Event Type 2: Social Gathering

PoeFest is celebrating its 15th year commemorating the works of Edgar Allan Poe, and you can be a part of it all at multiple locations throughout Phoenix, Arizona this October. PoeFest has been a labor of love for a decade. When PoeFest first opened, it did so to just six audience members. With a packed audience on the third night, they knew they had something special. The fest includes mainstage productions of Poe’s short stories every weekend during the month of October with Poe’s stories rotating nightly. PoeFest usually culminates on Halloween night with ‘The Raven’ at Rosson House Museum. But there’s something extra special about PoeFest that makes Bookmans honored to be a sponsor!

Here are the updated rules for 2023:

STUDENT WRITING COMPETITION

Short Story Contest

1. All Arizona students in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades for the 2023-2024 school year are eligible.
2. Home-schooled students are eligible.
3. Student authors must be residents of the State of Arizona.
4. The submission deadline is Midnight on October 29, 2023.
5. All short story submissions must be between 1,000 and 7,500 words.
6. The themes for short stories must stick to the genres of horror and/or mystery.
7. Stories must be original.
8. Authors retain all copyrights.
9. Revised previous submissions accepted.
10. Submissions can be made in electronic form (contest@poefest.org.) Word document or PDF formats only, please.

11. All submissions must include the email and phone number of a parent or guardian. All authors must have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate.

12. All submissions must include the author’s name, birthdate, school, and grade for the 2023-2024 school year. (Home-schooled students are welcome.)

13. One winner will be declared and notified via email and/or phone on October 31st, 2023. Public Notifications on social media pages will be posted after contact with winners. Initials of winners will be posted and the city they are from.

14. All submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of judges.
15. Prize packages will be provided by Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange.

STUDENT WRITING COMPETITION

Poetry Contest

1. All Arizona students in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades for the 2023-2024 school year are eligible.
2. Student authors must be residents of the State of Arizona.
3. Home-schooled students are eligible.
4. The submission deadline is Midnight October 29th, 2023.
5. All poetry submissions must be no more than 422 lines.
6. Themes for poems must stick to the genres of love, horror, and/or death.
7. Poems must be original.
8. Poets retain all copyrights.
9. Revised previous submissions accepted.
10. Submissions can be made in electronic form (contest@poefest.org.) Word document or PDF file formats only, please.

11. All submissions must include the email and phone number of a parent or guardian. All authors must have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate.

12. All submissions must include the poet’s name, birthdate, school, and grade for the 2023-2024 school year.

13. One winner will be declared and notified via email and/or phone on October 31st, 2023. Public Notifications on social media pages will be posted after contact with winners. Initials of winners will be posted and the city they are from.
14. All submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of judges
15. Prize packages will be provided by Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange.

We can’t wait to see all of the submissions! If you have any questions, please contact MesaEvents@Bookmans.com. Happy writing everyone!

It’s that time of year…. the time when we make all our pets super uncomfortable and put them in costumes!! Personally, I LOVE IT! Now, this is a pretty easy ask. I’d like all of you that have great costumes for your adorable pets, put them in those costumes and come to the store! You will bring so much joy to a great many people (especially Bookmans employees). Please take a pic while you’re here. Post, and most importantly, TAG @bookmansphoenix . We’ll be picking a winner to receive a Bookmans gift card when the month is done. Please note, your participation is IMPERATIVE! We want to see it all! Don’t be shy. Also, please include the beautiful pet model’s name in your post.

Just a reminder, pets are ALWAYS welcome at Bookmans!

I can’t wait to see what you’ve got!

Friends, at Bookmans, we do our best to take care of you. Here’s an opportunity to take care of others.

For the entire month of October, we will be collecting trade credit to donate to the AZ Ghostbusters. They do great non-profit work all year long. They participate in charitable giving, are huge literacy advocates, and bringing joy to the people and children of Arizona. We’d like to support their cause. So, if you want to help them keep busting ghosts in this spooky season, please consider donating some of your trade credit to them when you’re at the register. Just let your cashier know, and they’ll help with your ghostly give back.

Thank you so much!!

Also, look to see them in store for scavenger hunt on the 19th!

