Traveling to attend? Book with one of our partners for a deal through our hotel block!
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Fairfield Inn & Suites: $179 - $199 (block expires 8/30), book HERE.
- Hilton: $149 (block expires 8/30), book HERE.
- Hyatt: $194, (expires 8/21), book HERE.
Relive the nostalgia of your youth with a classic 90s themed Book Fair for adults! It's like the Fair you remember, but all grown up – and with a nerdy bent.
This year the Triploli Shrine Center (TSC) is excited to host us and support the explosive growth of the event. This venue change is huge - the ballroom has triple the space and will feature more booksellers, authors, game sellers/publishers, bookish vendors, food, and the ever popular 90s themed Craft Area.
We also have an opportunity for a handful of folks to join us for a very special cocktail sunset cruise the evening before the Book Fair - The Big Gay Pirate Cruise! (details below)
At the Awkward Nerd Book Fair, adult attendees will enjoy talks, panels, and signings that cover an expansive genre list, including: game designers, horror, poetry, punk, thriller, fantasy, comics, queer, and even some work that’s a little naughty and bawdy. ;-)
As always, there will be our famous themed cocktails and mocktails, a photobooth and special visit from a Red Dog. Who is big.
Details:
- Date: Sunday, September 22
- Time: 11am - 5pm
- Venue: Tripoli Shrine Center (3000 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208)
**Special thanks to: Tripoli Shrine Center, Radio Milwaukee, and Feral Arts & Culture for their sponsorship support!**
The Big Gay Pirate Cruise (Sept. 21 6:30-8:30pm)
Join Awkward Nerd Events for a special event celebrating the recent release of Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland - a queer pirate romp.
This 2 hour sunset cruise on Lake Michigan will feature readings from Alexandra Rowland and special guest Liz Shipton, with ghost stories from us!
Cocktails and Mocktails included in the ticket price. Cosplay/pirate dress/'gentleman' pirate clothing heavily encouraged! (Attendees must be 18+ for this - there will be mocktails available, but some of the readings may get a little steamy!)
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
A LitHub Most Anticipated Book of 2024
“Fans of Our Flag Means Death are going to flock to this hilarious and unabashedly queer pirate adventure.” Booklist, starred review
Alexandra Rowland is the author of several works in the Chantiverse series, including A Taste of Gold and Iron, A Conspiracy Of Truths, and Some by Virtue Fall, as well as a co-host of the Hugo Award nominated podcast Be the Serpent, all sternly supervised by their feline quality control manager. They hold a degree in world literature, mythology, and folklore from Truman State University. Visit their website here to learn more.
Liz Shipton is a freelance writer, indie author, and full-time, off-grid, live-aboard sailor. Her work explores spicy dystopian themes, pirates, and so much more... Visit her website here to learn more.
TICKETS
Big Gay Pirate Cruise $45 (40 available) - SOLD OUT
Sunset boat cruise takes place Sept. 21 from 6:30-8:30pm
Ticket includes:
- 2 hour boat cruise
- 1 GA Ticket to Book Fair
- Cocktail/Mocktails
- Author readings (Alexandra Rowland and Liz Shipton)
Awkward Nerd Book Fair Tickets:
VIP: $30 (50 available)
- Event tote bag
- 90s themed goodies (toys/candy)
- 1 drink ticket
- 2 raffle tickets
- Guaranteed entrance to author talks
General Admission: $15 in advance ($20 at door)
- Access to full vendor ballroom and craft area
- Opportunity to attend all author talks (provided there is room)
Gift bag add-on - $15 (25 available)
- Event tote
- 90s themed goodies (toys/candy)
**All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Children and families welcome, but please note there may be 18+ content visible.**
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