Detroit Bookfest 2019 (photo by Ryan M. Place)
The Detroit Festival of Books, aka: Detroit Bookfest, is a FREE annual in-person event at Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan.
Eastern Market
Shed 5 (also Shed 4, DTE Plaza, and the Russell Lot)
2934 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48207
Sunday, July 21, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DetroitBookfest
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/detbookfest/
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/company/64706023
Photos from 2023 Bookfest
https://detroitbookfest.com/6th-annual-detroit-bookfest-photos-2023/
Eastern Market Detroit map
The phrase “Eastern Market” refers to both the large district/neighborhood and also the series of Sheds owned by the city of Detroit and run by the Eastern Market Partnership non-profit organization.
Opened in 1891, Eastern Market is the largest historic public market in the United States.
Featuring 43 acres of space, Eastern Market is comprised of a series of indoor and outdoor sheds which function as thriving year-round consumer markets.
This year, Detroit Bookfest will be located inside Shed 5 where vendors will be selling all sorts of books (ie: used, rare, antiquarian, authors, children’s, new, unusual, ephemera, etc), comic books, vinyl LP records, creative arts, and more.
Detroit Festival of Books (photo by Debography)
DJ Seven Whales will be providing the vibes.
Debbie Maciolek will be documenting the experience with her keen and perceptive eye.
Food trucks such as Sonny’s Hamburgers and Tacos Hernandez will be located south of Shed 5.
Char’latte Coffee Company: Two Metro Detroit sisters are bringing their Mobile Coffee Cart to Detroit Bookfest
Brilliant Detroit will be in the DTE Plaza on the westside of Shed 5, along Russell Street
The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau’s D-Rover van will be outside Shed 5.
Pong Detroit, the ping-pong social club, will be wheeling some ping-pong tables over to Bookfest!
Deon Forrest (aka: Greektown Hotbox) Detroit’s own world-famous street performer will be live on Russell Street (at Alfred Street) outside Detroit Bookfest.
Detroit’s own Arts & Scraps is bringing the ScrapMobile to Bookfest! Kids will be able to build their own books here!
Birdie’s Bookmobile will be in the DTE Plaza outside Shed 5.
826michigan will be in the DTE Plaza outside Shed 5.
Detroit artist Rachel Quinlan created an exclusive painting for Detroit Bookfest
And more!
Health and safety is our #1 concern.
Whatever safety protocols are in place on Bookfest Day, we will be following them 100%.
We ultimately have no idea what to expect this year but we will do our absolute best to make it fun and safe.
JR Jones and Lonni Thomas, two of Eastern Market’s finest and also members of the Detroit Bookfest Committee (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Our festival footprint has grown to include:
The Official Bookfest Afterparty down the street at Eastern Market Brewing Company (runs 10am-6pm)
https://detroitbookfest.com/bookfest-afterparty-embc/
Please explore the Detroit Bookfest Festival Guide below.
We also encourage you to make a day of it and explore the entire Eastern Market district, which is packed with hundreds of fun shops, restaurants, and experiences.
Eastern Market’s Shed 5 Detroit (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Here’s our totally professional graphic designer-approved not flawed in any way screenshot MAP of the Bookfest Festival Footprint
Detroit Bookfest festival map
Eastern Market Brewing Company
2515 Riopelle Street
Located three blocks southeast of Shed 5, Eastern Market Brewing Company (EMBC) is one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Market.
Currently, the street they’re on, Riopelle, is closed to vehicle traffic. It is pedestrian-only and they have tables in the street, food tent, live DJ Sam Morykwas, and of course beer, glorious beer.
