Phoenix, February 13, 2026
The Wild & Windy Phoenix event is set to celebrate the connection between authors and readers, creating an engaging and vibrant atmosphere. Scheduled around Valentine’s Day, this multi-city literary gathering highlights local talent while promoting independent initiatives. Attendees can expect author signings, panel discussions, and unique activities catered to romance readers. As the last Phoenix event before relocating, it promises a celebratory farewell to the local literary community. The event also emphasizes charitable contributions to local food banks, showcasing a commitment to community and culture.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Embraces Literary Passion with Wild & Windy
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Wild & Windy Phoenix event cultivates connection and celebrates authors and readers, showcasing vibrant local engagement and individual enterprise.
The literary landscape of Phoenix is once again illuminated by a dynamic display of community and personal initiative as the Wild & Windy Phoenix event takes center stage, celebrating the profound connection between authors and their devoted readers. This gathering stands as a testament to the power of private organization and voluntary associations in enriching cultural life, demonstrating how grassroots efforts, rather than extensive bureaucratic frameworks, can foster thriving community growth. The event, strategically timed around Valentine’s Day, offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage with the stories and creators they cherish, highlighting the spirit of independent achievement that drives our local cultural scene.
Such events underscore the importance of civic innovation and the dedication of local organizers who envision and execute platforms for shared interests. It’s through the commitment of individuals, acting with purpose and efficiency, that events like Wild & Windy Phoenix come to fruition, creating spaces where creativity and appreciation can flourish. This focus on personal initiative and the benefits of limited bureaucracy allows for nimble planning and direct responsiveness to community needs, ensuring that the event remains vibrant and genuinely engaging for all involved.
A Decade of Dedication: From Idea to Multi-City Phenomenon
The Wild & Windy Book Event, which originated in Chicago ten years ago, has grown into a successful multi-city phenomenon, now including Phoenix, Chicago, New Orleans, and Las Vegas locations. This remarkable expansion is largely due to the personal initiative and strategic vision of its co-hosts, Nicole Huffman and Michelle Mankin. Nicole Huffman brings the invaluable perspective of a dedicated reader and attendee, ensuring the event caters to the desires of its audience. Michelle Mankin, a bestselling author with over 40 romance novels to her name, provides an insider’s understanding of authors’ needs, contributing to a truly balanced and successful gathering. Their collaborative spirit and diverse backgrounds underscore how individual strengths, when combined, can create a robust and widely appreciated platform for literary exchange. Beyond fostering literary connections, the Wild & Windy events also embody a charitable spirit, making donations to local food banks in the cities where their signings are held during 2025 and 2026.
Connecting Authors and Readers: A Hub for Literary Exchange
At its core, Wild & Windy Phoenix is designed as a vibrant hub for literary enthusiasts, offering attendees a rich array of experiences focused on direct engagement with authors. The event’s schedule is packed with author appearances, dedicated signing sessions, and opportunities for vendor shopping, allowing for meaningful interactions between creators and their fans. These direct connections are vital for cultivating individual achievement, providing authors with a platform to showcase their work and readers with the unique chance to meet the minds behind their favorite stories. The event proudly features a diverse selection of literary talent, including both local Arizona-based authors and esteemed writers from across the country. Notable authors participating in the event include Amy True, Jaqueline Snowe, Callie Hart, Ginger Scott, Mimi Francis, Sara Cate, Julia Connors, A.L. Jackson, Cassandra Robbins, Greer Rivers, Jennifer Millikin, Jessica Peterson, K.A. Tucker, Kay Cove, Lisa Suzanne, Luna Mason, S.J. Sylvis, Jennifer Sucevic, and Cleo White, enriching the experience with a wide range of voices and narratives. Panels offer deeper discussions, while themed parties add a celebratory dimension to the literary community’s gathering.
Cultivating Community and Personal Initiative
The Wild & Windy Phoenix event thrives on a celebratory atmosphere that fosters a strong sense of community, often described by attendees and organizers as a “big family reunion”. This welcoming environment is meticulously crafted through various engaging experiences, including fun parties with DJs, dancing, desserts, and even unique activities like Kama Sutra Bingo. The organizers’ commitment to a positive attendee experience is evident in practical innovations such as the wristband system, which efficiently manages lines for popular authors. This thoughtful approach allows attendees to minimize waiting times and maximize their opportunities to connect with more authors, showcasing a private sector solution to common event challenges. Furthermore, the event maintains a mature environment, with an age restriction of 18+, ensuring a focused experience for adult romance readers and professionals. This careful planning and execution reflect a dedication to individual enjoyment and streamlined organization, hallmarks of effective private enterprise in community building.
The Economic and Cultural Ripple Effect in Glendale
Hosted at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa in Glendale, Arizona, the Wild & Windy Phoenix event generates significant positive economic and cultural ripple effects throughout the local area. The influx of attendees and authors from both Arizona and across the nation contributes to local tourism, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses within Glendale and the broader Phoenix metropolitan area. Event logistics, such as encouraging attendees to arrange their own airport transportation, which is approximately 20 miles from the venue, promote a sense of individual responsibility while also supporting local transportation services. The provision of discounted overnight self-parking at the hotel and day-use self-parking in the adjacent City of Glendale owned parking garage also highlights a thoughtful approach to attendee convenience and local economic integration.
