Calendar of Events

August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
Ongoing

Dates, locations, and times are subject to change. Some workshops or events may charge a fee. Contact us to submit your event.

August

August 1, 2026 Writing the Poem of Grief through Food with Preeti Vangani
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Explore how food can help you write more vivid, emotionally layered poems of grief, memory, and longing. In this generative workshop, writers will use meals, cooking, and shared rituals to open new pathways into elegy, deepen personal memory, and draft new work in a supportive space.
August 2, 2026 61st Annual Neihardt Day: Poetry Picnic
John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, 306 W Elm St.
Bancroft, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
A Poetry Picnic, featuring State Poet Emeritus Matt Mason, JV Brummels, and 2025-26 Youth Poet Laureate Victoria Bogatz. Bring your own picnic food and blanket, and join us for an afternoon celebrating poetry. In fact, bring your own poetry to readas the event includes an Open Mic for 2-3 poems if you like. Free and open to all.
August 4, 2026 Brad Aaron Modlin Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Brad Aaron Modlin’s poetry moves between humor and heartbreak, loneliness and hope. Join us for an evening of poems that are poignant, quirky, and unexpectedly warm.
August 5, 2026 Jewel Rodgers Residency – Listening Session
Oto HiFi Lounge, 1917 S 67th St, Suite 140,
Omaha, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Be the first to hear the fresh new sounds from Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers recording residency with Swedish producer Fredrik Serholt at this one-of-a-kind listening session following Rodger’s and Serholt’s multi-day recording residency at the 2026 Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival.
August 6, 2026 "Smolder" Book Launch - Winner of the Ex Ophidia Press Poetry Contest
Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth,
Omaha, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Join us for a poetry reading celebrating the launch of Smolder by Colleen Morton Busch. Busch is the 2025 winner of the Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Prize, an annual poetry book contest by Ex Ophidia Press, an Omaha-based independent poetry press. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the reading and Q&A will take place at 6:30 PM. A book signing will end the evening. Books will be available for purchase at the event. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required.
August 6, 2026 Humanities Nebraska: A Visit With the Nebraska State Poet, Jewel Rodgers
Morton James Public Library, 923 1st Corso,
Nebraska City, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Jewel Rodgers, 2025 – 2029 State Poet of Nebraska, performs work on resilience, emotional intelligence, and community. As a spoken word poet, she shares techniques to bring emotion into readings. She often leads workshops and writing exercises, inspiring others to embrace their creativity, authenticity, and multifaceted passions through self-expression. This program is free and open to the public.
August 7, 2026 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Lisa Knopp
Zoom, 12:00 pm
Lisa Knopp is the author of eight books of creative nonfiction. Ravelings: Essays on Love, Loss, and Wonder, was published by the University of Nebraska Press in March of 2026. Subjects of some of the essays include: finding equilibrium in her professional life by observing the exquisitely balanced rock cairns created by a wildly unbalanced former admirer; being awakened to the common magic around her through two chance encounters with a magician in training; gaining humility and empowerment as an unpartnered, 60-year old woman in a ball room dance class filled with young couples; finding the key to momentarily slowing the passage of time while delighting in showers of confetti; exploring hunger and fullness through stories about different types of eating (ethical, disordered, mindful); comprehending her experiences with more nuance and precision through her investigations into words -- those we possess; those we’ve lost; those we need but don’t have; those she created to fill the gaps.
August 7, 2026 Visiting Author:Colleen Morton Busch in conversation with Judy Lorenzen "Smolder"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Join us as we welcome Ex Ophidia’s 2025 winner for the Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Prize, Colleen Morton Busch, as she presents her book of poetry Smolder. Colleen will be joined in conversation by writer Judy Lorenzen.
August 7, 2026 Local Author Series: Victoria Bogatz
Joslyn Castle & Gardens, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Join us in celebrating the work of local author and Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Victoria Bogatz on her debut chapbook This Is Not the End with readings by guest poets including Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers, former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason, Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Mentor Angélica Perez and Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Stephany Orellana Gomez.
August 8, 2026 Poetry Workshop: Wonder in the Garden
Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.
Omaha, 10:00 - 11:30 am
We experience wonder spontaneously in the presence of grandeur or mystery—think of a total solar eclipse or a starling murmuration. But wonder can also be intentionally cultivated. In this workshop we’ll explore how to grow astonishment by listening to, and even conversing with, the many non-human voices in a garden. Led by author Colleen Morton Busch. Students will receive a signed copy of Smolder during the workshop. Pre-registration required. Led by Julie S. Paschold.