* Now Hosted at Bookmans East (Speedway/Wilmot)*

Love is in the air at Bookmans East (Speedway/Wilmot)! We’re extremely excited to announce our meeting of the Romance Book Club, hosted by Book Riot Contributing Editor, Jessica Pryde! Yearning for those extra-sweet moments you can only get from romance novels, this is the club for you! The Romance Book Club will be meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00! Come hang out with like-minded book nerds, enjoy snacks on Bookmans East, and bring your suggestions for what to read!

If you would like to reserve a seat to this free event, send your reservation to eastevents@bookmans.com

*Commented reservations will not be accepted. Please send it to the e-mail above.*

About Jessica Pryde:

Jess is a black reader, writer, and librarian in Tucson, Arizona. She doesn’t get to work with books during the day, so she surrounds herself with them at home. Whether she’ll ever make it through said books? No one knows. She loves kissing books of all kinds but prefers them with a Happily Ever After. Basically, give her a romance novel and she’ll be set.  Jess is a contributing editor for Book Riot and co-host of the When In Romance podcast. You can catch her on her website, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as her Pima County Public Library profile.

About Suzannah Herron

Suzannah loves books (especially if they have diversity and an HEA) and has a TBR pile that is approximately a mile long. She works for the publishing company Lee & Low Books and is a data analyst for the romance book podcast Heaving Bosoms.

Attention all Planeswalkers – Do you have what it takes to triumph or will you play a land and pass the turn? Find out at our Commander night! Bookmans East is running Magic: The Gathering Commander pods every first and third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30; There’s no cost to enter and prizes will be awarded to our winners. We even have some loaner pre-constructed Commander decks to play with!

If you would like to join us for this free event, please e-mail your reservation to eastevents@bookmans.com

*Comments will not save you a seat. Please send an e-mail to the above address.*

*WHAM* *BANG* *POW* Bookmans has been collecting an incredible assortment of toys, collectibles, and most importantly, comics for the upcoming Tucson Comic and Toy Expo on October 7th from 9am-3pm. Stop by the Bookmans booth (look for our classic orange tablecloth) and come see the lot we will have for sale. Grab tickets to this event by visiting their website below!

About Tucson Comic and Toy Expo

The first official Tucson Comic & Toy EXPO of 2023! TCAT Expo features the best of vintage comic book and toy sellers in Arizona and beyond! Over 25 vendors will be selling fabulous comics and toys at the Fraternal Order of Eagles (1530 N. Stone Ave) in Tucson AZ on Saturday February 18th. Doors open at 9am (till 3pm). Only $3 at the door. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. Don’t miss it! To see a full list of vendors and for more details please visit tcatexpo.com

You may find yourself asking, “What is a Pokémon League?”

The official Pokemon website defines it as “A “Pokémon League is a fun and accessible way for Pokémon fans to get together and have some fun! League events are open to all Pokémon TCG and video game players regardless of experience level or skill. Using your cards or Pokémon video games, you can play, trade, and even earn cool prizes! The best part is that you can do all this with other Pokémon players who love collecting and playing just as much as you do.

Pokémon League events are a great way to learn game basics and get a feel for Pokémon competitive play before beginning to compete in Pokémon tournaments. Many Pokémon League locations also run Pokémon Championship Series competitions designed for Pokémon fans who are just getting started.”

We are excited to partner with Team Rocket AZ who will be presenting an exciting VIDEO GAME CHALLENGE meetup at Bookmans Mesa.

TAROT STUDY GROUP 2023 DATES – Learn how to read tarot cards at this casual meetup event.

We are an inclusive and diverse group united by our interest in tarot! Join our study group if you would like to learn tarot or develop your practice of tarot. The study group meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

Tarot has a reputation for predicting the future, but more often it is a tool for connecting to your own subconscious. Anyone can learn tarot! We welcome learners of all backgrounds and identities. Meet new friends and discover new ideas!

Each study group begins with a few new ideas to reflect on and practice. We enjoy trying different card spreads each month. Bring any questions you have because this study group is all about helping each other grow.

If you don’t own a tarot deck, no problem! We have trial decks available for you to borrow.

