It's March, and a cold March, to boot, which makes it a little difficult to think about an open-air book festival three months away. But we think you should, because tickets to the new Wordplay book fair in downtown Minneapolis May 11-12 are going on sale in just a few days (March 14 for Loft members, March 15 for everyone else) and you want to get them while you can. It is quite likely to sell out.
The book fair will bring in about 100 writers (including Stephen King) for two days of readings, conversations, panel discussions, craft lectures, writing workshops, cooking demonstrations and children's activities — all centered on books. It will take place at Open Book and the Guthrie Theater.
Here's a conversation with Wordplay founding director Steph Opitz to help guide you through the process (edited for clarity and brevity):
Q: Where do I get tickets?
A: Either in person at the Loft (in the Open Book building, 1011 Washington Av. S., Mpls.) or online at loft.org/wordplay/wordplay-registration.
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: The general admittance for the street festival — which includes events at Open Book as well as the tents and stages outside — is $10 for a wristband. It's good for both days and it comes with a $5 book voucher. If you're 17 and under, you get in for free, but that does not come with a voucher.
For the Guthrie events, it's a $40 wristband, which gives you weekend access to the Guthrie events plus the street festival. But it does not guarantee seating at all the Guthrie events.
