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

Updated April 15, 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.

APRIL

•United States •

FLORIDA

April 17-20: Spellbound at Sea—Miami

• • Join the ultimate fantasy book cruise, Spellbound at Sea! Sail onboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, for a 3-night enchanting getaway to the Bahamas! Enjoy immersive themed parties and bookish events such as a fantasy ball, trivia, craft classes, and karaoke.

MARYLAND

April 23-26: 2026 ApollyCon—National Harbor

• • An annual multi-day author event owned by #1 New York Times- and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout. Established in 2015, ApollyCon features authors (who write Young Adult and Adult fiction), vendors, publishers, sponsors, and hosts over 1,000+ readers each year in the Washington, D.C., area.

NEW YORK

April 18: Romance in CNY—Utica

• • This event brings together some of the best romance authors, passionate readers, and a variety of exciting vendors. It’s the ultimate gathering for anyone who enjoys the magic of a good romance novel, as well as the unique, creative world that surrounds it. 

April 18-19: BookCon™—New York City

• • Where storytelling and pop culture collide! Step into a weekend where stories come alive and fantasy meets reality. Where meeting your favorite author is just the beginning of your adventure. From intimate author chats and immersive experiences to book swaps that feel like treasure hunts, we're building an event for lovers of storytelling in all its forms.

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+.

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 18-19: Lore & Luster Fantasy & Romance Con—Tacoma

• • A fantasy and romance-themed bookish market and fan experience celebrating all things fantasy, romance, and magic. This two-day immersive event features author signings, curated vendors, fandom-inspired goods, panel discussions, giveaways, and a showstopping Romantasy Ball.

•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

CANADA 

April 18: Pages & Pleasures Romance Book Fair—Kitchener, Ontario

• • Explore the second annual Pages and Pleasures Kitchener event with us! 2025 was filled with over 70 authors and specialty vendors. Thousands of people came and experienced love, romance, and a little naughtiness. We're proud supporters of everything Romance. 

 

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+.

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.

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 •

AUSTRALIA

May 23: A Romantic Affair—Hindmarsh

• • Presented by The First Chapter Bookshop, A Romantic Affair brings together over 100 authors and passionate vendors from around the world for one unforgettable day. Whether you're a diehard dark romance reader or a happily-ever-after-junkie, don’t miss this celebration of love, stories, and "swoon worthy" moments.

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

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+.

MINNESOTA

June 20: Star of the North Author Event—Minneapolis

• • Join 50+ of your favorite romance returning and new attending authors, along with literary vendors for a single-day book signing. 

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.) 

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

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.

CONNECTICUT

July 24-25: RomantiConn—Trumbbull

• • 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+. 

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.

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. 

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+.

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

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 19: 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. 

OCTOBER

• United States •

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 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.

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.

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.

TEXAS

October 4-6: 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.

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!