Join the Coconino Quilter’s Guild in the Bookmans Cafe to prepare and learn how to make a quilt for the holidays! In four sessions, each just once a month, you’ll learn how to create a quilt with guidance from the professionals. You’ll be given all material and fabric needed. We ask that you are able to attend each session.

• September 13th: Designing, Cutting
• October 11th: Piecing / Sewing
• November 8th: Quilting
• December 13th: Binding, Finishing

Goal: To complete a quilted table runner, wall quilt, or pillow.  Free patterns and holiday fabric will be available, or you can use your own. All lessons will apply to making future small or bed size quilts.

Requirements: Will complete work at home in between sessions.  Will need access to a sewing machine as of the second class (preferably to bring to class.) A list of required sewing tools will be provided at the first session.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED (walk-ins accepted if space available)

Email a request to register for free to flagevents@bookmans.com. 

“The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference is the premier literary event in Phoenix. It’s worth flying in for, and if you’re from town, it’s a must. Countless strides in my writing can be traced back to a connection or lesson learned from the conference. I often feel like I get a semester’s worth of knowledge in only three days. I definitely plan to go every year.”- Bart Bergfeld

What is the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference?

It’s a gathering of hearts and minds. As a teaching conference, Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) Writers Conference covers the craft of writing, and the nuts and bolts of being a writer by offering practical advice for editing, creative and professional development, and navigating the literary marketplace.

“The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference is the premier literary event in Phoenix. It’s worth flying in for, and if you’re from town, it’s a must. Countless strides in my writing can be traced back to a connection or lesson learned from the conference. I often feel like I get a semester’s worth of knowledge in only three days. I definitely plan to go every year.”- Bart Bergfeld

What is the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference?

It’s a gathering of hearts and minds. As a teaching conference, Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) Writers Conference covers the craft of writing, and the nuts and bolts of being a writer by offering practical advice for editing, creative and professional development, and navigating the literary marketplace.

“The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference is the premier literary event in Phoenix. It’s worth flying in for, and if you’re from town, it’s a must. Countless strides in my writing can be traced back to a connection or lesson learned from the conference. I often feel like I get a semester’s worth of knowledge in only three days. I definitely plan to go every year.”- Bart Bergfeld

What is the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference?

It’s a gathering of hearts and minds. As a teaching conference, Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) Writers Conference covers the craft of writing, and the nuts and bolts of being a writer by offering practical advice for editing, creative and professional development, and navigating the literary marketplace.

Attention all Planeswalkers – Do you have what it takes to triumph or will you play a land and pass the turn? Find out at our Commander night! Bookmans East is running Magic: The Gathering Commander pods every first and third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30; There’s no cost to enter and prizes will be awarded to our winners. We even have some loaner pre-constructed Commander decks to play with!

If you would like to join us for this free event, please e-mail your reservation to eastevents@bookmans.com

*Comments will not save you a seat. Please send an e-mail to the above address.*

Join us at Bookmans for a day celebrating the ukulele! Our guest instructor, Kehau Kuhi, and Steve have years of ukulele performance and teaching experience. We will learn simple chords and how to play two or three songs. This beautiful instrument was brought from Portugal to Hawaii and is recognized all around the world as an island instrument.

The event is free and open to the public. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own ukulele or pick one up here at Bookmans’ Musical Instrument Department for a low price and join in!

Bookmans is your place for educational and interactive events. Check out our events calendar for a list of all of our upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you!

Turning The Tide will be in-store tonight from 5-7 P.M. offering trivia and free information about sexual health awareness and practices.

Turning the Tide (aka T3) is a program by and for marginalized communities, dedicated to providing stigma-free resources and support to directly benefit young men of color (18-35), women of color, and queer, questioning, transgender, and nonbinary people in Arizona. Turning the Tide provides a six-month care navigation program designed to assist by providing linkage to different forms of medical and behavioral healthcare. Their team has lived experiences and understanding of mental health struggles, gender transitions, substance use recovery, housing instability, pleasure-centered sexual health, and more. They are here to support you in meeting your goals! Services they can assist with include:

• HIV linkage to care and PrEP services
• Transportation
• Government assistance
• Employment coaching
• Medical referrals
• Housing assistance
• Emotional support

Sound Baths are a healing modality that has been used for centuries. Some of the oldest sound bowls date back 5,000 years! Its origins are mysterious, but the monasteries in the Himalayan mountains are said to be the most trusted place of origin. Tibet gets a lot of credit for the distribution of sound bowls, but this is because family names were inscribed on these bowls and sold during times of hardship and war. Today, research shows many benefits to sound therapy, from relaxation to pain relief and direct relationships to brain function.

