Book fairs are a core memory from primary school for many adults today. Lisa Romella, owner of Awkward Nerd Events, wonders why such festivities are so rarely offered for adults. Thus, she started the Awkward Nerd Book Fair in 2022.
This year, the event is at new venue, the Tripoli Shrine Center on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Attendees can expect the memories of their childhood book fairs brought back to life – plus readings, author signings, a vendor area, book fair-themed cocktails and mocktails, a photobooth and a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog.
“A huge thing for us is bringing together the Milwaukee community in a way that’s positive and fun,” Romella said.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Special guest Mychal Threets is set to lead a conversation with Milwaukee-based author Nghi Vo and will be featured in a panel regarding literacy. Threets is a librarian and literary ambassador from Fairfield, California. He is one of TIME Magazine’s 2024 Next Generation Leaders and the 2024 “I Love My Librarian” award recipient.
A wide range of guest authors will host 30-minute readings along with a book signings. Their books can be purchased from a bookseller at the fair. Here is the schedules of guest authors readings:
“If you’ve never been to an author talk, take the opportunity to come try it out,” Romella said.
There will also be authors with tables selling and signing their books.
The vendor area will be expanded this year with over 40 retailers. Booths will include book sellers, authors selling their own work, games, items that are book themed, nerdy and more.
“We want you to come by our table and see all the erasers and the funny pencils and pens and go, ‘oh my gosh I remember when I was a kid and how much fun I had doing that,’” Romella said.
All book fair themed cocktails offered will have a mocktail version for sale. One of the featured beverages is a lemon-lime soda and juice Goosebumps drink with either vodka or sparkling water.
General Admission costs $15 in advance and $20 at the door. VIP tickets are sold out. For more information and lists of the vendors, authors, panels and more visit awkwardnerdevents.com or Awkward Nerd Events’ Instagram.