Beyond direct spending, the event features a diverse array of vendors, showcasing local entrepreneurship and offering unique literary-themed products. These vendors, including Dark Midnight Design Co with book-inspired merchandise, Dogwood + Daisy Studio offering handcrafted artwork and decor, Frills & Freckles with their constantly changing inventory, Love on Demand fostering a romance reading community, and Spiced Book Box providing exclusive covers and apparel, all contribute to a vibrant marketplace and local commerce. This flourishing ecosystem of private partnerships and civic involvement truly enhances Glendale’s cultural identity and economic vitality.
A Fond Farewell (for now) to Phoenix
The 2026 Wild & Windy Phoenix event marks a significant moment for the local literary community, as it will be the last convention of its kind held in the Grand Canyon State for the foreseeable future. The event’s organizers have announced that the February Wild & Windy event will relocate to New Orleans in 2027, a decision reflecting the dynamic evolution and growing demand for this celebrated literary gathering across different regions. This transition is a testament to the event’s success and its ability to captivate audiences nationwide, driven by market interest and a responsive organizational strategy rather than top-down directives. For dedicated readers and authors in Phoenix, this presents a unique opportunity to participate in this highly anticipated literary celebration before its departure. While tickets for this year’s Phoenix event are officially closed, hopeful attendees are encouraged to explore the event’s attendees Facebook group for any potential last-minute availability, demonstrating the community’s proactive spirit in seeking access to desired experiences.
Conclusion
The Wild & Windy Phoenix event stands as a shining example of how individual initiative, careful organization, and community engagement can cultivate a thriving cultural experience. From its humble beginnings in Chicago to its expansion into a multi-city phenomenon, this event consistently demonstrates the benefits of a focused, private sector approach to enriching lives through literature. By providing a platform for authors and fostering deep connections among readers, Wild & Windy Phoenix has made a significant contribution to the local literary and social landscape of Glendale and the wider Phoenix area. As we reflect on its impact, we are reminded of the power of personal dedication in building vibrant communities. We encourage all residents to continue supporting local literary initiatives and actively engage in the diverse community events that contribute to the unique character of our city, strengthening the bonds that tie us together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wild & Windy Phoenix event?
The Wild & Windy Phoenix event celebrates books, authors, and readers, creating a space for romance readers to connect with stories and their creators. It offers author appearances, signings, vendor shopping, and parties.
When and where is the Wild & Windy Phoenix event held?
The Wild & Windy Phoenix event is held from February 13-14, 2026, at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, located at 9495 W Entertainment Blvd. Glendale, AZ.
Who organizes the Wild & Windy Phoenix event?
The event is co-hosted by Nicole Huffman and Michelle Mankin. Nicole Huffman contributes the perspective of a reader and attendee, while Michelle Mankin is a bestselling author.
What activities can attendees expect at the event?
Attendees can expect author appearances, signing sessions, vendor shopping, and parties. The event also features panels, early attendee registration, Kama Sutra Bingo, DJ, dancing, desserts, free swag, and a cash bar. VIPs receive early access to signing sessions.
Is this the last Wild & Windy event in Phoenix?
Yes, the 2026 Wild & Windy Phoenix event is the last convention of its kind to be held in Arizona for now, as the February event will move to New Orleans in 2027.
How can I get tickets for the event?
Tickets for this year’s Phoenix event are closed/sold out. However, last-minute tickets might be available on the event’s attendees Facebook group.
What are the age restrictions for attendees?
The Wild & Windy Phoenix event is restricted to attendees who are 18 years of age or older.
Key Features of Wild & Windy Phoenix
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Wild & Windy Phoenix (also known as Wild & Windy West Phoenix Book Event) |
| Dates | February 13-14, 2026 |
| Location | Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, 9495 W Entertainment Blvd. Glendale, AZ |
| Purpose | To celebrate books, authors, and readers, creating a space for romance readers to connect with stories and one another |
| Organizers | Nicole Huffman and Michelle Mankin |
| Event Offerings | Author appearances, signings, vendor shopping, parties, panels, early attendee registration, Kama Sutra Bingo, DJ, dancing, desserts, free swag, cash bar, attendee quiet room |
| Participating Authors | Includes local Arizona-based authors and authors from across the country, such as Amy True, Jaqueline Snowe, Callie Hart, Ginger Scott, Mimi Francis, Sara Cate, Julia Connors, A.L. Jackson, Cassandra Robbins, Greer Rivers, Jennifer Millikin, Jessica Peterson, K.A. Tucker, Kay Cove, Lisa Suzanne, Luna Mason, S.J. Sylvis, Jennifer Sucevic, and Cleo White |
| Ticket Availability | Tickets for the 2026 Phoenix event are closed/sold out, with potential last-minute availability via the event’s attendees Facebook group |
| Age Restriction | 18+ only |
| Future in Phoenix | The 2026 event is the last Wild & Windy convention in Arizona for now; the February event will move to New Orleans in 2027 |
| Charitable Aspect | Donations made to food banks in cities where signings are held in 2025 and 2026 |
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