About our Host: Gregory Dwyer is a Level II Reiki Practitioner trained in the “Usui Shiki Ryoho” or “The Usui System of Natural Healing” and certified through the Reiki Alliance. His practice includes Reiki, Sound Baths, and Meditation to facilitate a moment of relaxation and regeneration to promote mental and physical well-being.

No registration is required and we welcome you to join us for this FREE event!

Hey, teens! Are you ready to put your ideas on the page? Our Comic Book Workshop will guide you through the creative process of creating your very own comic book! Learn all of the steps to designing intriguing characters, writing a page-turning plot, and drawing your own storyboard.

This workshop meets on the 2nd to last Sunday of every month from 1-2 pm at Bookmans Phoenix. Please confirm event dates or email PhoenixEvents@bookmans.com

Teens Create: Comic Book Workshop is led by local comic book creator Karaoke Fanboy Press.

You may find yourself asking, “What is a Pokémon League?”

The official Pokemon website defines it as “A “Pokémon League is a fun and accessible way for Pokémon fans to get together and have some fun! League events are open to all Pokémon TCG and video game players regardless of experience level or skill. Using your cards or Pokémon video games, you can play, trade, and even earn cool prizes! The best part is that you can do all this with other Pokémon players who love collecting and playing just as much as you do.

Pokémon League events are a great way to learn game basics and get a feel for Pokémon competitive play before beginning to compete in Pokémon tournaments. Many Pokémon League locations also run Pokémon Championship Series competitions designed for Pokémon fans who are just getting started.”

We are excited to partner with Team Rocket AZ who will be presenting an exciting VIDEO GAME CHALLENGE meetup at Bookmans Mesa.

Manga and Anime fans, you don’t want to miss our first-ever Manga and Anime Book Club! Come hang out with us for a few hours at Bookmans East (Speedway/Wilmot), enjoy some snacks provided by Bookmans, and let’s talk about our favorite manga and anime. The goal of the first session will be to pick one or two manga for everyone to read and then in the next session, we will all discuss our thoughts about what we read over the month!

We will also be providing a 25% discount on all selected reading material for the book club.

If you would like to participate, reserve your seat by e-mailing jamesr@bookmans.com

*This meet up is intended for ages 18+*

*Commented reservations will not be accepted. Please e-mail your reservation.*

About Antonio Cooper and POST

Antonio Cooper is a skilled manga writer and the visionary founder of the Professional Otaku Society of Tucson (POST). With three captivating dark fantasy works under his belt, Antonio has made a name for himself in the world of manga. Driven by a passion for connecting fellow otaku, he established POST to build a close-knit and inclusive community for anime and manga enthusiasts in the Tucson region. POST’s mission is to offer a welcoming space for fans to engage, network, and celebrate their shared interests. Antonio’s all-time favorite manga is One Punch Man, a testament to his love for unconventional stories and appreciation for the power of creativity. As a dedicated leader, Antonio continually strives to nurture the artistic spirit within the POST community. Join the POST Discord here!

Come join us at the iconic Bookmans in Mesa on May 19th for a night of poetry! Poet Dylan Webster hosts an open mic for all things poetic starting at 7pm. Whether you’ve published multiple books, or just wrote your first haiku today, this open mic is for you. Come and share, or just sit back and enjoy a night of beautiful words and meaningful images. Contact Dylan to sign up at william22webster@gmail.com, or find him on Instagram @phoenicianpoet. There will also be a sign-up sheet available at the event.

About our host: Dylan Webster (he/him) lives and writes in the sweltering heat of Phoenix, AZ. He is the author of the poetry collection Dislocated (Quillkeepers Press, 2022), and his poetry and fiction have appeared, and are forthcoming in, anthologies by Quillkeepers Press and Neon Sunrise Publishing; as well as the journals The Dillydoun Review, Last Leaves, The Cannons Mouth by Cannon Poets Quarterly, Amethyst Review, and The Chamber Magazine. Dylan has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize as well as the Best of The Net.

