Big authors. Packed rooms. Real access. Real momentum.

The Story Warrior Festival is YA By The Bay's signature event. It's a multi-district teen literacy and leadership festival uniting 2,000 students and 50+ bestselling authors for one transformative day of applied literacy and leadership.

Students celebrate stories during fast-paced, laugh-out-loud panels, dive into interactive writing workshops, ask unfiltered questions about publishing and perseverance, connect with community leaders and public figures, and sharpen the storytelling skills that help them succeed in school, careers, and life.

Students leave changed: clearer, stronger, and ready to use the power of their own story.

Thursday, February 11, 2027

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin St
Tampa, FL 33602

Get Directions →

Questions? Email us at info@yabythebay.org

Student attendance is FREE, made possible through district support and community sponsorships.

• Participation is coordinated at the district level
• Schools are responsible for transportation
• Optional food, beverages, books, and merchandise will be available for purchase

2027 lineup coming soon!

We're excited to announce our incredible author lineup for 2027. Check back soon for updates, or visit our Authors page for more information.

Yes! YA By the Bay partners with The Oxford Exchange Bookstore to bring you a full collection of attending authors' books.

• Author signing and photo opportunities available throughout the day
• Pre-signed books available for purchase
• Books can be purchased on-site at the festival

Confirmed action items and dates will be updated here as they become available.

Check back regularly or subscribe to updates to stay informed about registration deadlines, volunteer opportunities, and festival announcements.

Yes! We welcome sponsorships that directly power literacy and leadership impact.

You can:

• Sponsor the entire festival
• Fund a specific room, panel, or author session
• Make a direct monetary donation