Wisconsin Grown-Up Book Fair

Chris Lotten Photography
The scene at the 2023 Wisconsin Grown-Up Book Fair.
Wisconsin Grown-Up Book Fair
Readers of a certain age no doubt look back with nostalgia on the Scholastic book fairs of their elementary school years. Which is probably why the annual two-day Wisconsin Grown-Up Book Fair — now in its fourth year — has become a huge success. Local participating bookstores include A Room of One’s Own, Mystery To Me, Leopold’s, Lake City Books, The Book Deal and Madison Paperbacks. Plus, vendors will be selling everything from baked goods to vintage clothing. Last year Isthmus contributor Mel Hammond wrote about the experience. A portion of Saturday’s ticket sales will benefit the Madison Public Library Foundation, while a portion of Sunday’s ticket sales will go to the Madison Reading Project. Five sessions run for two-and-a-half hours each (starting at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. and noon Sunday), which means you’ll have plenty of time to snag some books and enjoy a specialty cocktail.
media release: Step back into the cherished memories of your childhood at the 4th Annual Wisconsin Grown-Up Book Fair, brought to you by FPC Live!
Join us at The Sylvee, as it is transformed into the iconic setting reminiscent of beloved elementary school book fairs of the '90s, but this time tailored for the grown-up you.
Sip on a specialty cocktail and peruse the shelves of local and independent booksellers, plus other curated local vendors that will scratch your nostalgic itch.
Secure your throwback journey by selecting one of the limited ticketed sessions below! A portion of ticket sales for Day 1 will benefit the Madison Public Library Foundation.
Saturday: Sessions at 9:00 am to 11:30 am, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, or 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Sunday: Sessions at 9:00 am to 11:30 am or 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Please note that although the event welcomes all ages to attend, it is catered towards grown-ups and may not always be kid friendly!
A portion of ticket sales for Day 1 will benefit the Madison Public Library Foundation. A portion of ticket sales for Day 2 will benefit the Madison Reading Project.
A Grown-Up Book Fair tote bag is included with each purchased ticket.
Book Stores:
A Room of One’s Own
Mystery To Me
Leopold’s
Lake City Books
The Book Deal
Madison Paperbacks
Vendors:
Mint Picks – Vintage Clothing
Miggy’s Bakes – Baked Goods
Kim Marie – Local Children’s Book Author
The Artistry Studio – Art/Prints/Stickers
Mississippi Mayhem – Art/Prints/Stickers
Bookish Stickers
Tricky Foods
Dream Day Entertainment – Photobooth
+ More announcing soon!