[Con Report] Enchanted Realms Book Festival 2025

Enchanted Realms Book Festival took place on October 11, 2025 at The Autry in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA. The first time fantasy book convention drew in local authors from all genres to this outdoor event. I heard about this event when I had my book signing at Black Cat Fables. While I am not at a point in my writing career to table an event, I thought about attending my first convention dedicated to books and the readers that love them. 

This first year event was affordable; I only paid $20 for this one day outdoor event. The best way I can describe Enchanted Realms Book Festival is Renaissance Faire meets bookish vibes. I wished the website had a full listing of authors and vendors rather than looking at their instagram. I was excited to see their official walk-around fantasy characters from A Court of Thrones and Roses and Fourth Wing. Cosplay was definitely encouraged. 

The last time I attended a literary science fiction and fantasy convention in the LA area, let’s say it did not go too well. While SF/F conventions can vary depending on who is operating it, generally speaking, much of these events cater to older audiences and haven’t done much to bring in newer folks in. It seemed out of touch and very cis boomer male focused. Additionally, 2025 has had a history of major book conventions scamming attendees and authors. I have been wary about $100+  bookish events. I love the free romance book fairs in the LA area! The vibes are always femme-centric dolled up in a Selkie dress (or Popflex skirt) and a Taylor Swift soundtrack. 

I parked in the LA City Zoo lot. Griffith Park’s parking situation can be fairly harry. I had to lace my corset up after parking before walking over to The Autry. Checking in was no problem; just a scan of the QR code. Guests entered in a green topiary tunnel of books and reader vibes transporting you from Los Angeles to this fantasy realm. 

I didn’t know what to expect. I was browsing around the vendors to the sounds of a songstress signing showtunes from Wicked, Phantom, and Cinderella. People were dressed up; I didn’t see the walk around book characters. Renaissance faire outfits, ACOTAR, and The Empyrean were very represented! At first, I was shy to ask to get photos of people’s book event fits, but I did capture a few cosplayers and costumers.

Speaking of costuming, because this was at a park, this was an amazing place to get fantasy themed photos. I wore my faire outfit from Hearts Delight and my flower crown from Tudor Roses. A few costumed attendees also had the same idea!

There were no panels, but authors were willing to talk to you about their books. I loved how we had everything from children’s books, fantasy, horror, contemporary, comics, and more. I met a few local authors that normally do book talks at my local indie bookstores like Kristen Jennings and Primrose Company and Design. 

I also had some good conversations about old school anime with Ava Thorne and Nicolette Andrews. I picked up their very anime coded fantasy and science fiction books. 

I also dropped by Briarwick Candles to sample their candles and add my “book mate”’s names to their board. One of the vibes I liked about this event was there is definitely a strong presence of femmes who love their men written by women. (If you’re reading this, Briarwick, hope we can collaborate on candles when Girlypop 2000 gets its day!) 

I did see familiar names like Alamat and specialty indie bookstores. For folks who practice in witchy this and that, this was also an amazing event for that – books on practicing the craft, tarot readings, and witchy supplies were available. 

There were food vendors. However, anytime there’s an event like this, I bring my own salad with me. The lemonade stand was the most popular. I had the berry mixed lemonade and that kept me cool on the hot autumn’s day. Before hitting the road home, I stopped by Tea Spectral. They filled my cup of their Crimson special. It made driving through traffic all the more sweeter. 

Overall, I was not expecting to write a con report about this event. The impression I got was it was going to be a farmers market, but books, but I really think this brings the Greater LA reader community together. I would definitely love to come back next year (and nudge all my friends!). I really feel this might be the future of literary conventions considering the affordability and how this is targeted to what’s hot (and spicy) to current audiences. It’s Lilith Fair…but books!