Tampa Book Buzz

This literary festival aspires to bring Florida authors, writers and poets and related vendors together to share in a celebration of literature and writing with the Tampa Bay community. Approximately 70 poets, fiction writers, and songwriters as well as visual artists presented work at the first event in 2007. There are events for all ages.

There will be four sound stages for readings and live music. Literacy and arts activities will be available for ages from 2 through middle school and workshops available to adults of all ages. The schedule is currently under construction and will be announced around September 1.

One goal is to excite all children and young adults about the pleasures of reading and using the written and spoken word creatively in its many wonderful and diverse forms. Another goal is to illuminate the numerous talented writers living in our community, and a third goal is to provide a new opportunity to emerging authors to develop their audience.

The festival will also have an outdoor live music stage featuring singer/songwriters including Ronny Elliott, Bunko Squad and Darrell House. Booksellers, small publishing houses and related vendors will attend the event. Related activities include street theater, food vendors and book signings.

The event is in partnership with Hillsborough Community College-Ybor City Campus, Ybor City Development Corporation, the Cuban Club, BAAMO, Cigar City Magazine, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, and Children’s Future Hillsborough.

The purpose of the Artists and Writers Group is to develop and nurture cultural events that contribute a positive and meaningful experience to our community.