Books & Books in Coral Gables, long regarded as the beating heart of Miami’s independent literary scene, will open its doors this Friday, May 30, for more than just books and browsing. From 6 to 8 p.m., the storied bookstore will host a collaborative open mic night and fundraiser that merges literary celebration with grassroots support for a cherished South Florida journal.
The event, presented by the Books & Books Literary Foundation, brings together Gulf Stream Magazine, Florida International University’s long-running literary publication, and Honest Liars, the open mic series curated by FIU MFA students. The result promises to be both intimate and vibrant—a participatory gathering where the public is not only invited to listen, but to read, share, and help ensure the future of a vital regional publication.
Night of “First Words”—and new chapters
Gulf Stream Magazine, founded in 1989 and operated by FIU’s MFA students, marked its 35th anniversary this spring with a major milestone: the return to print. After 17 years as a digital-only outlet, the journal published a special issue titled First Words, now available in physical form thanks in large part to donations from local supporters—including the Books & Books Foundation.
But keeping Gulf Stream in print is no small task. Friday’s event doubles as a fundraiser to support the upcoming Issue 37, with copies of First Words and archival editions available for purchase. Every dollar raised goes directly toward sustaining the journal’s new era—one that aims to continue amplifying emerging and established voices in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and hybrid genres.
For Rachel Blithe, one of Gulf Stream’s current editors, the evening is about more than just dollars and distribution. “There’s something powerful about seeing a room full of writers and readers come together in support of stories,” she said in a recent conversation. “South Florida is home to so many distinct voices. Gulf Stream and Honest Liars give those voices a place to speak—and be heard.”
From page to stage: Power of open mic
At the heart of Friday’s gathering is Honest Liars, FIU’s open mic series created by and for MFA students but open to all. The format is deliberately fluid: current students, alumni, editors, and audience members are all welcome to read. There’s no cover charge, and no curated headliners—just a microphone, a welcoming crowd, and a sense of shared community in the act of storytelling.
That openness, say organizers, is the point.
“In a time when literary culture can feel distant or gatekept, an open mic brings it back to the people,” said Sam Vargas, an FIU MFA alum and previous Gulf Stream contributor. “Whether you’re reading a polished poem or trying out your first story, you belong in that space.”
The format is also a chance for the public to engage with writers shaping the next generation of South Florida literature. The evening is expected to feature work that spans genres, perspectives, and moods—from poignant memoirs to surreal fiction to poems that pulse with Miami’s multilingual rhythm.
Books & Books as literary commons
That this event is happening at Books & Books’ Coral Gables flagship is no coincidence. The venue has long served as the city’s unofficial literary commons—a gathering place where emerging talent meets celebrated authors, and where independent voices continue to find support.
The event will take place in the courtyard at 265 Aragon Avenue, a location already steeped in literary history and now at the center of efforts to sustain South Florida’s creative voices. RSVP FOR FREE HERE — early arrival is encouraged for those hoping to sign up to read.
More than a mic
At its core, Friday’s event is about sustaining local literature—not just by donating, but by showing up, listening, and sharing. It’s a chance for writers to meet readers, for students to connect with mentors, and for the community to reaffirm that storytelling still matters in Coral Gables.
In a city often more noted for its architecture or affluence, this event reminds us that literary culture remains essential infrastructure—quietly but persistently building bridges across difference, time, and place.
Whether you come to support Gulf Stream’s next print issue, discover new writers, or take the stage yourself, this one-night fundraiser is a chance to be part of a story that’s still being written.
Copies of Gulf Stream’s 35th anniversary issue and other editions available for purchase.
