothers.

•International•

AUSTRALIA

April 18: A Thousand Lives Indie Book Convention—Melbourne

• • This is a romance specific signing event, featuring Indie Authors. "The A Thousand Lives Masquerade Ball" in the evening, at the conclusion the signing event, will be held in a separate location. For ages 16+, but any attendees between 16 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

MAY

COLORADO

May 29-30: Fantastique Starfall Ball™ 2026 CO—Larkspur

• • Winnow away to the mountains of Colorado for a two-day, inclusive bookish celebration themed around favorite fantasy books. Along with the festival, there will be an enchanting ball with food, an open bar, stunning entertainment, dancing under the stars, and special effects/décor that will have you feeling a part of the magical world of high fae. For ages 18+.

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.

MASSACHUSETTS

May 30: Potions & Pages Book Signing—Peabody

• • A spellbinding day filled with books, authors, bookish vendors, and making memories. Meet favorite authors, get books signed, and mingle with fellow book lovers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of magic and books. For all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

PENNSYLVANIA

May 22-24: Just Another Bookish Ball—Pittsburgh

• • A fantasy-themed bookish event that not only will have fantasy authors, but also dressing up as your favorite book characters (whether or not that is fantasy) is encouraged. Must be 18+ to attend the Fantasy Flea Market, and 21+ to attend the Fairy Festival.

May 26: Kiss & Tale: An Indie Romance Book Signing—Philadelphia

• • Designed to be smaller and more personal than large-scale book conventions, Kiss & Tale events foster a closer interaction between authors and readers. Enjoy snacks while getting book signed and mingling with other book lovers. Check with event organizers for any age restrictions.

• International •

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

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. 

JULY

ARKANSAS

July 16-19: 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.

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+.

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 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.

AUGUST

ILLINOIS

August 27-30: 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+.

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+.

TENNESSEE

August 1: Rockin' Romance Readers—Alcoa

SEPTEMBER

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.

OCTOBER

• United States •

MASSACHUSETTS

October 1-11: 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.

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!