Join us for a weekend of enchantment unlike any other, where you have the power to craft your own adventure!
The Dreamers & Readers Festival 2026
Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds and the choice of adventure lies solely in your hands at The Dreamers & Readers Festival!
Throughout the festival, attendees will have the unique opportunity to embark on a journey through multiple fantasy-themed balls and events, each offering its own magical atmosphere and captivating allure. From the grandeur of the Dreamers & Readers Expo (a 200+ expo of authors and bookish vendors) to the whimsy of our fantasy balls including The Dreamers & Readers Ball, The Fantastique Starfall Ball™, and the Mythical Creatures Masquerade, the possibilities are as vast and varied as the realms of fantasy themselves.
As a participant, you hold the power to tailor your experience to your own desires. Choose to attend anywhere between one and all our events throughout the festival. Whether you seek the thrill of dancing beneath the stars or the allure of a majestic ballroom filled with mystery and intrigue, whether you crave a stroll with the villainous or the elegance of the high fae, the choice is yours to make.
Indulge your senses in an array of fantastical delights, from exquisite costumes to mesmerizing entertainment, as you traverse between realms and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us at The Dreamers & Readers Festival for a weekend of unparalleled enchantment, where the magic of fantasy awaits at every turn.
This event is 18+. Tickets will be released in wave on Eventbrite starting with Pre-Order tickets opening June 13th.
When
March 6-8, 2026
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Where
The Gaylord Texan Resort
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
Weekend Itinerary
The Dreamers & Readers Expo
Embark on a literary odyssey at The Dreamers & Readers Expo, where over 200 authors and bookish merchandise vendors converge to create a fantasy event like no other. Delve into the depths of imagination as you explore aisles lined with tales waiting to be discovered and treasures waiting to be claimed. Engage with your favorite authors, uncover new literary gems, and immerse yourself in a world where every corner holds the promise of adventure. But the magic doesn't stop there! As you wander through the expo hall, be enchanted by free entertainment at every turn, from live readings and panel discussions to interactive workshops and immersive experiences. With a ticket granting access for all three days, you'll have ample time to explore, engage, and indulge in the fantastical realm of The Dreamers & Readers Expo. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this literary extravaganza where dreams come to life and readers reign supreme. Cash bars will be available within the expo hall. Must be 18+ to attend.
The Dreamers & Readers Ball
Step into a world where fantasy leaps from the pages and into reality at the Dreamers and Readers Ball! Dive into an evening of unparalleled enchantment where the rich tapestries of beloved fantasy books weave seamlessly through different realms of a grand ball. Immerse yourself in a realm where characters come to life, where magic is tangible, and where the air is thick with the excitement of literary adventure.
Indulge in a feast fit for kings and queens, sip on elixirs crafted by alchemists, and dance beneath the stars to melodies spun by faeries. Share stories of epic quests and mythical creatures with kindred spirits as you create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for a night where dreams take flight and where the magic of fantasy reigns supreme at the Dreamers and Readers Ball!
Food will be provided with one drink voucher and a cash bar. Entertainment, dancing, interactives, and a costume contest will be part of the evening's activities. Fantasy black tie attire required. Must be 18+
Fantastique Starfall Ball
Step into a world where starlight dances upon the breeze and magic thrums in the air at the Fantastique Starfall Ball™! Inspired by the allure of the night court and the enchanting realms of high fae, this spellbinding event promises an evening of unparalleled romance and fantasy.
Prepare to be swept away by opulence transformed into a realm of ethereal beauty. Delight in an enchanting celebration where every detail evokes celestial splendor, from shimmering decor to mesmerizing special effects that transport you to a realm of dreamers. Indulge in a feast fit for royalty, sip on elixirs that ignite the senses, and dance beneath the starlit sky to melodies that stir the soul.
Capture picturesque moments amidst the enchanting backdrop and revel in the company of fellow dreamers as you immerse yourself in the magic of the night. Join us for an unforgettable evening where fantasy and reality intertwine, and let the Fantastique Starfall Ball ignite your passion for adventure and romance.
Food will be provided with one drink voucher and a cash bar. Entertainment, dancing, interactives, and a costume contest will be part of the evening's activities. Fantasy black tie attire required. Must be 18+ to attend.
Mythical Creatures Masquerade
Enter a realm of wonder and mystique at the Mythical Creatures Masquerade, where the enchanting allure of an ancient forest merges with the magic of fantasy. Amidst towering trees and shimmering lights, embrace the opportunity to embody your favorite mythical beings, from majestic unicorns to powerful dragons and elusive forest spirits. With each step, discover a world where imagination knows no bounds and where every corner holds the promise of adventure.
Indulge in a feast of delights that tantalize the senses, from feasts fit for mystical royalty to elixirs that spark the imagination. Dance beneath the canopy of stars to ethereal melodies that echo through the night, and revel in the camaraderie of fellow dreamers who share your love for all things fantastical. Join us for an unforgettable evening where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, and where the Mythical Creatures Masquerade invites you to lose yourself in a world of enchantment and wonder.