The witching hour is approaching and it is the perfect time to celebrate the magick that is in our world. Join us on October 28th for an evening of all things witchy. All evening, we will have tables throughout the store for tarot readings, akashic readings, aura photography, panels, local witchy artists, and more.

Tarot By Rose

Rose is a psychic channel trained in 3 sacred forms of energy healing including Reiki, Crystal Healing, & Archangel Healing. Rose provides a myriad of magical services including in depth readings, energy healing, long term wellness planning, and brand consultations for spiritual entrepreneurs looking to enhance their skills as a business owner. Looking to spice up your upcoming holiday party? Consider booking  Rose to curate an enchanting experience for your guests at your next private event! Follow Rose on Instagram @TarotByRose333

Hotel McCoy

Hotel McCoy is Tucson’s first Art Hotel! Where Travel For All is the motto and genuine hospitality is found. Retro meets contemporary at the1960’s mid-century modern art hotel. From the fully restored pool and A-shaped entrance to the lobby with exposed original beams and motor lodge style parking, Hotel McCoy Tucson is the best of both worlds (with a bit of desert magic).

The Heathenry LLC

The Heathenry offers hand crafted and carefully curated curiosities designed to honor the innate beauty found in nature and in death. Natural history specimens such as dried insects, plants and bones take on new life in one of a kind domes, shadowboxes, and terrariums. The Heathenry also curates ethically sourced natural history specimens such as bones, insects, and vintage taxidermy pieces for the curious collector.

Aquamarine Daydream

Aquamarine Daydream is a retail business located in the heart of Tucson. They specialize in crystals, jewelry, metaphysical supplies, books and tarot decks. Although their specialty is crystals, Aquamarine Daydream boasts a wide selection of tarot decks and tarot guide books.

Punky’s Paintings

Punky is a local artist born and raised in Tucson and has been apart of the art community for 20 years. She offers a wide variety of crafts including intricate macrame jewelry, paintings (miniature and large), macrame decor, and other handmade products.

Inked Goddess Creations

Inked Goddess Creations is an online witchcraft store that specializes in unique supplies to enhance an eclectic witch’s magickal practice. Their products are made by witches for witches.

Clever Kim’s Curios

Clever Kim’s Curios is run by a practicing witch, turning nature’s discards into wearable art. Kim’s jewelry has been used on several TV shows and movies such as Charmed, The Young and the Restless, and The Vampire Diaries. She also has a popular podcast called Your Average Witch. Clever Kim’s Curios makes jewelry as unique as those drawn to it.

The Desert Clairvoyant

Ashley is a clairvoyant, medium & tarot reader. She provides intuitive readings through Zoom & local events & markets in Tucson, AZ.

White Willow Healing Arts, LLC

White Willow Healing Arts is a holistic wellness business located in SE Tucson. Their mission is devoted to healing, educating and empowering people in a peaceful, Holistic, inclusive environment. Owner, Kimberlie Faybik CCHt Reiki Master, offers services such as tarot readings, hypnosis, energy work, auriculotherapy and other alternative therapeutic modalities. Check out their website and social media for booking information and classes on various topics such as stress management, Reiki, psychic development and more!

Wordsmith Industries LLC

Wordsmith Industries is comprised of a small and dedicated team who actively participate in various events and take great satisfaction in accomplishing small milestones. We are a collective of independent creatives who come together to provide mutual assistance. Currently, we are extending our support to the Lover of Mythic Proportions series, authored by Mona Ventress, and collaborating with the exceptionally talented cover artist, Em Gowan. Located in Arizona, Wordsmith Industries is a local small business that brings together creative individuals to offer their support. The year 2020 marked the inception of our journey, and our first project was officially published in February 2022.

Persephonic Healing Arts

Maria Elena is a 3rd generation Tucsonan with a deep affinity for the magic of this desert. She has been a student of Tarot since childhood and began her professional consulting and teaching practice in 2019. Maria Elena specializes in yearly forecast readings to help her clients find ease through periods of great transformation and evolution. She is also the founder of Persephonic Healing Arts, which currently exists as a line of herb and gemstone infused bath and body products with body and energy work services coming in early 2024.

