ElFEST turns an East Harlem Head Start building into a bilingual literary block party for Latino Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples' Weekend, with creative, hip-hop and memoir writing workshops. There is an open mic, readings, a children's story corner and live accompaniment by LaFroJaz that invites audience participation. If you want a free, community-made Saturday of books in El Barrio, go.
What to expect
Expect rooms running workshops alongside a stage for readings and open-mic sets, with book tables from local writers. Families drift to the story corner while adults sit in on workshops, and music threads through the day.
Good to know
- The festival is at 440 East 116th Street at Pleasant Avenue.
- Take the 6 train to 116th Street and walk east, or ride the M116 bus to First Avenue.
- Programming is bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Bring a notebook if you plan to join a writing workshop.
- Book sales support local writers, so bring money for purchases.
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Common questions
Is El Festival del Libro free?
The organizer's listing says admission to the public is free.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, there is a dedicated children's story corner, and the event serves audiences from early childhood through seniors.
