Off the beaten path at Miami Book Fair

Hundreds of authors head south when Miami Book Fair kicks off Nov. 13, including appearance by Jorge Ramos (in Spanish with English translation); kids’ author Eoin Colfer (the Artemis Fowl series) and “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. 

But what about the smaller events? Here are some of the best kept (and free) secrets of the fair.

Opening Day Block Party

There’s a lot going on this week, so you need to keep up your strength. Grab a bite at a free community barbecue and enjoy live music from Quantic (pictured above). Need an adult beverage? Biscayne Bay Brewing has you covered.

7 p.m. Nov. 13, The Porch, northwest corner of NE Third Street and Second Avenue in downtown Miami

Improv Comedy Showcase

What, you thought this was only about books? Check out the art of fast-paced, impromptu storytelling with some of Miami’s best theater collectives, including Villain Theater and Front Yard Theatre Collective. 

7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, The Porch.

Drink + Draw!

 Sip and sketch with some of the world’s best cartoonists, who will work with you to create your own mini-comic. Yours will be totally amazing and better than “Doctor Strange.” 

7 p.m. Nov. 16, The Standard, 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach

Noir at the Bar

 You don’t need a trench coat or fedora, and the weather probably won’t be foggy and mysterious – though you never know in Florida – but you get all dark and angsty with novelist Alex Segura emcee a night with some of Miami’s best crime writers.

8 p.m. Nov. 17, The Porch

Book Fair Block Party

Get the big street fair weekend off to a good start with food and craft beer and DJ Luan. Compete in a dominoes tournament and spit rhymes (good or bad) at SPEAK! Fridays, a diverse open mic night. Finish off the evening with the fun and freaky Circ X Variety Hour.

5 p.m. Nov. 18, The Porch

“I’m In Miami, Bitch!”

Hang out with author/photographer Andrew Kaufman, who’s chronicling the ever-growing and colorful Wynwood art scene. Free with street fair admission.

2 p.m. Nov. 20, The Porch

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 11:11 PM.