Now that Halloween is over, the election is around the corner and the first winter blast of the season has hit, it’s time to get serious. Dig out those scarves, wool mittens and Uggs and brace for what’s to come.

First up, the all-important Knight Arts Challenge People’s Choice Awards. The governor’s race is important, but the Award gives South Floridians a voice in deciding which artists and/or arts organizations will receive $20,000 in cash. Take a look at the six nominees and select the one you believe deserves the cash award. Voting ends November 17. Watch the nominees’ videos at KnightArts.org/peopleschoice, and then text your favorite artist and project’s code to 22333.

After you’ve selected your choice, head on over to the website for the Miami Book Fair International and start planning your itinerary for the largest annual book fair in the country. Authors from all over world are headed to Miami for a week of readings and events in every genre of literature. Some of the confirmed writers include Anne Rice, John  Cleese, Dr. Cornell West, Dave Barry, Richard Blanco, Edwidge Danticat, Achy Obejas, Kathryn Harrison and more than 500 additional authors scheduled to appear. Browse the listing of authors here: miamibookfair.com/events/events/default.aspx?lg=en.

The Swamp.

The book fair will also feature The Swamp (a Knight Arts grantee), a pop-up lounge that showcases Florida stories, music, dance, film, history and art. The Swamp will explore the beauty and queerness of life in Florida. Browse The Swamp Schedule here: miamibookfair.com/events/streetfair/the_swamp.aspx.

Miami Book Fair International runs from November 16th – 23rd at the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College.

But that’s not all there is to do in Miami. Also a Knight Arts grantee, the Borscht Film Festival will run December 18-21. On Saturday, December 20th at 8 p.m., 20 short films will premiere at the Arsht Center. This year, the festival features films created by regional and national filmmakers, including Bernardo Britto, Kayla Delacerda, Miami Heat filmmaker Gil Green, Terrance Nance, Jacolby Satterwhite and more. The festival will also include film-related workshops, panels, Borscht “multi-verse” theme parks at Young Arts, parties and other fabulous events. Mark your calendar for Borscht: borschtcorp.com/#festival.