Some of their most popular beers are:
Elephant Juice, Market Day IPA, Mae Blanc, Wonderboy, and White Coffee Stout
Bookfest Afterparty
https://detroitbookfest.com/bookfest-afterparty-embc/
Beer list
https://easternmarket.beer/beers/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/easternmarketbrewing/
Special thanks to Dayne Bartscht (owner) and his team
Eastern Market Brewing Company Detroit (photo courtesy of EMBC)
EMBC Detroit (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
EMBC Detroit (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Pong Detroit
This afterhours ping-pong social club is located inside Bert’s Warehouse (2739 Russell Street)
Pong Detroit
The brainchild of former Honolulu-based radio DJ and pong enthusiast Mal Lang, their slogan is “unplug and play.”
Mal says, “Soccer is # 1 and table tennis is the # 2 participant sport in world. Table tennis is huge in China, India, Europe (especially Sweden & Germany).”
Bert’s Warehouse also features a comedy club, kitchen, and bar, so you can drink and pong all night long.
Lessons are available and they will be doing wheelchair table tennis soon.
Their other slogan is “Food, drinks, music and pong.”
Hours
Tuesday-Thursday
5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Cost
$10/hr from 5-7pm, then $15/hr 7pm-11pm
Homepage
http://pongdetroit.com/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pongdetroit/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pongdetroit/
Thanks to Mal Lang (owner)
Pong Detroit (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Pong Detroit
Pong Detroit inside Bert’s Warehouse (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Michigan shaped ping pong paddle (courtesy of Pong Detroit)
Bert’s Warehouse Detroit (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
The Dequindre Cut
Closest entrance located at 3017 Orleans Street.
“The Cut,” as it’s called is a lovely greenway/urban recreational pathway for walking, biking, jogging.
It is 2-miles long and runs from the Detroit Riverfront to the northern tip of Eastern Market.
Near the Wilkins/Orleans entrance, you can find the Freight Yard Bar, this is an outdoor bar made out of shipping containers.
To get to the bar:
Enter at Orleans St & Wilkins St, walk down to the Cut, make a right, then it’s down on your left.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DequindreCutFreightYard
Dequindre Cut (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dequindre Cut (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dequindre Cut Map
Dequindre Cut (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dequindre Cut (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dequindre Cut Freight Yard bar (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dequindre Cut (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert @ Dequindre Cut Freightyard Bar (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Detroit City Distillery
2462 Riopelle Street
The Riopelle taproom of DCD is down the street from Eastern Market Brewing Company.
Here you will find a lively outdoor vibe, including music, cocktails and food from Midnight Temple, the Indian gastropub located above DCD. (hint: try the tandoori wings and gobi rollup).
Homepage
https://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/
Midnight Temple
https://www.midnighttemple.com/
Special thanks to JP Jerome (co-founder), Mike Forsyth (co-founder), Akash Sudhakara (Midnight Temple)
Detroit City Distillery (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Midnight Temple Indian food Detroit (photo courtesy of Yelp)
The Eastern (event venue)
3434 Russell Street
The Eastern is a lovely 5,000-square foot industrial space you can rent out for special events.
Built in 1888, this is the old Hook and Ladder # 5 fire station. The Eastern has capacity for 300 seated or 600+ strolling and a 3,000 square foot outdoor patio.
Note: The entrance is not directly on Russell St, rather the main entrance is located on the north side of the building next to Wasserman Art Gallery.
Homepage
http://www.theeasterndetroit.com/
Virtual Tour
http://www.theeasterndetroit.com/virtual-tour
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/theeastern
The Eastern event space Detroit (courtesy The Eastern)
The Eastern event space Detroit (courtesy The Eastern)
The Eastern event space Detroit (courtesy The Eastern)
The Eastern event space Detroit (courtesy The Eastern)
Elsewhere in the Eastern Market district….
Eastern Market sculpture at Orleans and Erskine (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Eastern Market graffiti on Orleans Street, north of Erskine (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Eastern Market graffiti on Orleans Street, north of Erskine (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Eastern Market graffiti on Orleans Street, north of Winder (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Eastern Market graffiti on Orleans Street, north of Winder (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Eastern Market graffiti on Orleans Street, north of Winder (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Eastern Market graffiti on Orleans Street, north of Alfred (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dyno Indoor Climbing Gym
3500 Orleans Street
This place is really cool! Inside you will find 12-15 foot tall boulders and a 49 foot tall rope section.
