Q. What is the Gold Coast Book Fair?

A. Founded by Congressman Steve Israel in 2024, Gold Coast Forum operates the Gold Coast Book Fair whose aim is to foster the Long Island literary culture first developed with his independent bookstore, Theodore’s Books, in Oyster Bay. In 2025, the Fair’s second year, 5000 people came out to see more than 75 authors speak on a wide variety of topics. More than 60 local businesses participated in the street fair along Audrey Avenue.

Q. Where does the Gold Coast Book Fair take place?

A. The third annual Gold Coast Book Fair will return to the campus of LIU Post in Brookville (May 15 Friday night keynote) and downtown Oyster Bay, Long Island, May 16-17, 2026! Events will be held in venues around Oyster Bay.

• Book Fair Hours: 10AM - 6PM on Saturday, 10AM - 5PM on Sunday

• Entrance: There is not one single entrance to the Fair. To orient yourself upon arrival, head for Theodore’s Books, 17 Audrey Avenue, where volunteers and booksellers can direct you to venues and attractions.

Q. Is the Fair free to attend?

A. General admission to the Fair’s grounds in downtown Oyster Bay is free. Certain additional events during the Fair may require a paid ticket. All paid tickets are non-refundable.

Q. When can I reserve tickets to the 2026 event?

A. You may reserve tickets beginning in February 2026. Seating at events is available first come, first serve. If an event you’d like to attend fills up, please check the schedule and choose an alternate session to attend.

Q. Can I ask questions during author sessions/interviews?

A. Yes. You may ask questions of the participating authors during a designated Q&A portion of the event typically held at the end of the session. 

Q. How do I buy the authors’ books?

A. Books will be for sale at the event from Theodore’s Books. Authors will sign books immediately after their sessions, right outside of the event space. Books signed at the Gold Coast Book Fair must be purchased from Theodore’s Books.

• Additionally, featured books of participating authors can be found in a tent outside of Theodore’s Books at 17 Audrey Avenue.

• A Children’s Books sales tent will be next to the Kids Author Tent on Audrey Avenue.

• Bestsellers and other general interest, Long Island focus and many other titles can be found inside of Theodore’s Books, which will be open both days of the Book Fair!

Q. Where do I park for the Fair?

A. There is ample free parking in the area, including the parking lot at the Oyster Bay LIRR station and municipal lots. It’s a short walk from the LIRR station to the Fair

Q. Are there street closures over the weekend of May 16 & 17?

A. Please note that certain streets will be closed to accommodate the street fair. We will post details closer to the Fair.

Q. Is there food at the Fair?

A. You may visit food trucks at the Fair or one of the many cafes and restaurants in Oyster Bay for lunch, coffee, snacks, and drinks. Thank you for supporting local Long Island businesses while you’re here!

Q. Can I bring my own books to the Fair?

A. Yes, you may bring books from home. However, we require you to purchase at least one book from the our bookseller before getting in the signing lines. Purchasing books at the festival is a way you can directly support the independent booksellers that make up such a large and important part of the festival and our communities.

Q. How can authors participate in a panel or other program in 2026?

A. Please fill out the submission link here. Due to the volume of submissions received, we are not able to respond to each one.  The GCBF will present anywhere from 75 to 100 authors at the annual event, from the New York area and beyond, whose books are first published within a year of the most recent book fair event (May 16, 2025). If you are a self-published author, please see the guidelines at the bottom of this page before entering your submission.

Q. I am a local Long Island business owner/artist/purveyor, how can I exhibit at the Fair? 

A. Please fill out our vendor application here and someone will contact you shortly. 

Q. How can I volunteer at the Book Fair? 

A. You may fill out our volunteer form here. Someone from our team will be in touch with you shortly. 

Q. How can I become a financial supporter of the Book Fair? 

A. You may become a supporter of Gold Coast Forum which produces the Book Fair to make an important impact fostering literary culture and conversation on Long Island. Your support will allow us to keep the annual Gold Coast Book Fair free and open to the public, as well as bring exciting world-class authors to Long Island for year-round programming. 

Sponsorship gives you special access to our events, plus additional perks. Both individual and corporate contributions are welcome. You may fill out our partnership interest form here or contact: Devon Giordano: 516-330-7144 devon@goldcoastforum.org

Q. I am an independent author, what are the guidelines for self-published authors to participate in the Book Fair?

A.  We typically do not accept books for the main book fair program that are published through self-publishing platforms and services. However, exceptions have been made. Self-published authors may submit to participate in our Independent Author Pavilion via the submission link on the homepage. In order to be considered, self-published books must meet this criteria: 

• The book has, or will have upon publication, an EAN barcode, an ISBN, and a LCCN number. 

• The title is bound (no spiral bindings), and printed copies are available, or will be available, for purchase from an established wholesaler, distributor or via consignment from the author so our partner bookstore can sell them. 

• The book has been professionally edited, a marketing plan is in place, and the author maintains an accessible website. 

• The Fair's Independent Author Pavilion will feature 20+ self-published authors over the weekend. Authors who are accepted into the Pavilion will have an opportunity to present their books to attendees in four-hour blocks on Saturday and Sunday. The fee for a Pavilion slot is $100.

• A consignment agreement form will be filed if you are accepted into the Pavilion and further details/logistics will be outlined on the form. 

• Alternatively, independent authors may apply for an exhibitor booth space to display their work over the entire weekend. Authors must provide their own tent, table, chairs and have a POS system to sell books. Please fill out a vendor application here. 

Q. I have additional questions not answered in these FAQs, who can I contact? 

A. Please contact: info@goldcoastforum.org