In short, YA By the Bay is a two-day festival created to celebrate teen literature.
On Thursday evening, 4:00-8:00pm we’ll open our doors to the public for a special YA by the Bay Story Warrior Event. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with authors in unique conversations and explore our pop-up bookstore and marketplace. The night wouldn’t be complete without author signings and photo ops. This Event is Free to the Public
YA by the Bay takes place on the first floor of the Tampa Bay Convention Center located at 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602.
STUDENT DAYS is free for students, though there will be optional books, goods, food, and beverages for sale.
PUBLIC BOOK FAIR is Free for the Public. The Fireside Chat with R.L.Stine & Tiffany D. Jackson requires a reservation ticket
The Convention Center parking is one place you can park, though there are many garages downtown. Daily parking is “Pay By Plate” with a maximum daily rate of $12.00 per day. Please refer to signage on site to pay for parking using the ParkMobile app for Zone 9912. Payment can also be made at the pay stations located conveniently on both the top and bottom levels of the garage. The pay stations are exact change only.
STUDENT DAYS- THURSDAY SEPT 25 & FRIDAY SEPT 26 -9 am to 2 pm
PUBLIC EVENT- THURSDAY SEPT 25 4:00-8:00pm.
Fireside Chat with R.L.Stine & Tiffany D. Jackson 6:00-7:00pm (reservation ticket needed for this event- No Cost
7:00-8:0pm. Book signings by over 40 authors
We love that you want to learn more about our authors! Check out their profiles here.
This year is Full
If you are an educator interested in bringing students to our “Student and Educator only” day for our next festival, please email info@yabythebay.org with your interest.
. Fill out the volunteer interest form here
The Tampa Bay Convention Center offers a variety of options from Datz Deli, Coffee Bar, Central Eats, East Grill, West Grill, Nourish, and Big Ray’s Fish Camp in the Sail Plaza. Jackson’s, Harpoon Harry’s, and Anchor and Brine are also a short walk from the convention center.
Yes! YA By the Bay is partnering with The Oxford Exchange to bring you a full collection of attending authors’ books. There will be opportunities for signings and photo ops. There will also be pre-signed books available for purchase with credit cards and cash.
Three. You may get back in line as often as you like for others.
For every 2 books purchased, you may bring 1 book from home to get signed.
There are a variety of hotels near the Tampa Convention Center and downtown, including but not limited to the Embassy Suites, Waterside Marriott, Hyatt Place, and Aloft. In addition, check out Visit Tampa Bay’s page for a robust listing of downtown Tampa hotels.
From Riverwalk to beaches and historic districts to eclectic restaurants, Tampa is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Whether you’re here for just the day or longer, you should check out Visit Tampa Bay to learn more about all the exciting things to do in the Bay area.