Like reading a good book that you can’t put down, you don’t want to miss a thing at the Miami Book Fair, November 17-24, 2024, in Downtown Miami. The Book Fair is packed with an array of events, so how do you choose? From joining intimate conversations with hot-ticket authors to watching words come alive in performance to fun-filled acts for kids and families, we’ve bookmarked the fair’s best events.

Vendor tents at Miami Book Fair — Mark your calendar for November 17 to kick off the Miami Book Fair

November 17: Miami Book Fair Opening Day Party

Readers know how to party. Free and open to the public, the Miami Book Fair’s opening day party is a must-attend event. Last year, more than 2,500 people danced in the streets at an old school-style street party. This year’s party is expected to be bigger and better, with a DJ pumping out tunes, a large range of food vendors that showcase Miami’s diverse culture, a full bar and hundreds of books for sale.

November 18-22: Spend An Evening With Hot-Ticket Authors

Don’t miss the Miami Book Fair’s “Evening With” events, featuring conversations with well-known authors. These intimate experiences offer readers the chance to hear from the authors themselves about what inspired them and the issues and themes in their new books. Insider’s tip: Before the sessions, drop by The Lost Chapter Lounge on the fourth floor of Building 1 of Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus for a hand-crafted cocktail and a nosh. Chill out on a couch while a DJ spins tunes against the backdrop of Downtown Miami’s glittering lights. The lounge will be open from 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 18-22.

November 18: Erik Larson, 8 p.m.

Best-selling author Erik Larson will discuss his latest work of non-fiction, “The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War.” The is an account of the five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War, as a divided nation became bitterly at odds.

November 21: Connie Chung, 8 p.m.

Pioneer journalist Connie Chung will sit down with her husband, Maury Povich, for a conversation about her new book, “Connie: A Memoir.” The legendary news anchor and reporter will talk about her breakthrough career as the first Asian woman to break into a white, male-dominated television news industry.

November 22: Amy Tan, 6 p.m.

Daydream through nature with award-winning author Amy Tan, best known for her best-selling novels “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Kitchen God’s Wife,” as she discusses her recent book “The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” a playful account of the nature that surrounds us.

That’s So Miami: Hear From Local Authors

Greater Miami & Miami Beach offers plenty of inspiration for thrilling books, and there’s no shortage of award-winning writers and authors in the destination. During the Miami Book Fair, attendees will have the chance to hear from lauded local authors during book readings and author conversations. Some of the can’t-miss readings include: Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author Dave Barry narrating his funny Everglades-based book “Swamp Story”; Rochelle Weinstein dishing on mixing romance with mystery in her new novel “What You Do To Me”; and Leonard Pitts shining the light on a family working through the significant moments of the civil rights movement in his new novel “54 Miles.”

Browsing books in a tent — Discover new reads, meet authors and enjoy books from 250 exhibitors

November 22-24: Stroll The Street Fair

Lined with 250 exhibitors, the Street Fair is your chance to discover a new read, with exhibitors selling old and new books, books in Spanish, and books by independent and small publishers. Stop by the Author’s Tent to hear readings by popular authors, who will be available to sign their books afterward. Admission to the Street Fair is free on Friday, November 22. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday can be purchased online.

November 22-24: Off The Shelf

Hang out with the cool kids at Off The Shelf, an outdoor hangout hosting live music, DJs and poetry sessions for teens and adults. Expect to hear music from The French Horn Collective, The Jazz Collective, Stone Groove, DJ Carlos Menendez and more. There will also be poetry performances by The Biscayne Poet and a teen poetry open mic.

November 23: Jam Out With Literary Legends

Who knew some of the world’s most-famous writers could sing or play an instrument? They’re literary stars, and during the Miami Book Fair, they’re rock stars too. Rock out to a free concert on the Off the Shelf stage by The Rock Bottom Remainders, a classic rock band made up of authors such as Stephen King, Mitch Albom, Dave Barry, Scott Turow, Roy Blount, Jr., Amy Tan and others. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

November 22 to December 15, 2024: View A Striking Art Installation

Take a reading break at the new MOAD Pavilion and check out “Flowing Pathways” by Miami-based artist GeoVanna Gonzalez. This art installation is comprised of interconnected geometric frames and shapes resembling rivers and waterways. Gonzalez says the installation was inspired by the historical importance, spiritual depth and cultural resonance of waterways in Miami and the Caribbean and is meant to be a place for contemplation and reflection. The installation is located on the Building 1 Plaza at the 3rd Street entrance of Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus.

Find Fun For The Entire Family At Children’s Alley

Families will discover fun-filled events at the Book Fair’s popular Children’s Alley, with many performances and events focused on diversity and inclusion. You’ll want to catch two bilingual performances by Latin Grammy Award-winning musician and author Lucky Diaz, who is also promoting his picture book “Paletero Man.” Don’t miss family hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s rap performance. Young aspiring musical artists should check out his workshop on writing hip-hop lyrics in the LEARN Tent.

Explore more events with our Miami Book Fair guide.

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