Guide To The Miami Book Fair International
Since 1984, the Miami Book Fair International has been a hot spot for literary aficionados. Featuring book readings, publisher presentations, author discussions and a street fair, this event is a celebration for those who love a good book whether young or old. Make sure not to miss one of the nation's finest literary festivals from Nov. 13 to Nov.20. Don't forget to bring the kids!
Location
Located near Downtown Miami, the festival stretches across the Miami-Dade Wolfson Campus and goes along Northeast 1st and 2nd Avenues up to Northeast 2nd and 5th Streets. With more than 6 blocks worth of tents, activities and presentations, this fair will keep everybody on their toes.
Getting There
With two public parking garages and two Metrorail stations, the fair's location makes it easy for those who come by car or public transportation.
By Car
From the North:
Take I-95 South and exit right onto NW 8th Street. Go straight to 5th Street. Go seven blocks to NE 2nd Ave.
From the South:
Take US 1 to I-95 North and exit right onto NW 2nd Avenue. Go north two blocks to NW 5th Street and turn right. Go east six blocks to NE 2nd Avenue and turn right.
From the East:
Take MacArthur Causeway West and exit onto Biscayne Boulevard. Go south eight blocks and turn right on NE 3rd Street.
From the West:
Take SR 836 East and exit onto I-395. Exit right onto NE 2nd Avenue. Go south eight blocks.
Public Transportation
For those who prefer not to drive, there are two Metrorail stops located across the street from campus; the College North Station and College Bayside Station. Attendees can park for free at the Metrorail stations on Nov.14 and 15 but they will need an EASY Card or ticket to access the system for the Street Fair.
For more information Click Here.
For those coming from Broward, take the Tri-Rail southbound to the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station and board the southbound Metrorail. Once you've done that, follow the Metrorail instructions above.
For Tri-Rail schedules Click here.
Parking
While parking is a bit easier than most South Florida events, make sure to get there early if you want to get a good spot. The nearest parking is the MDC Parking Garage at 500 N.E. 2nd Avenue. Parking at the campus is free but very limited.
If there is no more free parking, there are two Miami Parking Authority lots which charge an hourly "pay to park" rate and are near the festival.
Garage No. 3:
College Station
190 N.E. 3rd Street
(Entrance on N.E. 2nd Street between N.E. 1st Avenue and N.E. 2nd Avenue).
Parking Garage No. 3 is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
Garage No. 4:
Convention Center Garage
100 S.E. 2nd Street (Bank of America Building)
Admission
If you prefer to just enjoy the various stations at the street fair then tickets will run you about $8 (adults).For teens 13 to 18 its $5 and for kids 12 and under its free. You'll be in for a nice surprise if you go on Friday, November 18 since admission will be free.
For those interested in the 2011 Evenings With series author presentations, tickets are $12. The weekend sessions in the Chapman Conference Center require online free ticket reservations.
To purchase tickets online Click Here.
Activities & Events
This year's fair comes with a twist. A martini twist to be exact! Fairgoers will enjoy happy hours prior to their weekday evening programs thanks to some of Miami's coolest restaurants. For their "Out-of–the-box" events, there will be cooking demos by cook book authors, a Literary Death Match, and a "date night" evening with free drinks and celebrity guests. As for their infamous "Festival of Authors", think book debuts, enthralling novels, lyrical verse, edgy graphic novels, tell-all biographies and some teen favorites.
For the events schedule Click Here.
To view their Fairgoer's Guide Click Here.
For The Kids
While there are many adult events, the kids are the real winners this year. Children's Alley will feature more children's authors, storytellers, and magical performers. Kids will go crazy on Wimpy Kid FUNday, Nov. 20, when author Jeff Kinney returns to the fair. Get ready for fun kids activities and a street full of snow. You'll have to be there to find out what else Mr. Kinney will bring.
For more information on Children's Alley Click Here.
