Imagine a beloved community event on the brink of cancellation, only to be rescued by a local cidery with a vision to become more than just a bar. That’s exactly what happened when the North Park Book Fair found an unexpected savior in Bivouac Ciderworks. What could have been a disappointing loss for book lovers turned into a unique, pop-up celebration of literature, creativity, and community—all thanks to the generosity and foresight of Bivouac’s owner, Lara Worm. But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just about saving a book fair; it’s about redefining what a local gathering space can be.
Lara Worm, the mastermind behind Bivouac Ciderworks, had long dreamed of her cidery becoming a “third place”—a term often used to describe spaces where people can connect outside of home and work. “I always envisioned my friends writing a book here or someone crafting the next great screenplay,” Worm shared. When she learned from her sister, paranormal romance author Heather Nix, that the North Park Book Fair was in jeopardy due to construction and permit issues, Worm saw an opportunity. She offered up her spacious Bivouac Adventure Lodge on 30th Street, transforming it into a hub for authors, readers, and creatives alike.
While the lodge can’t replicate the scale of a street fair, Worm embraces the chaos with open arms. “We’re here to have fun, meet authors, and enjoy some cider. It’s not the most structured event, but that’s part of its charm,” she said. “Come with an open mind, and you’ll find something special.” And this is the part most people miss: the event, now dubbed Taste of the Book Fair, isn’t confined to one location. It’s spread across multiple hubs in North Park, each offering a unique experience. From author signings at Bivouac to artists and crafters at Verbatim Books, and even a “smut author alley” at Subterranean Coffee, the fair is a testament to the neighborhood’s collaborative spirit.
Bivouac Ciderworks itself is no ordinary cidery. Opened eight years ago and expanded last year with the Adventure Lodge, it’s a bright, cozy space modeled after a glamping yurt. Here, you’ll find a full cafe, restaurant, and bar serving Bivouac’s signature ciders and brandy-based cocktails. But for Worm, the space is about more than just food and drink. “My goal is to create a community center where people can slow down, meet their neighbors, and have meaningful conversations,” she explained. “It’s about fostering connections in a world that often feels rushed.”
This reimagined book fair, happening on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a perfect example of Worm’s vision in action. North Park, she notes, is a neighborhood brimming with creativity, and events like this capture its essence. “In other great cities, you’ll find *third places where artists, families, and even dogs coexist peacefully. San Diego doesn’t have enough of that, and I want to change that,”* Worm said. But here’s the controversial part: Can a cidery truly become a community hub, or is it just a trendy idea? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
As for the future, Worm remains committed to making Bivouac a space where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re a writer, an artist, or just someone looking to unwind, this pop-up book fair is a reminder of the power of community and collaboration. So, mark your calendars, grab a cider, and join the celebration—because this isn’t just a book fair; it’s a movement.
