Brimstone and Bookshelves

Step into a gothic fantasy world at Brimstone & Bookshelves, a two-day romance book event coming to Auckland’s Shed 10 on 22–23 May 2027. The weekend combines a large-scale author signing with the lavish Crimson Masquerade Vampire Ball, giving romance readers the chance to meet authors, discover new books and bookish merchandise, dress up, and immerse themselves in a fantastical setting. Saturday evening is dedicated to the Crimson Masquerade, an R18 vampire-themed ball featuring gothic décor, entertainment, music, canapés, cocktails, photo opportunities and professional event photography. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme with everything from elegant gowns to elaborate costumes and cosplay. On Sunday, Brimstone & Bookshelves takes over Shed 10 for a full day of books, authors and immersive experiences. More than 80 international and New Zealand authors are expected to attend, giving readers the opportunity to meet writers and have their books signed. The line-up includes romance and fantasy authors such as Penn Cole, Nisha J Tuli, S.T. Gibson, Nalini Singh, Shannon Meyer, Chloe Gong and Steffanie Holmes. Alongside the author signing, visitors can browse bookish stalls, explore themed sets and take photos throughout the venue. The event is designed for romance readers across a range of subgenres, with plenty of opportunities to meet other fans and celebrate all things bookish. Tickets are available in several options, ranging from a half-day Sunday signing ticket through to full-day and VIP packages. The VIP option includes early access, exclusive merchandise and a ticket to the Saturday night vampire ball. Accessibility tickets are also available, with early entry, an accessible lanyard and venue map, access to a quiet room, a complimentary Sunday companion pass and other additional support. Companion tickets are intended for people assisting an attendee and do not include the same benefits as standard attendee tickets. Ticket options Dusk Court — Half-day signing Afternoon entry to the Sunday signing from 2pm–5pm, with an official event lanyard. Midnight Court — Full-day signing Entry to the Sunday event from 10am–5pm, plus an official lanyard and swag bag. Nightshade Court — VIP signing + ball Includes early entry to the Sunday signing from 9am, full-day access, VIP merchandise and lanyard, an exclusive event book and special-edition item, plus entry to the Crimson Masquerade with two drink tokens. Accessibility tickets Include the benefits of the relevant ticket tier along with early entry, accessibility information, quiet-room access, a free Sunday companion pass and additional assistance for navigating the event. Brimstone & Bookshelves is organised by USA Today bestselling author Steffanie Holmes, Amy Howat and Erin Hughes, whose combined experience spans publishing, event management, props and styling. Both the Crimson Masquerade Vampire Ball and Brimstone & Bookshelves signing are strictly R18. 📍 Shed 10, Auckland 📅 22–23 May 2027 🦇 Saturday: Crimson Masquerade Vampire Ball 📚 Sunday: Brimstone & Bookshelves Author Signing