You can get a day pass, punch pass, or membership.
Climbers must be over 4 years old and you have to be over 16 years old to belay.
Homepage
https://www.dynodetroit.com/
Special thanks to Dino Ruggeri (owner)
Dyno indoor climbing gym (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Dyno indoor climbing gym (photo courtesy of Dyno)
Dorais Park Velodrome
601 Mack Avenue
Located on the NW edge of the Eastern Market district, this is also another really cool place!
Inside the 64,000 square foot dome you will find an indoor wooden bicycle track.
Bicyclists beware, you can actually go up to 50mph on your bicycle inside here!
Homepage
https://lexusvelodrome.com/
Special thanks to Dale Hughes (owner)
Dorais Park Velodrome (photo courtesy of the Velodrome)
Dorais Park Velodrome (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
That’s not everything in Eastern Market.
Merely a small sampling of some of the fun and exciting things you can do.
Be sure to explore the entire district and enjoy your experience in Detroit!
Boston waterfront (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Here at Detroit Bookfest we are starting a new series called the Bookfest Explorer Series.
This will be a collection of travel experiences whereby we will periodically document our literary travels, both domestic and abroad, to help highlight the global community of books.
First up, Boston.
Founded in 1630, Boston is the 7th oldest city in the United States. Featuring sunken red brick sidewalks and beautiful old buildings aplenty, the city is loaded with history and rows of opulent townhouses for blocks.
Heading from Logan Airport to the Park Plaza Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Boston Athenæum
10 ½ Beacon Street
https://www.bostonathenaeum.org/
Open since 1807, non-members can tour the first floor of this exceptional private library for $10.00. All 12 floors are open to members.
The focus of the collection is arts and humanities. World-class paintings grace the walls and there are marble busts of philosophers on stands.
Through the rear window, you can see the grave of Paul Revere in the Granary Burying Ground! This old cemetery opened in 1660 and there are several historical grave sites here.
Also, as a bonus, check out the Paul Revere House (19 North Square). Built in 1680, it’s Boston’s oldest building. Paul Revere’s famous 1775 Midnight Ride started here.
Boston Athenæum (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Boston Athenæum (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Boston Athenæum (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Image courtesy of James Cole
Boston Athenæum (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Paul Revere’s Grave @ Granary Burying Ground (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Paul Revere’s Grave @ Granary Burying Ground (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
old grave @ Granary Burying Ground (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Granary Burying Ground (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Brattle Book Shop
9 West Street
http://www.brattlebookshop.com/
Open since 1825, this great three-story used & rare bookstore also features an outdoor open-air courtyard full of books.
The third floor is the Rare Book Room. Marvelous stuff. Owner Ken Gloss is impressively knowledgeable.
Brattle Books (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Brattle Books (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Brattle Books (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street
https://www.bpl.org/
Open since 1848 and smartly situated in beautiful Copley Square, the BPL was the first large free municipal library in the United States.
Be sure to check out the gorgeous 2nd floor Bates Hall reading room.
Also located on the 2nd floor, the Abbey Room, looks medieval European ornate, walls adorned with giant murals of the Holy Grail tale and 150 life-size figures from Arthurian legend ring the room, staring down at you. Who says paintings can’t talk?
Boston Public Library (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Bates Hall reading room @ BPL (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Abbey Room @ BPL (image courtesy of BPL)
Parker House Hotel
60 School Street
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/boston-parker-house
This beautiful 14-floor hotel opened in 1855. Charles Dickens lived here on the 3rd floor from 1867-68. He read ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Last Hurrah Bar inside the hotel for the first time in America. They have his original door (view it in the basement) and gigantic mirror (view it on the mezzanine level) here.
Also, of note, Ho Chi Minh was a pastry chef here 1911-13, Malcolm X was a busboy, the Boston Cream Pie was invented here, and President JFK was a frequent guest!
