Boozy Book Fair 2025: A Spirited Literary Evening in Beamsville with Grimsby Books (Event Recap)

I spent Sunday evening at the Boozy Book Fair hosted by Grimsby Books and Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers—and it was exactly the kind of event that makes my bookish heart happy.

Taking place at Dillon’s cozy distillery in Beamsville, this grown-up twist on the childhood book fair combined my two great loves: good stories and good drinks.

I heard about the event the last time I was at Grimsby Books and immediately knew I had to go. I’ve been looking for more local literary events that are casual, fun, and feel like community.

And this hit all those marks.

About the Event

Get ready for the most spirited Sunday of the season! Grimsby Books and Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers are teaming up to bring you a Boozy Book Fair like no other—think childhood book fair vibes with a grown-up twist!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grimsby Books (@grimsbybooks)

Join us on Sunday, June 8th from 4–7 PM for an evening of browsing books, sipping handcrafted cocktails, and reliving your book-loving nostalgia! Discover your next favourite read while enjoying Dillon’s signature drinks and that magical feeling only a book fair can bring.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a bookworm, or just in it for the vibes—this is your storybook Sunday. Mark your calendars and bring your book besties!

📍 4833 Tufford Road, Beamsville, ON

🗓️ Sunday June 8, 2025

⏰ 4-7 p.m.

Event Highlights

The vibe was laid-back and lively. People milled around with cocktail glasses in one hand and a book in the other, swapping recs and chatting with the Grimsby Books staff about new favourites. I loved that this wasn’t a super structured event—it felt more like a community gathering with a literary flair.

Insta0

One highlight for me was [insert something: e.g., “the featured display of local authors,” “getting to chat with other readers about recent Canadian SFF releases,” “discovering a book I hadn’t seen on my radar before but now can’t stop thinking about”].

Those Vibes Though

I didn’t realize how much I needed a relaxed bookish evening until I was in the middle of one. There was something about the combination of clinking glasses, the smell of paper and juniper, and that low hum of people gushing about books that reminded me why I love this community so much.

Insta1 (Carousel?)

As someone who reads a lot and shares a lot online, it’s easy to get a little detached from the joy of in-person book spaces—but this was cozy, casual, and left me feeling recharged.

What I Bought

I walked away with [Book Title] by [Author]—mostly because the cover caught my eye and the bookseller said, “This one has morally complex witches,” and that’s all I needed to hear.

Insta2

I also couldn’t resist a [cocktail-themed bookmark / branded tote / Dillon’s glass] because yes, I am a sucker for well-designed merch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the Niagara region and love both books and cocktails, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the next Boozy Book Fair.

Insta3

It’s the kind of event that invites you to slow down, sip something delicious, and fall back in love with books in real time.

Did you attend the Boozy Book Fair?

Share your favorite moments or book finds in the comments below!

If you missed it, what are some of the best adult book fairs you've been to lately?