The Miami Book Fair street fair returns after being canceled in 2020.
The Miami Book Fair street fair returns this weekend. And while it’s not as big as it usually is, book lovers will find plenty to do.
The fair, held at the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College in downtown Miami, is being reduced for several reasons, all of which involve the pandemic. About 70 authors will appear in person, with around 200 chatting online in English and Spanish.
So where do you start to plan your weekend? You already know that you’ll once again be able to roam the streets around Miami Dade College and see the food, craft, and produce vendors. You can listen to music and have poetry written on order. And of course you can buy books. Inexpensive books. New books. Used books. Old books. Expensive books.
The books are back. This is the main.
Here’s what else you need to know.
Author Events
There are fewer in-person author events this year, which actually makes it easier to see the people you want to see without conflicts. Principally. With fewer rooms used, cleaning and security protocols, and a need for social distancing, the fair requires a free ticket to all events. You don’t have a ticket? Get in the queue. We think it’s safe to say you’ll enter. But first try to get a ticket to be safe.
Can’t decide who to see? Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Maria Amparo Escandon: The Mexican-born author, screenwriter and film producer talks about her fashionable novel “LA Weather” with the memory of Puerto Rican origin Esmeralda Santiago. 10:20 a.m. Nov, Auditorium
Lauren Groff: The author of “Fates and Furies” wrote one of the best novels of the year in “The Matrix”, about an 11th century nun who charts a path to empowerment. 2:20 p.m. Nov, Auditorium
Myriam JA Chancy: She spent years talking to survivors of the 2010 Haitian earthquake and wrote a powerful novel about it called “What a storm, what a thunder”. 6 p.m., November 20, room 8503.
Andy Cohen: You can really watch what happens live when the TV host and producer appear. 4:20 p.m. November, Chapman.
Alan Cumming: The Tony-winning Scottish actor, writer and activist talks about his memoir “Baggage”. 6 p.m., November 20, Chapman Conference Center
Remembering John Lewis: Andrew Aydin, Congressman Frederica S Wilson and Russell Motley in conversation about the legacy of the late Congressman and civil rights leader. 4:21 p.m. Nov. 21, Auditorium
Julie Brown: The Miami Herald reporter talks about her book “Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story”. 6 p.m. November 21, Chapman
The fair also has a robust online program; check the website for what’s available.
Children’s aisle
This is where the children will gather. This year, awnings replace the usual tents to create an open-air space for projects and workshops. For safety reasons, all timed workshops require a free ticket which you can get at the information kiosk. Also obtain a “passport”. Once the kids have stamped each activity, they can exchange it for the book of their choice.
The porch
Relax in this open-air oasis with on-demand music, spoken word performances, magic, poetry and more. On November 20, listen to music from locals like Afrobeta and Sons of Mysto and join Sweat Records and Vagabonds-at-Large for a ’90s street party with DJs and performances by the Drag Dolls.
On November 21, enjoy the sounds of The Jazz Collective, spoken word performances and other DJ sets.
Miami Book Fair Street Fair
Or: Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave., Miami
When: November 19-21
Tickets: Free on November 19; $ 10 adults; $ 5 for 13-18 year olds and over 62; 12 years old and under free 20-21 November; www.miamibookfair.com
