Book Fairs | June 11, 2021

Detroit Festival of Books Will Add a Virtual Component

Courtesy of the Detroit Book Festival

Detroit — The Detroit Festival of Books, in its fourth-annual gathering in 2021, will add a “Virtual Bookfest” to complement the in-person festival occurring in mid-July 2021.

“Our main event is, and will always be, the in-person bookfest at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market,” said Ryan M. Place, founder and chairman. “But, as we gradually emerge from the pandemic, we wanted to make sure our vendors, as well as fans unable to attend in person, would be able to meaningfully participate in and enjoy another festival.”

The virtual Bookfest’s offerings will include the same kinds of items available at the in-person event: books (any kind: rare, used, new), comic books, creative arts, ephemera, maps, paper items, posters and music (vinyl/CDs/cassettes). The charge for vendors to participate is nominal ($10). Customers can attend both the “real” and “virtual” Bookfests for the same low price: zero.

“Keeping the event free is a point of pride for the Bookfest committee,” Place said. “Bookfest is open to everyone. Come hang out, listen to music, peruse the offerings and support small business!”

The in-person Bookfest will take place on Sunday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The virtual Bookfest will take place from July 16 through July 18. Individuals and organizations may apply to become a "virtual vendor" by clicking here: https://detroitbookfest.com/vendor-application-2021/