2027 is the year of more.
📚 MORE bestselling authors.
✍️ MORE signed books.
🛍️ MORE book shopping.
🖤 MORE laughs.
✨ MORE unforgettable moments.
👯 MORE time with your favorite authors and fellow readers.
Basically? MORE of everything you love.
Come for the whole weekend—or grab a limited day pass if that's more your speed.
Whether it's your very first book event or your annual reunion with the friends you've made through The Creepy Book Club, this weekend is all about connecting over the stories (and people) you can't stop thinking about.
Meet bestselling authors. Fill your shelves with signed books. Discover your next obsession at the Author Expo.
Jump into conversations that start with "What's the creepiest book you've ever read?" and somehow last for hours.
And here's the best part:
There is no wrong way to do Creepy Retreat.
Want to sit front row at every author panel? Perfect.
Rather spend the afternoon by the pool talking books with your new favorite people? Also perfect.
Need to sneak away for a quiet coffee, recharge in your room, or wander the waterfront for a bit? We highly encourage it.
This weekend is yours. Make it exactly what you want it to be.
Coming solo? You'll be in great company.
So many of our attendees arrive on their own—and leave with group chats, inside jokes, and lifelong book besties. The Creepy community has always been about making everyone feel welcome, whether you've been here since day one or just discovered us yesterday.
Jennifer Hillier
USA Today bestseller
Lucinda Berry
USA Today bestseller
Kimberly Belle
USA Today bestseller
Kaira Rouda
USA Today bestseller
Mary Kubica
NYT bestseller
B.A. Paris
NYT bestseller
Sarah Pekkanen
NYT bestseller
Noelle W. Ihli
USA Today bestseller
Jason Rekulak
NYT bestseller
Heather Gudenkauf
NYT bestseller
Alex Finlay
USA Today bestseller
Stacy Willingham
NYT bestseller
Ashley Winstead
USA Today bestseller
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina isn't just where you'll sleep—it's where retreat keeps going.
🌊 Wake up to marina views and San Diego sunshine.
🏖️ Lounge by the resort-style pool between sessions (or don't leave the cabana. We get it.)
🍹 Grab a cocktail, coffee, or quick bite without ever leaving the property.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and the waterfront whenever you need an adventure.
💬 Run into your favorite authors and fellow readers in the lobby, by the pool, or grabbing breakfast—because everyone's in one place.
✨ Modern rooms, cozy beds, and the perfect home base after a full day of thrills and making new book besties.
You don't have to stay at the host hotel, but trust us...it's where some of the best retreat moments happen.
*Historically, our room blocks sell out quickly. If the room block is sold out, that does not mean event tickets are sold out or that rooms are not available at the hotels prevailing rates.
Mica Merrill Rice
What the Chrysalis Keeps
Renda Knapp
*HEADLINING SPEAKER*
Audrey J. Cole
Echo Ridge
Jennifer Sadera
I Know She Was There
Ande Pliego
The Library After Dark
Courtney Psak
*BREAKOUT SPEAKER*
Adam Roach
The Architect
Sara Ennis
Little Doves
Darby Kane
Such a Clever Girl
Zelly Ruskin
*BREAKOUT SPEAKER*
Veronica Bane
Difficult Girls
Michelle Maryk
The Found Object Society
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Ellis Hart
The House That Held Her
Caleb Stephens
You'll Never Know
Dianna Duddy
All The Imaginary Things
Liz Alterman
You'll Be Sorry
Do people come alone?
Yes, and you're in great company! Many attendees come solo and end up leaving with new friends and unforgettable memories. The atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and designed to help you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
Where should I stay?
We have a discounted room block set-up at the beautiful Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina April 23 - 26, 2027, situated on the Bay, adjacent to Gaslamp Quarter. Historically, the hotel block has sold out quickly, so we recommend making your reservation ASAP. Events conclude late Sunday evening, so it is recommended to check-out Monday, April 26, 2027.
Will headlining authors sign my books?
Absolutely! There will be dedicated book signing sessions throughout the retreat where you’ll have the chance to meet authors and get your books signed. Limit 1 book per author. Due to the number of authors attending, we cannot guarantee that you will receive every author’s signature.
Day Pass Holders: Because authors will be participating on different days throughout the retreat, not all authors will be available each day.
What is the parking situation?
If you are driving in daily, the day of event parking rates are $20 Self and $25 Valet per day at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. If the lot is full, SpotHero is a recommended app to download to search for nearby parking alternatives. If you are staying overnight, alternate rates apply.
Is there a pet policy?
Pets and comfort animals are not permitted.
The hotel welcomes service animals.
Will there be downtime?
This retreat is all about you—join as much or as little as you’d like! While you're not required to attend every event, we hope you won’t want to miss them. We’ve crafted the agenda with sessions we think you’ll love, featuring topics that matter and authors you’re excited to meet.
Do I have to stay at the hotel the event is held at?
You do not have to stay onsite to attend the event, you just need a ticket and can stay wherever you desire. We chose downtown San Diego for attendees to enjoy a walkable destination with many hotel options close-by. There are also many local attendees that drive in each day.
What is the Author Expo?
The Author Expo is an exciting opportunity to connect with even more authors across the thriller, mystery, and true crime genres.
It will be open throughout all three days of the retreat, giving you plenty of time to explore, chat with authors, and discover your next favorite read!
What is the closest airport to the venue?
The closest airport near Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is San Diego International Airport (SAN). SAN is located approximately 3.3 Miles from the hotel. The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina does not have an airport shuttle to San Diego International Airport.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made on or before 12/23/26 are eligible for a 50% refund of the ticket price. Ticketing fees and any processing fees are non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after 12/23/26. Failure to attend the event does not entitle the ticket holder to a refund.
When should I arrive?
Most attendees with a Creepy Weekend Pass arrive early Friday, as the event kicks off at 1:00 PM PST. Registration and the Author Expo will be open at 10:00 AM PST, for you to arrive and settle in at your own pace.
What time is hotel check-in/check-out?
At the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Luggage storage is available with bell services. We cannot store luggage within the event spaces.
Will I be able to buy books onsite?
Yes! We’ll have a curated bookshop at the retreat where you can browse and purchase bestselling titles from our attending headlining authors.
You’ll also have the option to pre-order books in advance, making it easy to grab your selections after check-in—no waiting at the bookstore required!
Is the venue ADA accessible?
Yes, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has accessible guest rooms, pathways, and features. For more information about the physical features of their accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 619-234-1500.
Are there any events Monday?
Whoa there, party animal! Monday will not have any scheduled events and is considered a travel day.
Get your suitcase ready (you know, the one you saved for all those new books), say your goodbyes, and head home recharged and inspired.
2026 Attendee
"This was both the first bookish event I’ve ever done AND the first time I’ve ever traveled anywhere (for fun) solo. Thank you for creating such a kind, fun, and welcoming environment. The Creepy Retreat was unforgettable, and will be on my calendar annually."
2026 Attendee
"Truly magical weekend - met the most amazing people, to connect with authors this way is outstanding! I was blow away by how nice and genuine everyone was. See ya'll in 2027!"
2026 Attendee
"The Creepy Retreat felt like the best summer camp imaginable. Everyone was so friendly, open, and inclusive making the entire experience a source of pure joy. The event was beautifully organized and executed to perfection. One warning: if you go once, you'll be hooked for life! "
