Shopapalooza Festival 2025 is a Book Lovers Paradise

The St. Pete Library is hitting the road and heading to the largest Small Business Saturday (and Sunday) event in the nation. More than 350 local makers and small businesses are coming together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr NE) on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival. The 2-day extravaganza celebrates local businesses, local arts, local tastes, local music, and the local vibe that makes Tampa Bay such a special place on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission to Shopapalooza is free and open to the public.

This year’s Shopapalooza Festival is welcoming a very special new guest: the St. Pete Bookmobile. Freshly launched this summer, the Bookmobile is a state-of-the-art mobile library packed with more than 1,000 books, plus Wi-Fi, charging stations, and cozy spaces to relax. Its mission? To bring the magic of the library directly to neighborhoods, events, and festivals across the city. And on November 29 & 30 at Vinoy Park, you’ll be able to climb aboard and see it for yourself.

Festival-goers can browse and check out books, sign up for a library card, and learn about the many free resources offered through the St. Petersburg Library System. Families will especially love the chance to spark their kids’ imaginations with stories on the go, right in the heart of all the Shopapalooza fun.

And there’s more, book lovers!

In addition to the city’s Bookmobile, Shopapalooza is also bringing together some of the Bay’s favorite book vendors and authors including Banyan Books, Brudders Books, Chris and the ABLE Universe and Lola’s Blind Date Books 7 Gifts.

Banyan Books – A local, family-run, pop-up bookshop led by a teacher, a copywriter, and their three daughters. They offer a curated mix of new and gently used books, local literary gifts, and paper goods—designed to suit each event’s vibe. Their aim? To plant “seeds of curiosity, strength, and community” across St. Pete.

Brudders Books – This Tampa Bay-based children’s series centers on a little bear, Brudders, who helps young readers navigate the challenges of growing up with heart, humor, and empathy. With award-worthy visual storytelling, Brudders books focus on building confidence, character, and emotional resilience,

Chris and the ABLE Universe – Meet Chris, an author with Asperger’s Syndrome whose creative journey began in childhood as a safe space to be himself. Through his growing ABLE Universe, Chris crafts original stories brimming with empathy, acceptance, and the empowering message that being “exceptional” is something to cherish.

Lola’s Blind Date Books & Gifts – Specializing in “blind dates with a book,” Lola’s offers hand-wrapped reads in beautiful paper, bundled with surprise goodies tucked inside — think treats, trinkets, and gifts that make every package a little treasure chest. Pick your preferred genre, and Lola’s will send you on a literary “date” full of mystery and delight.
With 350+ local makers and businesses, live entertainment, food, kids’ activities, and more, Shopapalooza is already the ultimate celebration of local love. A complete list of the 350 + participating businesses will be available by Nov 1 at shopapaloozafestival.com.

“Come with an open heart, a love for stories, and maybe an extra tote bag. At Shopapalooza 2025, every page leads to community, discovery, and joy. Whether you’re shopping, dancing, or just soaking up the holiday cheer, don’t miss this chance to check out St. Pete’s newest rolling library — and support local authors and booksellers — at Shopapalooza,” said Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza founder. Shopapalooza Festival is produced by LocalShops1 and co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.