This month, we took a look inside Denver’s Smutty Scholastic Book Fair, part of this year’s Denver Pride programming in collaboration with local bookstore Spicy Librarian.
Remember those fun book fairs that would roll into school every year? Imagine that same excitement, but all grown up and a whole lot spicier.
Denver Pride’s Smutty Book Fair was exactly that and more. Here, the books come with an age restriction. That’s right, no kids, just a welcoming community of adults gathering to celebrate stories, creativity, and self-expression through romance literature.
And not just books. Smutty books, bookish merchandise, playful accessories, themed activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow readers all came together for an afternoon that felt equal parts bookstore, community festival, and Pride celebration.
As smutty book lovers lined up outside, many were unaware that a very special someone was already inside waiting for the doors to open. With each passing minute, the line grew longer, eventually stretching nearly to the parking lot entrance. The anticipation continued to build while a surprise waited just beyond the doors. 
Stepping through the doors, guests were welcomed into a room buzzing with conversation, laughter, and excitement. Tables filled with books, local artists, and vendors stretched across the venue, giving attendees plenty to explore. Whether visitors arrived with a reading list already in hand or simply wanted to browse, every corner offered something new to discover. 
Beyond the books themselves, vendors offered plenty of ways for readers to bring a little extra romance home. From bookmarks and tote bags to themed accessories and top-quality rope, the marketplace reflected the wide variety of interests within the romance reading community, giving guests even more to browse between visits with authors and fellow book lovers.
After browsing the vendors, guests could unwind with a themed cocktail while flipping through their latest literary finds or step outside to write their own steamy romance prompts on the Fantasy Wall.
There was more than just shopping to keep guests entertained. While visitors browsed books and vendors, performers danced on stages throughout the venue, adding even more excitement to the fair. Guests could also stop by The Claw Queen for a lighthearted introduction to sensory play and a relaxing scratch session before heading off to discover what was waiting at the next table. 
As the fair continued, spotlight performances kept the energy going. @skittlespoledancer wowed the crowd with a performance showcasing incredible strength, skill, and elegance, earning cheers with every spin and climb. 
Later, guests gathered once again as @kerrinfuego took the stage. Revealing herself as the mystery guest waiting inside before the doors opened, Kerri’N Fuego transformed into a mischievous book lover, delivering a playful burlesque performance beneath the glow of a red spotlight. 
Closing out the evening, @mariavonstrap and her assistant presented a captivating rope demonstration, giving guests a closer look at the artistry, trust, and technique behind the practice. By the end of the day, Denver’s Smutty Book Fair had proven to be far more than its name might suggest. 
Photos courtesy of Alissha Rutherford