Food will be provided with one drink voucher and a cash bar. Entertainment, dancing, interactives, and a costume contest will be part of the evening's activities. Fantasy black tie attire required. Must be 18+ to attend.
Farewell Fae Bash
Join us for one last enchanting hurrah at the Farewell Fae Bash, a fantastical send-off to The Dreamers & Readers Festival! Embrace the magic one final time as you don your most whimsical casual cosplay attire and bid adieu to a weekend filled with literary wonder. Let the music of the fae guide your steps as you dance beneath the twinkling lights, savoring every moment of camaraderie and adventure shared with fellow dreamers. Indulge in delectable delights, raise a toast to the memories made, and revel in the enchantment of this farewell celebration. Don't miss your chance to bid farewell to the festival in style at the Farewell Fae Bash, where fantasy becomes reality one last time. Food and mocktails provided. Cash bar available for alcohol. Must be 18+ to attend.
A Truly Wicked Affair
Step into the shadows of literary legend at A Truly Wicked Affair, where the villains of fantasy books take center stage in a luxury VIP experience unlike any other. Embrace your darker side as you don your most sinister attire and prepare to be ensnared by an evening of decadence and intrigue. From the depths of the darkest realms to the heights of villainous ambition, this event promises to immerse you in a world where mischief reigns supreme and the lines between hero and villain blur. Indulge in exquisite cuisine, sip on tantalizing libations, and revel in the company of fellow connoisseurs of the wicked arts as you dance the night away amidst the opulent splendor of A Truly Wicked Affair. Join us for an evening of luxury, fantasy, and the subtle allure of villainy. Food and beverage provided. Must be 18+ to attend.
Morally Gray Fashion Show Party
Step into the realm of haute couture fae-shion with the Morally Gray Fashion Show Party, an exclusive daytime luxury VIP experience hosted by Fantastique Collection and Designer Daddy, Nephi Garcia. Embrace the allure of fantasy fashion as you adorn yourself in shades of gray and prepare to be mesmerized by multiple captivating fashion shows. From ethereal gowns to avant-garde creations, each ensemble promises to blur the lines between light and shadow, good and evil, in a celebration of the morally gray. Indulge in delectable cuisine and tantalizing beverages as you mingle with fellow fashion aficionados, and let the entertainment whisk you away into a world of enchantment. Join us for a day of sophistication, style, and the subtle allure of the morally ambiguous at the Morally Gray Fashion Show Party. Food and drinks all included. Must wear gray for the theme, elevated cocktail attire or black tie attire. Must be 18+ to attend.
Fae High Tea
A white-glove tea experience for those who love the world of the high fae. Don yourself in your best tea party attire (gloves and fae ears encouraged) and join us for live music, delectable culinary delights, and time to make book besties in an afternoon. Must be 18+ to attend.
Farewell Fae Brunch
A cosplay friendly brunch to say our final farewells to the festival. Pick your favorite bookish cosplay and join your new book besties for one last breakfast. Must be 18+ to attend.
Editorial Fantasy Portraits
FAQs
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Not technically, but if you only want to attend for one day or just one event, you can! This will be an entire weekend event but a build-your-own-adventure type of experience!
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Yes! You get to choose how much or how little you want to attend.
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The dress code will be different for each event within the festival. Please see the description of your event for attire information.
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Please see Eventbrite for all the ticket prices.
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No. Hotel rooms are not included. We will have a room block of discounted rooms at the resort.
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This event is 18+.
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Each event within the festival will have different food & beverage options.
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DFW is 10-15 minutes from the resort.
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Tickets for the event are non-refundable, however, tickets can be sold or transferred to another person up to 90 days before the event. Resales & transfers must be processed through Un Jour D’Amour to avoid scams. Those reselling their tickets will not be allowed to significantly mark up their ticket.
apply to be a vendor
Authors
Authors
Calling all authors!
Submit your application to promote and sell your books or book merch at our expo. Authors chosen to attend will receive a 8ft table and 10ft booth at The Dreamers & Readers Expo. We look forward to meeting you and helping get your name out even more to our reading community!
Merch Vendors
Merch Vendors
Calling all bookish vendors and merchandise creators!
Submit your application to promote your company & sell your products or merch at our expo. Vendors chosen to attend will receive a 8ft table and 10ft booth at The Dreamers & Readers Expo. We look forward to meeting you and helping promote your business even more to our reading community!
The Venue:
The Gaylord Texan Resort
Get your ticket!
Donate to Take Back The Night
Donate to Take Back The Night
We have chosen to support Take Back The Night with The Dreamers & Readers Festival. Take Back The Night’s global mission is to end all forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, trafficking, stalking, gender harassment, and relationship violence, and to support survivors in their healing journeys.
If you are not able to join us at the event, please consider making a donation to the TBTN cause!