Cultural Events from
The Betsy Writers Room

 Books & Books at The Betsy Hotel with  Paul Yoon
Jul
26

Books & Books at The Betsy Hotel with Paul Yoon

Join us for the latest installment of the Books & Books at The Betsy Monthly Literary Series with author Paul Yoon as we discuss his new novel, Etna (Scribner, $28). Deliberate, captivating, and penned with exacting intent, Yoon grips readers in this story about an ex-military dog embarking on a personal odyssey back to the home he was taken from. In this post-war landscape, Etna explores themes of hope, survival, ruin, rebirth, and the power of an idea.

About the Books & Books at the Betsy Monthly Literary Series + Mini Residency

The series marks the return of Books & Books’ beloved literary programming to Miami Beach, following the closure of its Lincoln Road location during the pandemic. It also champions a 20 year partnership between Betsy co-owner Jonathan Plutzik and bookstore entrepreneur Mitchell Kaplan, both pacesetting leaders of distinguished South Florida business concerns – with a profound commitment to the power of literature to build community.

Events will take place on the last Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. in Bbar, The Betsy’s intimate underground art-filled venue. Each salon-style gathering will feature a visiting author - selected by Books&Books in partnership with major publishers -, and an audience Q&A. Signed copies of books will be available for purchase. Valet and street parking will be available.

About the Writer

Paul Yoon is the author of five works of fiction: Once the Shore, which was a New York Times Notable Book; Snow Hunters, which won the Young Lions Fiction Award; The Mountain, which was an NPR Best Book of the Year; Run Me to Earth, which was longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction; and most recently, The Hive and the Honey, which won The Story Prize.

A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, his stories have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s, and The Best American Short Stories. He lives in the Hudson Valley, New York, with his wife and dog, and a new novel, Etna, is forthcoming from Scribner in the summer of 2026.

View Event →

Opera on the Terrace
Jul
18

Opera on the Terrace

Opera on the Terrace with Gerard Ortega and Friends

Join us for our 'Opera on the Terrace' program—a curated half-hour of enchanting light opera, Broadway classics, and musical favorites.

This summer's performances showcase the exceptional artistry of Miami Music Festival soloists, bringing tomorrow's stars to Miami Beach's most elegant oceanfront setting.7:30 PM - 8:00 PMGerardo José Ortega is a Miami-based tenor, Artistic Administrator of the Downtowner Concert Series, and Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Miami. He has performed leading roles with companies including Miami Music Festival, Barry Opera Theatre, and New World Opera Theatre, and has appeared in concert venues including Carnegie Hall.These intimate 30-minute performances create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.

Enjoy the show while dining at LT Steak & Seafood on the front terrace, or catch the magical performances from Ocean Drive or Lummus Park—the music carries beautifully across the beach!In case of rain, Opera Pop-ups will move to The Betsy Piano Bar.

Free to attend and open to the public.Make a night of it! Reserve your table at LT Steak & Seafood by calling 305-673-0044 or book on Resy.com for the complete dining and entertainment experience.

View Event →