Inkwell Story Lab: Monthly Writers Group

• 📅 Second Thursday of the month
• 🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
• 📍 Inkwell Booksellers 426 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Join the Inkwell Story Lab, a monthly writers group for authors at any stage—from curious beginners to published pros. Hosted by Allan Evans, Minnesota author and founder of Stillwater Story House.

Each session includes a short craft spark, focused writing time, and optional discussion. No pressure to share, no critiques unless invited. Just a room full of people getting words on the page in a cozy bookstore setting.

Bring your current project, a notebook, or a messy first draft. Let’s build stories together at Inkwell Booksellers.

Book Fair for Grown-Ups

• 📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
• 🕔 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
• 📍 The Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds 1265 Snelling Ave, Falcon Heights, MN 55108

The excitement of a childhood book fair—reimagined for readers who now pair novels with craft beverages. The 2026 State Fair Book Fair for Grown-Ups will take over the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and Allan Evans will be there representing Stillwater Story House.

This year’s expanded space means more authors, more publishers, more independent bookstores, and more literary crafters—plus food trucks and craft beverages outdoors at both ends of the Grandstand.

If you love books, conversation, and the creative community that surrounds them, this is your day.

Deep Valley Book Festival

• 📅 October 3, 2026
• 🕔 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• 📍 Courtyard by Marriott Event Center 901 Raintree Road, Mankato, MN

Allan Evans will be representing Stillwater Story House at the Deep Valley Book Festival, which features dozens of authors, illustrators, publishers, literary organizations, and hundreds of books. It’s one of the largest literary festivals of its kind in Southern Minnesota.

Fangs & Frights Book Fest

• 📅 Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
• 🕔 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
• 📍 Forgotten Star Brewing 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421

Allan Evans will be representing Stillwater Story House at Fangs & Frights Book Fest, joining local authors of horror, monster, crime, and thriller fiction—plus booksellers and vendors—for a day where things go bump in the afternoon.

Centennial Band Booster Holiday Bazaar

• 📅 October 24, 2026
• 🕔 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
• 📍 Centennial Middle School 399 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014

Allan Evans will be representing Stillwater Story House at this annual holiday bazaar, featuring crafters, vendors, shoppers—and books, too.

Hinckley Christmas Craft Fair

• 📅 Nov. 7, 2026
• 🕔 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
• 📍 Hinckley-Finlayson High School 201 Main Street East, Hinckley, MN 55037

Allan Evans will be representing Stillwater Story House at the 48th annual Hinckley Christmas Craft Fair, a popular event featuring a wide range of local crafters, vendors, and authors.

Art Fest Craft Show

• 📅 Nov. 21, 2026
• 🕔 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
• 📍 North Branch Area High School 38175 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056

Allan Evans will be representing Stillwater Story House at this popular annual event featuring more than 200 local craft vendors and thousands of shoppers.