a celebration of
historical romance

Scandals & Swoons Festival is a new historical romance signing event in Orlando, Florida. Our inaugural event will take place on January 18, 2026, at Azalea Lodge at the Mead Botanical Garden.

get involved

author application

If you’re a historical romance or historical romantasy author interested in attending Swoons Fest 2026, click the button below to apply.

APPLY HERE

vendor application

If you’re a bookish vendor or small business and would like to attend Swoons Fest 2026 as one of our vendors, click the button below to apply. Please note that at this time, any vendor applications will be waitlisted.

APPLY HERE

sponsor
information

We are excited to host a diverse and inclusive historical romance event, but we need your help! For sponsorship information, click the link below.

APPLY HERE

volunteer
application

If you’re interested in volunteering at Swoons Fest 2026, click the button below to apply.

APPLY HERE

our mission statement

Scandals & Swoons Festival celebrates the rich traditions and diverse voices of historical romance. We aim to create a space for historical romance readers both old and new to come together, form connections, and create long-lasting memories. Our goal is to organize an event that’s accessible, cozy, and relaxed, where readers can celebrate the genre while connecting with kindred spirits.

We strongly believe in uplifting marginalized voices within the community and giving historical romance authors and readers a space to celebrate the genre and its creativity, while still acknowledging how the topics tackled in these books are still relevant in today’s society.

The Ton

Valentina Boré

EVENT ORGANIZER
Valentina (she/her) is a queer, Latina corporate girlie (by day) and indie bookseller (on the weekends). A lifelong reader, she loves friends-to-lovers romances, her rainbow bookshelf, and iced lattes even when it’s cold.
Shelby Ugarte

WEB DESIGNER
Shelby (she/her) is a queer, Latina preschool teacher and a part-time nanny to twins. An avid reader of romance books, she loves the second chance trope, going to Disney World, and salted caramel iced lattes.
Sofia Salazar

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Sofia (she/her), also known as Fozi, is a Latina social media content creator and author services provider. She's the biggest second chance enthusiast, a caramel latte lover, and a true fangirl through and through.