Sixth Sense Energy Imaging

After tremendous success launching their business in New York City and traveling around the US, Victoria and Chris are excited to bring their unique brand of Aura Photography and Intuitive Energy Readings to their new home in Tucson. Chris is a professional photographer and both Victoria and Chris are Shamanic Reiki Masters and intuitive readers, using aura photos to access intuitive information about each client. They take special care with every photo and reading to provide a unique and personal experience for everyone. They both look forward to meeting you!

You can learn more about Victoria’s energy work and readings at: www.awenspirithealing.com
and Chris’ photo and video work at www.chriscarlonecreations.com

Four Of Wands

Four of Wands is a collective community, born under the Spark Project Collective Inc. Our mission is to provide support for empowerment, growth, and education by utilizing the tattoo industry as a vehicle to help those in need.

Robin Doxey, Akashic Records Medium

Robin Doxey is an Akashic Medium and Certified Sound Healer who has worked in various metaphysical and healing arts practices for the last 23 years. Her knowledge and skills encompass everything from crystals to chakra healing to communication with angels. Her gifts first became present early in her youth, and her efforts to understand herself have opened up the opportunity to serve others. In addition to helping people access their Akashic Records, Robin has created a sound bath series infused with Yoga Nidra and Reiki called (re)fresh, where she collaborates with fellow healer and friend, CB, to provide a potent yet passive healing experience. More info can always be found at robindoxey.com

Celebrate the Night of Fright at the place where imagination takes flight. Visit the Bookmans booth and score some awesome freebies! Pima Air & Space Museum’s Halloween event is fun for the whole family with bounce houses, performances, crafts, games, and of course trick-or-treating! Visit the Pima Air and Space Museum’s website for more details!

About Pima Air and Space Museum

The concept for the Pima Air & Space Museum began in 1966 during the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the creation of the United States Air Force. Earlier the commanders of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center (MASDC) the forerunner to today’s 309th Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG) recognized that the historic World War II and 1950s era aircraft stored on the base were rapidly disappearing into smelters and that the flames were consuming not just metal, but the aviation heritage of the country. On their own initiative, base officials began to set aside examples of the many types of aircraft stored in MASDC’s yards.

Do you want to know what the future holds? Are you curious about what the cards have in store for you?  Do you have a curiosity about what tarot reading is like? Now is the chance to pull back the veil on the spirit work and join us tonight for a FREE quick three-card spread reading with local Eddie C.

Eddie learned to read Tarot when he was 8 years old after she sensed he had a natural aptitude to read the cards. At 14, he began reading Tarot for others, and his passion and depth of knowledge have only grown with time. Eddie has an uncanny ability to tap into is present for those he reads for.

He will be giving FREE three-card readings this evening. No pre-registration is required. Readings will occur on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to seeing you tonight.

No heroes allowed!

It’s time to get together the most heinous and evil people throughout all of pop culture to celebrate Halloween this October 31st at 10am-11am. Mingle with other villainous cosplayers and enjoy some coffee and snacks on Bookmans!

Enter to win in our cosplay contest! The best villain cosplay will win an $100 gift certificate to Bookmans! We will also be raffling off another gift certificate to any cosplayer who takes pictures in front of our orange shelves and tags @BookmansEast on social media during the event!

*This event is open to any age. We ask that you keep your cosplays PG-13 or under*

Attention all Planeswalkers – Do you have what it takes to triumph or will you play a land and pass the turn? Find out at our Commander night! Bookmans East is running Magic: The Gathering Commander pods every first and third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30; There’s no cost to enter and prizes will be awarded to our winners. We even have some loaner pre-constructed Commander decks to play with!

If you would like to join us for this free event, please e-mail your reservation to eastevents@bookmans.com

*Comments will not save you a seat. Please send an e-mail to the above address.*

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… a kaiju?

Bookmans is working with the Tucson Kaiju Festival and we are excited to announce that the event will take place in front of Bookmans East (Speedway/Wilmot) on November 3rd from 9:00 am-8:00 pm. Join us for a massive festival filled with vendors, games, panels, giveaways, contests, trivia, and more all day long! Check out the official Facebook event page by clicking here.

