Tampa: Water Street Book fair and the tampa Book and Sip Club
Florida is not first place one thinks of when envisioning books and book themed events. However, that is changing. Last fall I was able to attend the Miami book fair with authors, bookstores and other vendors present.
A book trailer at the Miami book far. I am present in front of the camera, with my back facing the camera as I head inside.
More recently, and more local to the Tampa Bay area, I attended the annual Antiquarian Book Fair located at the Coliseum in St Petersburg, Florida. Booksellers from all across the country came with a variety of antique (and some new) books.
My friend Meci came with me to the event and we saw some really amazing copies of some cool books and other interesting ephemera. I did not end up getting anything that day but Meci found a cool pamphlet c. 1950’s of old Florida. Meci has amazing book reviews and commentary, and you can follow her here on Instagram and here on Tik Tok.
These events are all amazing and show how the book scene is growing and thriving in Florida. Recently, I signed up and became a member of the Tampa Bay chapter of the Book and Sip Club. The first event (and so far my only event) that I’ve attended was March’s bookclub, which mandated a dress code. This months themes was Shadows and Smoke, on theme for the March book, Lucy Foley’s The Guest List.
The club has a low monthly fee and then events have a ticket cost as well. This event cost about $20, and included a a glass of champagne and a drink from Happy Coffee, Robert Downey Jr.’s new coffee company.
I had invited a few friends to attend the event with me, but ended up attending solo this time around. Putting yourself out there can be difficult, but so many ladies attended alone and I had fun! I talked with a few of the women there, about the book, but also about the current going on in Reality TV world, Bridgerton (The Duke and I is April’s book), and regular small talk.
If you are able to, I’d highly encourage putting yourself out there. It might not even be for a bookclub, but something that aligns with your interests! This is just one way you can find connections and build community as an adult in 2026. Its can be nerve-wracking entiering a new space where you don’t know anyone, but.. do it anyway. Better to do it nervous than not at all. Chances are many others are feeling the same way.
