The Cookout is a community-centered literary event rooted in the full vibe of the cookouts many of us grew up with. From the uncle on the grill in his sandals, to kids being told to stick to hot dogs and juice jugs while the adults claim the chicken, steak, and sodas, it pulls from those familiar summer scenes. Kids running around playing tag and freeze, cousins arguing on the basketball court, aunties and parents dancing off to the side, music playing, laughter everywhere. Everybody outside. Everybody together.

Hosted the Monday after Black Romance Book Fest, The Cookout brings that same energy to the Black reader community. It’s a laid-back space for book lovers to unwind, eat good food, play games, and vibe with their favorite reading girlies before heading back home. Blending cookout culture with a love for Black literature, the event features food trucks, small business vendors, field-day-style games, music, and a chill reading lounge designed for connection and community.

For the culture. For the readers. For the community that makes this all happen.