If you are interested in applying to be a vendor at this event, email godzillafanfreaks@gmail.com

Tucson Kaiju Festival first came about back in 2019. The Tucson Kaiju Festival is about celebrating anything and everything giant monster related: from the well known Godzilla and King Kong, to Gorgo, Reptilicus, Yongary, Gamera, and Pulgasauri, and also custom/original fan made kaiju, expanding the genre with origional ideas. Above all, the goal is to bring all of us fans of these monsters, films, and special effects together as a joyous kaiju community. And no better day to have this wonderful festival than on November 3rd, which is Godzilla’s official birthday.

There are several of you that come to our instructional Mahjong event each month. But I’m sure there are some of you that already have the skills, and just want to play. That’s what we’re here for…

The first Sunday of each month, we’ll have open Mahjong in the store. If you just came to the instructional class the week before, this is a good opportunity to brush up and keep it in your brain. For those of you that are already well-versed in the ways of Mahjong, it’s an opportunity for you to get out and play somewhere new. Either way, bring your Mahjong card, and head over.

Feel free to reach out if you’ve got a few people, or need a card. That way we can make sure to bring all the supplies to accommodate everyone. Email to: phoenixevents@bookmans.com

You may find yourself asking, “What is a Pokémon League?”

The official Pokemon website defines it as “A “Pokémon League is a fun and accessible way for Pokémon fans to get together and have some fun! League events are open to all Pokémon TCG and video game players regardless of experience level or skill. Using your cards or Pokémon video games, you can play, trade, and even earn cool prizes! The best part is that you can do all this with other Pokémon players who love collecting and playing just as much as you do.

Pokémon League events are a great way to learn game basics and get a feel for Pokémon competitive play before beginning to compete in Pokémon tournaments. Many Pokémon League locations also run Pokémon Championship Series competitions designed for Pokémon fans who are just getting started.”

We are excited to partner with Team Rocket AZ who will be presenting an exciting VIDEO GAME CHALLENGE meetup at Bookmans Mesa.

* Now Hosted at Bookmans East (Speedway/Wilmot)*

Love is in the air at Bookmans East (Speedway/Wilmot)! We’re extremely excited to announce our meeting of the Romance Book Club, hosted by Book Riot Contributing Editor, Jessica Pryde! Yearning for those extra-sweet moments you can only get from romance novels, this is the club for you! The Romance Book Club will be meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00! Come hang out with like-minded book nerds, enjoy snacks on Bookmans East, and bring your suggestions for what to read!

If you would like to reserve a seat to this free event, send your reservation to eastevents@bookmans.com

*Commented reservations will not be accepted. Please send it to the e-mail above.*

About Jessica Pryde:

Jess is a black reader, writer, and librarian in Tucson, Arizona. She doesn’t get to work with books during the day, so she surrounds herself with them at home. Whether she’ll ever make it through said books? No one knows. She loves kissing books of all kinds but prefers them with a Happily Ever After. Basically, give her a romance novel and she’ll be set.  Jess is a contributing editor for Book Riot and co-host of the When In Romance podcast. You can catch her on her website, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as her Pima County Public Library profile.

About Suzannah Herron

Suzannah loves books (especially if they have diversity and an HEA) and has a TBR pile that is approximately a mile long. She works for the publishing company Lee & Low Books and is a data analyst for the romance book podcast Heaving Bosoms.

TAROT STUDY GROUP 2023 DATES – Learn how to read tarot cards at this casual meetup event.

We are an inclusive and diverse group united by our interest in tarot! Join our study group if you would like to learn tarot or develop your practice of tarot. The study group meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

Tarot has a reputation for predicting the future, but more often it is a tool for connecting to your own subconscious. Anyone can learn tarot! We welcome learners of all backgrounds and identities. Meet new friends and discover new ideas!

Each study group begins with a few new ideas to reflect on and practice. We enjoy trying different card spreads each month. Bring any questions you have because this study group is all about helping each other grow.

If you don’t own a tarot deck, no problem! We have trial decks available for you to borrow.

