Antiquarian Book Fair – Florida Antiquarian Book Fair
The Florida Antiquarian Book Fair is described as the largest and longest running antiquarian book fair in the Southeastern United States and among the largest nationally. Presented by the Florida Antiquarian Booksellers Association, the event gathers roughly 75 independent bookstores from across the country, each operating a pop up shop. It is held at St. Petersburg’s Historic Coliseum, located at 535 4th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The 2027 edition is scheduled for Saturday, March 6 from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, March 7 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Attendees can browse rare and unusual finds spanning books, maps, prints, ephemera, photographs, and autographs across a wide variety of subjects and topics. Free parking is available at the venue, and ticket proceeds benefit the St. Petersburg Public Library.
Admission is offered through two channels with different pricing. Box office tickets, sold cash only, are $10 daily, $5 for college students, $1 for children under 18, and $15 for a weekend pass. Tickets purchased through Eventbrite are $15 daily, $20 for the weekend, $7 for university students, and $1 for children. This structure gives visitors flexibility in how they buy entry to the two day event.
Beyond the fair itself, the organization sponsors Rare Book Cafe, described as the world’s first internet TV talk show devoted entirely to antiquarian books, extending its reach to collectors and enthusiasts year round. The association maintains channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and publishes a blog. Anchored in St. Petersburg, the fair serves collectors, dealers, and the general public interested in rare and collectible printed material, drawing exhibitors and attendees to the Tampa Bay region of Florida each year.