Because summer is one of the best seasons to enjoy both books and the cities of Ann Arbor and Yspilanti, the Ann Arbor Book Festival's coinciding with that special pre-solstice week where spring makes its turn into summer proper is that much more significant. Why? Because the Ann Arbor Book Festival is packing some amazing literary events around both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti for book-minded people who enjoy poetry, fiction and graphic novels, to name a few.
If you need more convincing, check out our top three reasons why you need to clear some calendar space for June 16-18:
1.) There's a Street Fair!
Well, it's maybe not as giant as the Ann Arbor Art Fair, but the Ann Arbor Book Festival's takeover of Washington St. between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on Saturday, June 18, from noon to 5pm will feature plenty of literary excitement from writers, illustrators, affiliated programs for anyone tangentially interested in books, and organizations dedicated to advancing the reading and writing of books in our society. Talk to the people behind the myriad booths and tables about books and maybe you'll fancy yourself more of a literary person in general. (Or maybe you'll meet a literary person you fancy –– *nudge, nudge*)
2.) There are Book Crawls!
The Ann Arbor Book Festival's lineup of affiliated readings by Michigan authors and poets is no joke. With events in bars, shops, restaurants, and bookstores sprinkled throughout both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, these take place each night of the festival (i.e. June 16-18) and give you (yes, you) the chance to chat up the authors, drink, eat, and support Michigan's writing talent by buying their great books. Check out the full Book Crawl lineup.
3.) There's a Writer's Conference!
If you're a writer or aspiring author and you're interested in hearing what real professionals have to say, sign up to attend one, two, or all three of the Festival's Writer's Conferences to hear the pros talk about writing, editing, ideating, publishing, and anything else you care to ask them about. Craft Talk speakers include graphic novelist Jim Ottaviani, novelist Chris McCormick, and poet Airea "Dee" Matthews. Tickets are only $10 per session or $25 for all three!
Learn more about the Ann Arbor Book Festival and purchase tickets to events here.
The Ann Arbor Book Festival runs from Thursday, June 16, through Saturday, June 18. It's mostly free.