Join the Coconino Quilter’s Guild in the Bookmans Cafe to prepare and learn how to make a quilt for the holidays! In four sessions, each just once a month, you’ll learn how to create a quilt with guidance from the professionals. You’ll be given all material and fabric needed. We ask that you are able to attend each session.

• September 13th: Designing, Cutting
• October 11th: Piecing / Sewing
• November 8th: Quilting
• December 13th: Binding, Finishing

Goal: To complete a quilted table runner, wall quilt, or pillow.  Free patterns and holiday fabric will be available, or you can use your own. All lessons will apply to making future small or bed size quilts.

Requirements: Will complete work at home in between sessions.  Will need access to a sewing machine as of the second class (preferably to bring to class.) A list of required sewing tools will be provided at the first session.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED (walk-ins accepted if space available)

Email a request to register for free to flagevents@bookmans.com. 

Attention all Planeswalkers – Do you have what it takes to triumph or will you play a land and pass the turn? Find out at our Commander night! Bookmans East is running Magic: The Gathering Commander pods every first and third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30; There’s no cost to enter and prizes will be awarded to our winners. We even have some loaner pre-constructed Commander decks to play with!

If you would like to join us for this free event, please e-mail your reservation to eastevents@bookmans.com

*Comments will not save you a seat. Please send an e-mail to the above address.*

Join us in the cafe at 5 PM for a reading of  Mary Tolan’s debut novel, Mars Hill Murder

Longtime reporter Mary Tolan worked as a community journalist for more than three decades, mostly in Arizona and New Mexico. She also reported on survivors of gun violence, traveling across the country to interview people devastated by their heartbreak and losses. She taught journalism at Northern Arizona University for twenty years. After retiring from teaching in 2021, she returned to her unfinished mystery novel, Mars Hill Murder, based in Flagstaff. Tolan grew up in Wisconsin, and has lived in the Southwest for more than forty years. Her long-running monthly column The Long & Winding Road can be found in The Arizona Daily Sun. When she’s not writing, spending time with friends, or running/swimming/yoga-ing, she and her dog Maxx can be found out in the woods or traveling in their van. Tolan’s sons live in California, her stepdaughter in Oregon, and her dog by her side—wondering when the heck she will stop typing and go for a walk.

MARS HILL MURDER

BY

MARY TOLAN

Reporter Miles Harper is on probation at the northern Arizona daily newspaper where he works, because his lack of attention to detail has put him on ice as thin as his notebook pages. His boss wants him out, but gives him one more chance to redeem himself. Maddy Sullivan is new to town, on the run from a violent husband who wants her back. She and Miles meet at a coffee shop, and forge a hesitant friendship. Police Detective Luis Ortega, Miles’s former college roommate, just wants to solve crimes. And an evil person or persons supplying those crimes by murdering low-level Flagstaff workers. Will these three figure out who the killer is before more people die? Will Miles help solve the mystery, write about it, and save his career? And will Maddy stay safe from the horrid man she once loved?

Chandler Pride serves to create a community within Chandler for LGBTQ+ residents and allies. This community group serves as a voice for LGBTQ+ residents and a safe space for members of the community to come together and create meaningful connections and bonds. Chandler Pride drives the shared values of the City of Chandler including opportunity, community, and belonging.

We are so excited t0 be sponsor this year. Join us in beautiful Desert Breeze Park today from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. and you could win some sweet Bookmans swag or enter to win a Pride themed gift basket!

Sound Baths are a healing modality that has been used for centuries. Some of the oldest sound bowls date back 5,000 years! Its origins are mysterious, but the monasteries in the Himalayan mountains are said to be the most trusted place of origin. Tibet gets a lot of credit for the distribution of sound bowls, but this is because family names were inscribed on these bowls and sold during times of hardship and war. Today, research shows many benefits to sound therapy, from relaxation to pain relief and direct relationships to brain function.

About our Host: Gregory Dwyer is a Level II Reiki Practitioner trained in the “Usui Shiki Ryoho” or “The Usui System of Natural Healing” and certified through the Reiki Alliance. His practice includes Reiki, Sound Baths, and Meditation to facilitate a moment of relaxation and regeneration to promote mental and physical well-being.

No registration is required and we welcome you to join us for this FREE event!