Detroit Festival of Books

The Detroit Festival of Books, also known as Detroit Bookfest, is an annual literary event held at Eastern Market, Detroit, Michigan. The festival was created in 2017 by Ryan M. Place. The event is currently organized by Detroit Bookfest, a non-profit organization.
History
The first Detroit Festival of Books was held in 2017 as a grassroots initiative to celebrate literature and promote literacy in the region.
Event details
The festival is traditionally held the third Sunday in July and features a wide range of books, including rare and collectible editions, contemporary literature, and independent publications. In 2024, the festival expanded to include both Shed 4 and Shed 5 at Eastern Market, in response to the increasing number of vendors and visitors. The festival is free to attend.
Activities and attractions
Beyond book sales, the Detroit Festival of Books offers various attractions, including:
* Author Meet-and-Greets - Local and national authors attend to discuss their work and engage with readers.
* Live Music and Performances - Musical acts and spoken word performances provide entertainment throughout the day.
* Food Vendors and Trucks - A variety of local food options are available.
* Birdie’s Bookmobile - A mobile bookshop promoting literacy and reading initiatives among children.
* Children’s Reading Corner - An initiative to encourage young readers, supported by local literacy organizations.
Activities and Attractions also include DJ Seven Whales, John King Used & Rare Books, Arts N Scraps, the famous bucket drummer Deon Forrest, and more.
Community impact
The Detroit Festival of Books is regarded as an essential part of the city’s cultural revitalization, emphasizing literacy and accessibility to books for all demographics. The festival fosters community engagement by offering free entry and activities for families.
The event also serves as a networking hub for independent booksellers and book enthusiasts. It has received support from local government initiatives aimed at promoting small business growth in Detroit.

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