{"id":22790,"date":"2025-10-12T20:04:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T20:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scarlet-rhapsody.com\/?p=22790"},"modified":"2025-10-12T22:23:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T22:23:55","slug":"con-report-enchanted-realms-book-festival-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scarlet-rhapsody.com\/?p=22790","title":{"rendered":"[Con Report] Enchanted Realms Book Festival 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The book bus from Temecula!<\/p><\/div>\n

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 <\/span>A Court of Thrones and Roses<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Fourth Wing<\/span><\/i>. Cosplay was definitely encouraged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fun<\/a>

Fun with archery!<\/p><\/div>\n

The last time I attended a literary science fiction and fantasy convention in the LA area<\/a>, let\u2019s 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\u2019t 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+\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Showtunes<\/a>

Showtunes in the park<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Welcome<\/a>

Welcome to the realm!<\/p><\/div>\n

I parked in the LA City Zoo lot. Griffith Park\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lots<\/a>

Lots of vendors under decorated tents!<\/p><\/div>\n

I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I was browsing around the vendors to the sounds of a songstress signing showtunes from <\/span>Wicked<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Phantom<\/span><\/i>, and <\/span>Cinderella<\/span><\/i>. People were dressed up; I didn\u2019t see the walk around book characters. Renaissance faire outfits, <\/span>ACOTAR<\/span><\/i>, and <\/span>The Empyrean <\/span><\/i>were very represented! At first, I was shy to ask to get photos of people\u2019s book event fits, but I did capture a few cosplayers and costumers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Hear<\/a>

Hear me out…what if we dressed like this at Epic Universe?<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/a> and my flower crown from Tudor Roses<\/a>. A few costumed attendees also had the same idea!<\/p>\n

\"Dressed<\/a>

Dressed in my faire outfit. People say I’m fae (not to be trusted).<\/p><\/div>\n

There were no panels, but authors were willing to talk to you about their books. I loved how we had everything from children\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Some<\/a>

Some of the booth decor was really cute!<\/p><\/div>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Picked<\/a>

Picked up this Fushigi Yuugi coded book from Nicolette Andrews<\/p><\/div>\n

I also dropped by Briarwick Candles<\/a> to sample their candles and add my \u201cbook mate\u201d\u2019s 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\u2019re reading this, Briarwick, hope we can collaborate on candles <\/span>when<\/b> Girlypop 2000<\/span><\/i> gets its day!)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Who<\/a>

“Who is your book mate?”<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Y'all<\/a>

Y’all can figure out who I mentally cast Xaden as…<\/p><\/div>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cottagecore<\/a>

Cottagecore mushroom!<\/p><\/div>\n

There were food vendors. However, anytime there\u2019s 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\u2019s day. Before hitting the road home, I stopped by <\/span>Tea Spectral<\/span><\/a>. They filled my cup of their Crimson special. It made driving through traffic all the more sweeter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Book<\/a>

Book sold out? No problem! You can also request online orders or pre-order upcoming releases!<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019s hot (and spicy) to current audiences. It’s Lilith Fair\u2026but books!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Written<\/a>

Written by Cosplay Ancestor Eri
IG: @cosplayancestoreri
TikTok: @cosplayancestoreri
BluSky: scarlet-rhapsody.com<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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…
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