No cliffhanger here: Miami Book Fair in Downtown Miami, November 12-19, 2023, will be a book lovers’ paradise. In its 40th edition, the fair will feature more than 500 authors and presenters from around the world, including nominees and winners of the National Book Award.

The books showcased at Miami Book Fair are new releases, and the event is often the first opportunity to see or hear from the authors. No matter the genre or topic – climate change, race issues, pop culture, romance, and whatever people are currently talking about – you’ll find the authors and thought-leaders of today speaking about and reading from their books.

From listening to intimate author conversations to asking questions and getting books signed, to watching words come alive in performance, you’ll want to make plans to participate in these must-attend events.

Vendor tents at Miami Book Fair — Mark you calendar for November 12 to enjoy Miami Book Fair's kickoff

Miami Book Fair Kickoff: Block Party & Free Concert

November 12

Miami Book Fair kicks off with a block party and free concert on the plaza, Sunday, November 12. Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer and musician Louie Vega will take the audience on a four-hour musical journey called “Flashback.” The music set will escalate from salsa to disco, dance to house music, and into something completely new.

See Jada Pinkett Smith at the Book Fair, photo Matthew Brookes — Catch Jada Pinkett Smith at the Book Fair on November 12, by Matthew Brookes

Spend An Evening With These Hot-Ticket Authors

You’ll want to carve out time to hang out with some of the biggest names in pop culture during Miami Book Fair’s “Evening With” events taking place November 12 and 17, featuring an array of intimate evening talks from buzzy actors and cultural icons-turned-authors.

November 12: Kerry Washington

Celebrity/activist Kerry Washington will dig deep into her past and present, speaking about her intimate book, “Thicker Than Water: A Memoir,” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 12.

November 12: Jada Pinkett Smith

Expect to be on the edge of your seat on Sunday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m., when actor and talk show host Jada Pinkett Smith opens up about her new memoir, “Worthy,” which chronicles her personal and professional highs and lows, including life after her husband Will Smith’s famous Oscars slap.

November 12: Joan Baez

Music icon Joan Baez showcases a different side of her many talents with “Am I Pretty When I Fly? A Collection of Upside Down Drawings,” which explores everything from politics to humankind’s relationships to animals. Baez will speak on Sunday, November 12 at 7 p.m.

November 17: Henry Winkler

On November 17 at 6 p.m., Henry Winkler, affectionately known as “The Fonz” from the popular show “Happy Days,” will discuss his journey to stardom and reinventing himself that’s depicted in his new memoir, “Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond.”

November 18: Roz Chast

On Saturday, November 18, sneak into the nighttime world of award-winning New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast, as she discusses her new graphic narrative, “I Must Be Dreaming,” which explores our dreams.

Insider’s Tip: Before or after the evening programs, stop by The Lost Chapter: Spun Sounds & Storytelling, which takes place on the fourth-floor rooftop of Building 1 overlooking Downtown Miami, to listen to DJs spinning under the night sky. Sip on natural wines and craft cocktails available for purchase.

Author Curtis Chin, by Michelle Li, Studio Plum Photography — Don't miss Curtis Chin, by Michelle Li, Studio Plum Photography

That’s So Miami

Richard Blanco

Specific dates and times TBA

For those who want to hear from the voices of Miami, the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Miami-Dade County, Richard Blanco, will be reading from his new book, “Homeland of My Body,” which features a rich collection of more than 100 poems.

Bob Kealing

Specific dates and times TBA

Dive into the Beatles-mania that swept the U.S. in 1964, including the band’s time in Miami, with Bob Kealing’s “Good Day Sunshine State: How the Beatles Rocked Florida.”

Andrew Otazo

Specific dates and times TBA

Cuban-American author Andrew Otazo offers a fun satire about how Miami came to be in his reading and Q&A of “The Miami Creation Myth.”

Browsing books in a tent — Find over 300 exhibitors

Stroll the Street Fair

November 17-19

At the Street Fair, expect more than 300 exhibitors, including rows of books by featured authors for sale. Stop by the Author’s Tent to mingle with popular wordsmiths and, after each reading, take advantage of an opportunity to chat with the authors and buy their books.

Another not-to-miss highlight: Head to the Off The Shelf stage for live music, DJs, poetry performances and more.

Can’t-Miss Readings for The Family

Neil Goldberg

November 17-19

Children’s Alley is a popular spot for families at Miami Book Fair, and these hot events are sure to be crowd favorites. Kids will be awe-struck at a reading by author Neil Goldberg of “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance,” a magical holiday story starring three fantastical elves; families can also enjoy a performance of the book brought to life.

Francinelee Hand

November 17-19

Miami children’s author Francinelee Hand will read excerpts from her book, “The Tail of Claybe,” which follows the life of a happy-go-lucky monkey.

Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar

November 17-19

Award-winning writer Ruth Behar and her son Gabriel Frye-Behar will read from “Pepita Meets Bebita,” a story about a dog that welcomes a new baby into the family, and ultimately, a true story on how growing families adjust.

Learn more about Miami Book Fair for Families.

With all of these must-attend events, you’ll be busy from the moment that you step into the fair until it’s time to go home.

Miami Book Fair Kickoff: Block Party & Free Concert

November 12

Spend An Evening With These Hot-Ticket Authors

November 12: Kerry Washington

November 12: Jada Pinkett Smith

November 12: Joan Baez

November 17: Henry Winkler

November 18: Roz Chast

More Readings, Conversations and Q&As With Renowned Authors

Jonathan Eig

Specific dates and times TBA

Adrian Matejka

Specific dates and times TBA

Susanna Hoffs

Specific dates and times TBA

Curtis Chin

Specific dates and times TBA

That’s So Miami

Richard Blanco

Specific dates and times TBA

Bob Kealing

Specific dates and times TBA

Andrew Otazo

Specific dates and times TBA

Stroll the Street Fair

November 17-19

Can’t-Miss Readings for The Family

Neil Goldberg

November 17-19

Francinelee Hand

November 17-19

Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar

November 17-19

Best Events of Miami Book Fair

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