Parker House Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Parker House Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Parker House Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Parker House Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Parker House Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Parker House Hotel (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Ars Libri
500 Harrison Ave
https://www.arslibri.com/
Cool bookstore specializing in academic library collection development. You can buy books from the private research libraries of art scholars.
I bought a book called ‘Ancient Roman Monuments’ by Pignatorre with 61 beautiful hand drawn plates, very mild foxing and spotting.
Ars Libri (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Ars Libri (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Ars Libri (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
The Mapparium @ Mary Baker Eddy Library
200 Massachusetts Ave
https://www.marybakereddylibrary.org/project/mapparium/
Located next to the worldwide home of the Christian Science Church (which also houses the world’s 9th largest pipe organ), the Mary Bakery Eddy Library features a one-of-a-kind experience inside The Mapparium.
For only $6.00, you can tour The Mapparium for a delightfully psychedelic experience. The Mapparium is a 30-foot stained glass globe built in 1935 and features 608 glass panels. A walkway bisects the center of it.
At one point, they turn the lights off and there’s a light show around the world. Crazy how sound travels in here, sounds like every whisper is microphone-amplified, incredible.
Please note that photography is not allowed inside The Mapparium.
Mapparium (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
Mapparium (image courtesy of Mary Baker Eddy Library)
Hope you get to check out Boston!
Boston (photo by: Ryan M. Place)
3rd Annual Detroit Festival of Books (aka: Detroit Bookfest)!
*Special Thank You to Lauren Rautiola, our Detroit Bookfest Project Manager, for designing our flyers!*
The 3rd Annual Detroit Festival of Books (aka: Detroit Bookfest) is a glorious day of BOOKS, vinyl records, comics, creative arts, food, beer, funk music and more!
Please join us at Eastern Market Shed 3 in Detroit on Sunday, July 21st, 2019.
The event is FREE for attendees! There will be an estimated 10,000+ attendees.
Event hours are 10am-4pm.
All the event details are here:
https://detroitbookfest.com/event-details-facts/
What is Shed 3 @ Eastern Market?
Detroit Bookfest will be located inside Shed 3. To get near there, use the address 2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI.
Shed 3 is located on Russell Street, between Division St & Adelaide St.
Built in 1922, Shed 3 is 29,000-square feet. The layout features 4 wings in a cross-shape. It is the “main” and largest shed at Eastern Market.
Shed 3 features bathrooms, large garage door-walls and free wi-fi.
Click on this link for a 3-D tour of Shed 3 (courtesy of Eastern Market):
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=jiHWwWLKs4B
Shed 3
Exclusive Interview: JOHN KING, owner of John K. King Used & Rare Books in Detroit, internationally voted one of the World’s Best Bookstores!
If you are interested in applying to be a Vendor, read this:
https://detroitbookfest.com/vendor-application/
Please fill out the Vendor Application form and you will be entered into the VNQ (Vendor Notification Queue).
The VNQ is a database of potential vendors. If you are selected to be a vendor, you will be notified via email.
Please note that we have received thousands of emails from people wanting to be vendors at Detroit Bookfest.
If you have any questions, please email:
[email protected]
Thank you, we love you all!
3rd Annual Detroit Festival of Books Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/2128622190753187/
Detroit Bookfest
According to our website statistics:
www.DetroitBookFest.com averages around 50,000 unique views per year.
Our top 10 countries are:
USA
Canada
France
UK
Brazil
Germany
India
Australia
Italy
Norway
Our top 10 states are:
Michigan
Ohio
Illinois
New York
California
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Florida
Texas
Colorado
Our top 10 cities in Michigan are:
Detroit
Ann Arbor
Grand Rapids
Royal Oak
Dearborn
Plymouth
Clinton Township
Troy
Farmington Hills
Livonia
Detroit Bookfest!
400+ Photos from the 2nd Annual Detroit Festival of Books @ Eastern Market!
150+ Photos from the 1st annual Detroit Festival of Books @ Eastern Market!
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