GCBF FAQs

  • 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. This May, the fair will host more than 150 authors in events in 11 venues throughout downtown with participation from more than 80 local vendors in the street fair along Audrey Avenue

  • The Gold Coast Book Fair takes place exclusively in Downtown Oyster Bay, Long Island! Events will be held in venues around Oyster Bay.

    Oyster Bay Venues
    Anchor Tent (outdoor tent) - Parking lot at 35 Audrey Ave.
    Oyster Bay Town Hall - 74 Audrey Ave.
    Raynham Hall - 30 W Main St.
    Oyster Bay Historical Society - 20 Summit St.
    Oyster Bay Brewing Co. - 36 Audrey Ave.
    Life Enrichment Center (Main Stage/Poetry Corner) - 45 E. Main St.
    The Gold Coast Forum - 111 South St.
    Siren’s Cove - Down the alleyway between 24 and 20 Audrey Ave.
    First Presbyterian Church - 60 E Main St.
    Storytime Stage (outdoor tent) - Parking lot next to 103 Audrey Ave.
    Independent Authors Pavilion (outdoor tent) - Between Oyster Bay Brewing Co. and Town Hall on Audrey Ave.






    • Book Fair Hours: 10AM - 5PM on Saturday and Sunday.

    • Entrance: There is not one single entrance to the Fair. To orient yourself upon arrival, head for the Main Information Tent at Audrey Avenue & South Street where volunteers can direct you to venues and attractions.

  • YES! General admission to the Fair’s grounds in downtown Oyster Bay is free.
    Events in venues throughout town do not require a ticket. Seating is first come, first serve.
    Certain additional events during the Fair may require a paid ticket. All paid tickets are non-refundable.

  • Events in outdoor stages and indoor venues do not require a ticket. 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.

  • Yes. You may ask questions of the participating authors during a designated Q&A portion of the event typically held during the last few minutes of the session. All panels and conversations are 60 minutes long including the audience Q&A. Readings in Poetry Corner are 25 minutes long while presentations on the Children’s Storytime Stage are 25 minutes long as well.

  • Books will be for sale at each event venue provided by our main bookseller, 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!

  • 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. Please refer to the book fair map here for parking locations indicated by the blue circled P.

  • Please note that certain streets will be closed to accommodate the street fair along Audrey Avenue. Audrey Avenue will be closed from South Street to Maxwell Avenue on Saturday and Sunday from 7AM - 8PM.

  • 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!

  • Yes, you may bring books from home. However, we require you to purchase at least one book from the fair 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 an important part of the fair and our community. If you have multiple books, please limit your first pass to three. You’re welcome to return to the end of the line to have additional books signed.

  • Submissions are now closed for the 2026 Book Fair. Stay tuned to the website. The submission portal for 2027 should open in late fall. Due to the high volume of submissions received, we are not able to respond to each one. 
    The 2026 GCBF will present more than 150 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 2025).

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

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

  • 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

  • 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.

    Spots in our Independent Author Pavilion are CLOSED.

    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.

  • Please contact: info@goldcoastforum.org

  • The Gold Coast Forum Code of Conduct may be accessed here.

  • We are committed to ensuring that all guests have an accessible and enjoyable experience. ADA seating with one companion seat is available in each venue and outdoor stage. Please note that separate “bypass,” “front-of-line” and “return time” queues are not offered at venues or signing lines. Guests are encouraged to bring their own personal mobility aids as needed (walkers, wheelchairs, folding seat/walking stick, etc.).

    Designated Hard of Hearing (HoH) seats will be held until 10 minutes before the panel session for guests with a hearing impairment. 

  • The following press releases were put out over the course of 2026 promotion:

    11-12-25 Save the Date
    3-31-26 Lineup Launch