What’s New for Miami Book Fair 2021

October 21, 2021

Sunnybell, Florida Dairy Farmers’ spokescalf, will share where milk comes from and how to make ice cream and butter. Photo: Florida Dairy Farmers

The 38th Miami Book Fair, one of South Florida’s most beloved fall events, returns in person – mostly – following a pandemic virtual-only event.

“We weren’t able to gather downtown and celebrate in person with you last year; that was hard on all of us,” they say in their welcome letter. “We missed our community gathering in fellowship to take part in the conversations of our day, as we have always strived to present work that reflects the widest possible interests, the pop culture zeitgeist, and bestselling book lists of every genre. We missed the kids in Children’s Alley, clutching picture books below faces rapt at the spiel of storytellers.” Now, in 2021, they’re back downtown and on the web.

For in-person events, all fair staff, presenters, performers, vendors, partners and guests will be asked to wear masks covering nose and mouth.

Here are highlights:

Storybook Picnic in Doral

Sat., Nov. 6, 2-5pm
Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School
Miami Book Fair and Fundacion Cuatrogatos invite families to a picnic of activities that encourage reading, learning and imagination. Enjoy picnic baskets full of books (free to keep) and performances by storytellers, musicians, and theater troupes, as well as creative writing, art-making, and other family-friendly diversions.

In-Person Events

Virtual and in-person programs and author events in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole are scheduled from Sunday to Sunday. Find the full list here: miamibookfair.com
Among local favorites:

Cesar Becerra, Orange Blossom 2.0
Sun., Nov. 21, 5-6pm
Room 8106, Bldg. 8, Floor 1
Author of Orange Blossom 2.0, Cesar Becerra and special guest Bea Brickell, great-granddaughter of South Florida pioneers William and Mary Brickell talk about Miami’s other founding mother.

Katherine Manning, Tung Nguyen and Lyn Nguyen, Mango and Peppercorns
Sun., Nov. 21, 7pm
Room 2106, Bldg. 2, Floor 1
The folks behind the beloved Hy-Vong restaurant talk about their story and their book Mango and Peppercorns: A Memoir of Food, an Unlikely Family, and the American Dream.

Photo 1: Entertainment on The Porch

Photo 2: Kids and books at the Miami Book Fair Photo: Miami Book Fair

Street Fair Weekend

Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Nov. 21
Downtown Miami
Hundreds of exhibitors and local artisans selling books and handcrafted wares; author presentations and panel discussions plus book signings; live music and performances at The Porch; family-friendly Children’s Alley Sat. and Sun.; and food, drink, and libations at the Food Court and food truck area.
Hours: Fri., Nov. 19, 11am-7pm.; Sat. and Sun., Nov. 20-21, 10am-7pm.
Admission: Fri., Nov. 19: free for all; Sat. and Sun., Nov 20-21: Adults, $10; 13-18 and over 62, $5; 12 and under, free. Two-day ticket (Nov. 20-21) for adults, $15

Farmers Market
Local fruits and veggies, honey and jams, spices and teas, vegan treats, bike-powered smoothies, kombucha, homemade breads, natural hair and body care, aromatherapy, and much more!Participating vendors: Urban Oasis Project, Neighborhood Nectars, Wavey Acai Bowls, The Blend Bike, Gables Delight Jams, Krispieverse, Angry Booch, Baguette Plus, 4Elementum, Omusubee, Mondepice Spices, Ebene and more.

The Porch
Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Nov. 21
Between Bldgs. 1 and 2 on NE 1 Ave. end of Kyriakides Plaza
Chill at this outdoor urban hangout and see an eclectic lineup of established and emerging South Florida-based talent: DJs and live bands, slam poets, even a magician.

Food Court
Visit the Food Court at the corner of NE 3rd Street and 1st Avenue or check out the food trucks at The Porch. Don’t miss the big Porch happy hour on Fri., Nov. 19 with DJs and live music from Richie Hell and The Gumbo Limbo Experiment, the ’90s Block Party with indie band The State Of on Saturday, and Yoli Mayor on Sunday, brought to you by Sweat Records and Vagabonds at Large.

Fun-Filled Trip with SunnyBell and Florida Dairy Farmers
Sunnybell, Florida Dairy Farmers’ spokescalf, takes visitors on an adventure-filled journey to a dairy farm, the state fair, and a MOOsical. Learn where milk comes from and how to make ice cream and butter.

Tickets are required for all author conversations and readings, programs and events taking place in person. To register for tickets, visit MiamiBookFair.com and click “Purchase tickets.”

find your edible

find your edible