For the past 40 years, the Miami Book Fair has transformed Downtown Miami into a hub for authors, readers, musicians, artists, and fans to experience literature and the arts in true Miami fashion. The event, which brings together hundreds of critically acclaimed authors, includes an open-air street fair with family-friendly activities.
The U Creates invites the University community to explore the diverse offerings throughout the eight-day arts celebration. The University has partnered with the Miami Book Fair to offer signature author events, discounted street fair tickets, and a chance for in-person visitors to win a University of Miami gift basket.
“Creating knowledge through collaboration is at the core of what we do as scholars, researchers, and students at the University of Miami. When we embrace arts and humanities in our work, we foster critical thinking and creativity, empower diverse perspectives, challenge societal norms, and contribute meaningfully to a global community,” said Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “The University is proud to highlight numerous faculty authors who will be discussing their work this year at the Miami Book Fair.”
Get discounted tickets to the Miami Book Fair Street Fair.
Located in Downtown Miami, the street fair is an open-air market featuring authors, vendors, live music, performances, and culinary specialties. University faculty and staff members can purchase single day tickets to the street fair on Saturday or Sunday and get 50 percent off—a $4 discount per ticket—using code UMMBFDISCOUNT.
Also available, a limited number of University students can obtain two free single day tickets to the street fair using code UMMBFSTUDENT at checkout. This offer is available first come, first served to the first 1,000 students who use the code to purchase tickets for either Saturday or Sunday.
Events spotlight University faculty members.
Saturday, Nov. 18, noon
“Architecture and the African Diaspora: A Conversation”
Architectural designer Germane Barnes, associate professor and director of the Community Housing Identity Lab at the School of Architecture, and artist Ollalekan Jeyifous will discuss architecture and blackness in America. Get details.
Saturday, Nov. 18, noon
“Mikhail Zygar on ‘War and Punishment: Putin, Zelensky, the Path to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine’”
In “War and Punishment: Putin, Zelensky, the Path to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine,” Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar explains the impact of a new generation of Ukrainians, and provides an overview of a war that continues to threaten the world as we know it. Learn more.
Moderator: Phil Harling, professor and director of the Center for the Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m.
“Urbanism and Global Cities”
Robin Faith Bachin, Charlton W. Tebeau associate professor of history and founding director of the office of civic and community engagement at the College of Arts and Sciences, will discuss her new book “Engaging Place, Engaging Practices: Urban History and Campus-Community Partnerships,” alongside Alejandro Portes, research professor of sociology and criminology at the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Law, and author of “Emerging Global Cities: Origin, Structure, and Significance.” This event will be moderated by Carie Penabad, professor at the School of Architecture and host of the international radio program “On Cities.” Get details.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m.
“Miami: Punk Rock City”
Chris Potash and Joey Seeman, co-authors of “Punk Under the Sun: ’80s Punk and New Wave in South Florida” will be joined by music and culture photographer Jill Kahn, and Leslie Wimmer, Open Records record label co-founder. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 4 p.m.
“Literary Waves: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Haiti”
Travel deep into the heart of Caribbean literature with voices from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Haiti. Join Claire Jimenez, author of “What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez;” Raul Palma, author of “A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens;” Micki Berthelot Morency, author of “The Island Sisters;” and Patricia Saunders, associate professor of English; hemispheric caribbean studies faculty lead at the Miami Institute for the Advanced Study of the Americas; and author of “Buyers Beware.” See the lineup.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m.
“Caleb Everett on the Language-Brain Connection”
Caleb Everett, senior associate dean of academic affairs and author of “A Myriad of Tongues: How Languages Reveal Differences in How We Think” will give a presentation moderated by Les Levi, president and CEO of HC2 Broadcasting. Everett, an anthropologist and psychologist, probes how languages shape speakers’ perception of the world and their understanding of scents, color, and time. His book was included in Publisher’s Weekly’s list of the top 10 science books of fall 2023. Learn more.
Sunday, Nov. 19, noon
“Guardian of Nature: Michele Oka Doner”
Artist Michele Oka Doner, author of “A Seed Takes Root: A True Story,” will join Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber in conversation. Get details.
Introduction: Jill Deupi, director, Lowe Art Museum
Sunday, Nov. 19, 2:30 p.m.
“Intergenerational Stories: On Family and Resilience”
Panel discussion featuring Patricia Engel, associate professor at the College of Arts and Sciences and author of “The Faraway World: Stories;” M. Evelina Galang, professor of creative writing at the College of Arts and Sciences and author of “When the Hibiscus Falls: Stories;” Cristina García, author of “Vanishing Maps: A Novel;” and Ana Menendez, author of “The Apartment: A Novel.” Learn more.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m.
“Sweet World: A Tribute to Maureen Seaton”
A group of local poets will pay tribute to award-winning poet and LGBTQ+ activist Maureen Seaton. Hosted by poets Denise Duhamel and Nicole Tallman, the group will read their favorite poems from Seaton’s expansive collection in memory and celebration of her remarkable literary accomplishments. Seaton served as a professor and longtime chair of the creative writing program at the College of Arts and Sciences. Get additional information.
Learn more about The U Creates.
The U Creates is dedicated to showcasing the talents of our students and faculty and staff members.
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