On February 21, 2026, St. Petersburg celebrated its third annual Zine Fest at the St. Petersburg College West Community Library on the Gibbs Campus. This vibrant event utilized the library’s first and second floors, featuring a variety of demos and presentations that showcased the creative spirit of the local community. With over 60 artists from Florida participating, the festival has quickly become a significant gathering for both creators and fans of zines—those unique, independently crafted publications that can be physical or digital, often brimming with personal thoughts and opinions on a myriad of topics.
Caitlin Crockett, a librarian and owner of Print St. Pete, spearheaded the festival’s organization, inspired by the Duval Comic and Zine Fest in Jacksonville. The first St. Pete Zine Fest took place in 2024, and since then, attendance has skyrocketed—from over 500 in 2025 to more than 700 in 2026. The library setting has proven to be an inviting space, attracting attendees who might not typically venture into open-air markets. As local artist Heidi Hicks pointed out, this unique venue draws a diverse crowd eager to explore the rich world of zine culture.
The Creative Community Thrives
Vendors at the festival echoed this sentiment. Jeb Katsiopis noted the event’s accessibility and the eclectic mix of attendees it garners. Charles Caesar, a vendor from New York City, emphasized the community-centric nature of zine making and the importance of celebrating St. Petersburg’s cultural diversity. The festival included engaging demos such as Lego letterpressing, block printing, zine passports, and 3D printing, offering participants hands-on experiences that further enriched the atmosphere.
The event also featured a symposium with presentations on various topics related to zine making. Crockett expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, looking forward to even more significant growth in future events. Among the participating artists were local talents such as Abby Knauff Art from Palm Harbor, Alexis Snikt from St. Pete, and Claire McNeill, also from St. Pete, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting local artists.
Beyond St. Pete: The Wider Zine Culture
In addition to the St. Pete Zine Fest, zine culture continues to thrive in various forms across Florida and beyond. For example, the 2026 SPZF Zinesters event in Ormond Beach showcased a diverse array of artists, including Amy Kelley, a faculty member at St. Petersburg College, and others from cities like Tallahassee and Orlando. This gathering further illustrates the interconnected nature of zine culture, which not only serves as a creative outlet but also fosters community connections.
Zines themselves are more than just artistic expressions—they represent a rich history of independent publishing and activism. As explored in a recent project seminar at the University of the Arts in Berlin, zines often intertwine with political struggles, subcultures, and the desire for alternative narratives. The seminar focused on the history and practice of zine-making, delving into the cultural contexts and social spaces that give rise to these publications. Participants engaged in practical workshops to create their zines, culminating in an exhibition that showcased their work and research on existing zines.
For those interested in exploring this dynamic world of zines, you can find more information about the St. Pete Zine Fest and its participants at Print St. Pete and read about its impact on the local community at Crows Nest St. Pete. As zines continue to evolve, they remain a powerful medium for self-expression and community building.