– Event FAQ –
[Note: This is the event FAQ as presented ahead of the Fest. The first paragraph has been updated, but that’s it.]
When and where is Lone Star Zine Fest happening?
The 2023 Fest went down on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd. We had a record number of exhibitors – 120! – and a record number of attendees – 1129!
How much does it cost to attend Lone Star Zine Fest?
Nothing, y’all! Admission is FREE, but make sure to bring some bucks because you’re gonna want to buy a bunch of zines. Many exhibitors will be equipped to take credit cards, Venmo, etc, but if you wanna be on the safe side, BRING CA$H.
We’ll also have a small selection of LSZF merch new and vintage, for purchase, so swing by and grab a sticker sheet, poster, or compzine to help us keep the Fest free!
What is there for kids to do at the Fest?
Lots of zines for sale at the Fest will be kid-friendly and some are made just for kids! Many of the artists also sell stickers, posters, pins, magnets, greeting cards, patches, and other fun merch. There is a lot of kid-friendly artwork on display.
As usual, we are hosting a rad Zine Creation Station where folks of all ages can make their own zines! All the supplies will be provided and volunteers will be on hand to provide guidance. This year, the Austin Public Library’s Innovation Lab will be showing people how to make digital zines!
We’ve grouped all the kid-friendly exhibitors toward the front of the venue, and all the exhibitors with the most explicit material toward the back. Vendors with an Adult Zone sign should be avoided by any attendees not open to seeing potentially upsetting material. Feel free to check out our exhibitors’ work ahead of time by following the links on our exhibitors page. You can even plot your approximate course using the table map we just posted, but be sure to check the onsite maps when you get to the Fest in case anyone has moved around last minute.
The space will be decorated with a Halloween theme, and exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. We are excited it should be enchanting for folks who like that kind of thing, but anyone sensitive to skull/ghost/death iconography might not enjoy it.
Who is organizing this event?
This year’s Fest was organized by Austin Zine Friends, a 501(c)3 nonprofit newly organized by Angel, Chris, Erin, Jennifer, Lisa, Michelle, and Travis – who are passionate about creating space for zine creators and zine fans to come together. (Bear with us – our website needs an update and we’ll get right on it once the Fest is over!) Many zine-loving volunteers are also helping to run the show including Andrew, Annie, Emily, Gabriel, Jason, Jude, Lauren, Lindsey, Mark, Monica, Otto, Paige, Rachael, Sully, and Zach. Huge special thanks go out to Ejen for handling all of our exhibitor promo on social media!
– Exhibitor FAQ –
Do I have to sign up to participate, or can I just show up?
Good question! Exhibitors have been finalized for this year’s Fest. Check back next spring, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to see when applications open for the next Fest.
How much does it cost to participate in Lone Star Zine Fest?
This year table fees range from $5 to $100. The Fest is still free to attend.
How early can I start setting up? Relatedly, what time do I need to be set up and ready for the public? And how about take-down & clean up?
Exhibitors should have received a couple of emails with detailed information over the last few weeks. Please consult those messages, and send us an email if you didn’t receive that info.
When you arrive, you’ll check in with the organizers and get your table assignment, then get to setting up. Your tables and chairs will be already set up and ready for you to make spooky!
Please plan to stay for the entire event. We want attendees to have the best experience possible and that means lots of stuff to see/do/buy! Feel free to lend a hand with cleanup and/or head next door to Brewtorium for an informal post-Fest hangout!