Reading is Brew-tiful: Boozy Book Fair Returns for Round Two at Reaver Beach

Get ready bookworms—the Boozy Book Fair is back for another round! Organized by Reaver Beach Brewing and Eleanor’s Norfolk bookstore, this literary-inspired event combines two beloved pastimes—drinking beer and buying books.

I spoke with Kourtney from Reaver Beach Brewing and Erin from Eleanor’s Norfolk to get the inside scoop on this unique collaboration. Kourtney shared that the idea was born from nostalgia for childhood Scholastic Book Fairs. She and Erin wanted to create an adult version that celebrated local bookshops and breweries.

Erin added, “Some of my absolute favorite memories are tied to Scholastic Book Fairs! When I first met Kourtney and we were trying to plan another event, we started talking about books and reminiscing about how much joy we used to get from those school book fairs.”

The key to the event’s success is the thoughtful partnership between the two businesses. Eleanor’s Norfolk hand selects the lineup of participating booksellers and titles that inspire the bespoke beer cocktails crafted by Reaver Beach’s taproom manager Tatia. Erin explained, “We choose authors we genuinely love and like to talk about, send over to Kourtney with a book attached and a bit of info on the author, and then Tatia uses her absolutely incredible brain to come up with the perfect blend of flavor and vibe to complement the author.”

For example, the “Homegoing” cocktail featuring mango and orange juices connects to the fire and water imagery in Yaa Gyasi’s novel.

Kourtney explained that community is at the heart of Reaver Beach’s mission. Showcasing fellow small businesses allows everyone to discover new local gems. She hopes attendees will be introduced to authors, bookstores, and breweries they haven’t experienced before.

Erin echoed the community focus, saying “We would love for folks to find community through their love for books, beer, or both. It’s so important to recognize that we’re all here, working together and if we can show support for other local businesses we love…what’s better than that?”

Building on the success of last year, the duo is expanding the event this year, with local zines featured in the upstairs area. Kourtney and Erin envision the Boozy Book Fair becoming an annual tradition that gives people that nostalgic Scholastic atmosphere with a grown-up twist.

Enjoy great brews, shop from an array of booksellers, and relive the magic of browsing books as a kid (with beer in hand!).

Full details on Facebook.

Boozy Book Fair: The Sequel!Saturday, September 2nd4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Reaver Beach Brewing3800 Colley Ave, Norfolk

The Vendors:

• Eleanor’s Norfolk

• The Violet Fox

• The Muse Writers Center

• Reach Reads

• Humanities Behind Bars

• Slover Library

• Wand Books LLC

• Hangry’s Food Truck (food not books)

& more!

The Author-Inspired Beer Cocktail List:

“Homegoing”Spicy Mango & Orange Beermosa

“Wizard of Earthsea”Pineapple Beermosa

“Bridge of Flowers”Grapefruit Mint & Rosewater Beermosa

“Revolution and Evolution”Coconut & Pandan Beermosa

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