Miami Book Fair

Whether you revel in a good plot twist or a true story of grit and glory or are a family looking for things to do with kids who love to read, bookmark the Miami Book Fair as a must-attend literary event. Held at the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College in Downtown Miami from Nov. 16-23, 2025, the 42nd annual Book Fair is the chance to meet or hear from more than 550 authors in every genre. Some writers are already famous, while others are ready for discovery. Much of the programming is in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

And it’s more than a place to buy books and mingle with prominent authors. There’s also live entertainment and Miami-style activities for all ages. Hint: There will even be a big country music star gracing the stage this year. Don’t miss one of the biggest events on Miami’s cultural calendar.

Miami Book Fair Events

Author Readings And Conversations

Part of the Miami Book Fair’s charm is the intimate “Evenings With” events, where hot-ticket authors reveal the inspirations behind their latest page turners and reveal their creative processes. This year’s lineup offers a unique mix of authors, from “BookTok” sensation Mercedes Ron and novelist Daniel Silva, who’s known for his thriller and spy novels, to the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate, Arthur Sze, who’s written numerous books of poetry.

Expect to be captivated by the words of Israeli author and photojournalist Lihi Lapid, who is the mother of an autistic child and champions those with disabilities; media guru Barry Diller, who created and launched the Fox Broadcasting Company; environmentalist and best-selling author Bill McKibben; and local talent like Cuban poet and playwright Legna Rodriguez Iglesias.

Ever wondered what it’s like to perform brain surgery? You’ll even hear from neurosurgeon Theodore H. Schwartz, who wrote “Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery.” And you’ll see the stirring images of acclaimed photographer Sally Mann, who captures life in black and white in the American South.

Check out the fair's events calendar for the lineup, which will be updated regularly.

The Street Fair

The Street Fair is one of the most-popular events at the fair. For three days, November 21-23, attendees can pop in and out of a line of tents in Downtown Miami to peruse more than 250 exhibitors selling everything from books to artisanal crafts. You’ll also find the Off the Shelf stage, with musical and poetry performances as well as a variety of food from Smorgasburg Miami. Admission to the Street Fair is free on Friday, November 21, and children under 12 get in for free every day. You can purchase tickets for Saturday and Sunday in advance.

Children’s Alley

Families love Children’s Alley, where you’ll often see kids clutching books or pulling wagons stacked with new reads. You never know what surprise is around the corner, from roving stilt walkers to giant puppets and even obstacle courses and pop-up pickleball courts. Head to the activity tents for arts and crafts, theater, music, science demos and more. The live author readings and book signings, featuring top authors for middle and young adult readers, are favored events. Explore more Miami Book Fair programming for families.

Accessibility

The Miami Book Fair and all of its venues are wheelchair-accessible; personal assistants may attend events at no charge, and service animals are welcome. Guests who require sign language interpreting or assistive listening devices must contact Miami Dade College 72 business hours prior to the start of the event. Requests may be made by calling 305-237-3072, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; through Florida Relay at 1-800-955-8771 (TTY); or by email at WAccess@mdc.edu.

Parking & Public Transportation

Getting to and around the fair is easy and affordable. Fairgoers can arrive by Metrorail, Brightline, Tri-Rail and the free Miami Trolley. Free parking is available at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus parking garage at 500 NE 2nd Ave.; the entrance is on NE Fifth Street between First and Second avenues. Additional nearby parking options are available for a fee through the Miami Parking Authority. The closest garages are College Station Garage at 190 NE 3rd St. (access via NE Second Street) and the Convention Center Garage in the Bank of America building, 100 SE 2nd St.

Parking at the College Station Garage is $5, and the Convention Center Garage offers 24-hour parking for a fee. Valet parking is also available for $7 on the southeast corner of NE 5th Street and 2nd Avenue. For the safety of all, firearms and other weapons are not allowed on the grounds of the Miami Book Fair. All attendees are subject to a hand-check of bags, backpacks, purses and containers by Miami Dade College Public Safety officials. Wolfson Campus Public Safety may be contacted at 305-237-3100.

By Angela Caraway-Carlton | September 30, 2025