Zines, Voices, and DIY Visions: Miami Zine Fair Returns for a 10th Anniversary Celebration in the Design District

Miami’s indie print community is gearing up for a landmark cultural moment. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Miami Zine Fair (MZF) will return to Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District from 12 to 5 PM for a special 10th anniversary edition. What began as a grassroots gathering of self-publishers has grown into one of South Florida’s most anticipated annual arts events—anchored by EXILE Projects, a Miami-based nonprofit committed to experimental artists’ publications and community activation.

Launched in 2015 by EXILE Projects and O, Miami Poetry Festival, the Miami Zine Fair has become a key platform for artists, writers, poets, illustrators, and independent thinkers to celebrate the artistry of zines—self-published booklets that offer creative freedom outside the confines of traditional publishing. The 2025 edition marks not only a decade of this beloved event but also EXILE’s own 10th anniversary, doubling the reason to celebrate.

This year’s Miami Zine Fair will feature over 100 participating artists and an expected attendance of 1,500 guests, engaging all ages with a rich program of interactive art installations, hands-on workshops, and live performances. Visitors will encounter everything from letterpress demos by Extra Virgin Press to a poetry domino slam and a Tutti Frutti instant-camera zine activation. A photobooth by Nadja Moon promises tactile keepsakes, while immersive performances blur the lines between poetry and performance art.

Collaboration remains central to MZF’s mission. The 2025 edition includes partnerships with Sweat Records, Radiator Comics, Miami Paper & Printing Museum, and Dale Zine, each helping to amplify the reach and relevance of self-publishing within the broader creative ecosystem of Miami. This dynamic coalition of local institutions not only elevates the Fair’s offerings but reinforces its community-first ethos.

The fair is as much about community as it is about commerce. Beyond shopping for zines and trading limited-edition publications, attendees are encouraged to converse with creators and experience the human stories behind the printed pages. As in years past, guests are invited to touch, flip through, and engage directly with these handmade objects—some photocopied and stapled, others screen printed and bound with artisanal precision.

Each year, the Miami Zine Fair is reimagined with fresh, distinctive branding by illustrator Edwin Beauchamp, whose bold and character-rich artwork has become synonymous with the Fair itself. This visual storytelling ensures that MZF remains instantly recognizable while continuing to evolve with the times.

Founded by Amanda Keeley, EXILE Projects began as a pop-up bookstore and has since grown into a formidable force in Miami’s arts landscape. With over 100 books and zines produced, and activations at 25+ venues citywide, EXILE continues to offer platforms for collaboration and expression through printed matter.

The 2025 Miami Zine Fair is free and open to the public, making it one of the most accessible large-scale arts events in the city. To learn more, explore participating artists, and view updated programming, visit www.miamizinefair.com.

Discover More About Miami's Thriving Art Scene:

Tkid170’s "Living Wild Style" Exhibition Brings Graffiti Royalty to Miami