Book Fair Boasts Expansive Lineup

For those looking to do more than skateboard or sit by the sea at Bayside, Miami Dade College hosts an annual event at Wolfson Campus for people with more literary tastes.

From Nov. 13 through Nov. 20 the 33rd annual Miami Book Fair will hit the streets of downtown with some special guests and a celebration of literature.

This year, special guests include former Democratic presidential nominee Bernie Sanders and actor Alan Cumming (The Good Wife, Spy Kids). Sanders will be sharing his personal experiences from the campaign trail and Cumming will be presenting 45 picture essays that recount his real life adventures called You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams: My Life in Stories and Pictures.

New this year is ReadCaribbean, a program featuring extensive Caribbean-specific events and Lip Service, Miami’s very own live storytelling event.  

The festivities kick off Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Opening Day Block Party at The Porch, where guests can celebrate the official opening of the Fair. The Porch is located at the northwest corner of N.E. 3 St. and 2nd Ave. There will be plenty of music, food, drinks and fellow book lovers to go around.

Also on the same night, Comedy Central’s very own Trevor Noah is hosting a book signing and an event where he speaks about his novel, Born a Crime, a story about growing up in post-apartheid South Africa. Tickets are $40 and include a copy of the book. The event is being held at 6 p.m. in the Chapman Conference Center (Room 3210) at 300 N.E. 2nd Ave.

Starting on Friday, Nov. 18 and continuing through the weekend, The Street Fair will welcome more than 200 national and international booksellers, hundreds of author presentations and panel discussions as well as live music, book signings and delicious food at the food court. The impressive lineup of authors, actors and figures from the political world ensures that fans of all types of cultures will find something of interest at this large event.

Street Fair hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all three days. On Friday, admission is free and on Saturday and Sunday admission is $8.

Overall, the Book Fair is shaping up to be another unique experience for the downtown area. For more information, visit the offical Book Fair website at https://www.miamibookfair.com/