Book lovers looking to refresh their shelves — and maybe discover a few hidden gems along the way — will want to mark their calendars for Novel’s 3rd Annual Summer Stock-Up Book Fair for Grownups. Equal parts literary celebration and community gathering, the morning and afternoon event has quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated summer happenings for readers.
“It started because of the overwhelming nostalgia we were seeing around the old Memphis bookstores of the past,” says Kat Leache, social media and promotions manager at Novel. “People really missed the feeling of browsing tables of books and discovering things together.”
That sense of discovery is at the heart of the Stock-Up Book Fair. Inspired by classic school book fairs and expanded through Novel’s partnership with local businesses and artisans, the event blends curated book displays with food, drinks, and themed vendors. This year’s fair includes browsing sessions staggered by ticket time (10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 3 p.m.) to keep the experience relaxed and interactive.
Guests attending the morning session will receive coffee from Belltower Coffee, a scone from Muddy’s Bake Shop, and a 10 percent discount coupon. Afternoon ticket holders can enjoy cocktails or mocktails from Donelson Bartending, plus a custom tote bag and the same storewide discount. Throughout the event, local baked goods and jams vendor O’Regan Creations will offer pop-up snacks for guests while they peruse the Book Fair and the store for all their bookish wants and needs.
Leache says the event has evolved significantly since its debut in 2024. What began as a modest setup with folding tables has grown into a large-scale immersive experience with expanded vendor participation and a stronger focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere for longtime readers and newcomers alike.
“The best part is watching people spend hours here just talking about books,” Leache says. “You can tell they’re genuinely excited to slow down and explore.”
For Memphis readers, the Summer Stock-Up Book Fair offers more than a shopping trip — it’s a celebration of the city’s literary community and the enduring joy of getting lost in a good bookstore.
3RD ANNUAL SUMMER STOCK-UP BOOK FAIR FOR GROWNUPS, NOVEL, 387 PERKINS EXTD., SUNDAY, MAY 31, 10 A.M., 2 P.M., 3 P.M.