August 8, 2026 Meet Nebraska Historian Ed Zimmer – Nebraska Telephone Company History and Beyond
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Francie & Finch Bookshop is celebrating 10 years in the historic Telephone Building! Join us on August 8th as beloved local historian and author Ed Zimmer takes us on an in-depth journey through the history of our home, the Lincoln Telephone Building and the Nebraska Telephone Company! Following the talk, Ed’s publications, including all 3 volumes of Walking the Near South, will be available for purchase and signing!
August 10, 2026 Book Launch: David Moscovich "Premieres: A Memoir in Verse"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Francie and Finch Bookshop is pleased to welcome back author David Moscovich! Join us as we celebrate Premieres: A Memoir in Verse! Books available for purchase at the event with author signing to follow talk.
August 11, 2026 History Unveiled: "Journey to Freedom" - Researching and Writing the Grayson Sisters’ Escape
Sower Books, 914 N 70th St.
Lincoln, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Award-winning historian and author Gail Shaffer Blankenau shares the remarkable story behind her book, Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters’ Escape from Nebraska Territory, while taking you behind the scenes of historical research and writing. Join us at the Nebraska History Museum to learn how court records, newspapers, family histories, and archival discoveries came together to reconstruct the lives of Celia and Eliza Grayson and illuminate the history of slavery and freedom seeking in Nebraska Territory. This event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.
August 11, 2026 Writing Club at Vis Major Brewing
Vis Major Brewing Company, 3501 Center St.
Omaha, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Join us for a welcoming, in-person gathering for people who want to read, reflect, and write in community. We will begin with a poem and a short fiction or nonfiction selection, followed by conversation about what the writing is doing and how it works on the page. Together, we’ll explore craft elements such as imagery, diction, metaphor, structure, and line or sentence movement in a way that is inviting and accessible to all.
August 14, 2026 Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Kelly Madigan
St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Guests may study, write, read, relax, sit, talk, and generally socialize with friends over coffee, tea, and other beverages from opening at 5:30 pm until 6:00 pm when Kelly Madigan will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will will follow until closing.
August 14, 2026 Author Event with Michael Bettendorf
Sower Books, 914 N 70th St.
Lincoln, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Join us to chat with Michael Bettendorf about his Book Midwestern Chrome!
August 15, 2026 Poetry Workshop: Gathering Words
Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.
Omaha, 10:00 - 11:30 am
We experience wonder spontaneously in the presence of grandeur or mystery—think of a total solar eclipse or a starling murmuration. But wonder can also be intentionally cultivated. In this workshop we’ll explore how to grow astonishment by listening to, and even conversing with, the many non-human voices in a garden. Led by author Colleen Morton Busch. Students will receive a signed copy of Smolder during the workshop. Pre-registration required. Led by Julie S. Paschold.
August 15, 2026 Author Event with Malia Emary
Sower Books, 914 N 70th St.
Lincoln, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
It's bookstore romance day and we are going to celebrate with one of our favorite local romance authors, Malia Emary! Join us for a reading, talk, & signing for Malia's newest book The Future is Bright, a cozy, post-apocalyptic, slow-burn romance about love after loss, finding community, and choosing to embrace life. There will also be Bookstore Romance Day activities throught the day!
August 15, 2026 Book Launch: Matt Schur "Even This is Holy Ground: Poetry"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Join us as we welcome back Nebraska poet Matt Schur! He will be reading from his new book of poetry Even This is Holy Ground, a poetry collection rooted in Christian faith and unafraid of the world as it actually is.
August 18, 2026 Visiting Author: Marlene Zuk "Outsider Animals: How the Creatures at the Margins of Our Lives Have the Most to Teach Us"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Join us as we welcome author and evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk to Francie & Finch Bookshop to sign copies of her book Outsider Animals: How the Creatures at the Margins of Our Lives Have the Most to Teach Us!
August 20, 2026 Poetry Pause at Joslyn Castle
Joslyn Castle & Gardens, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
August Poetry Pause features Tyler Michael Jacobs, author of "The Weight of Drought" and "Building Brownville," and Nicole Stander, an Omaha poet and MFA candidate. This free Art Walk event offers an easygoing hour of poems, conversation, and audience questions.
August 20, 2026 Writers in Conversation - Third Thursday with Matt Mason and Sarah McKinstry-Brown
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd.
Lincoln, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Each month Writers in Conversation invites two writers at differing stages of their writing career to share their work and engage one another in conversation about the craft of creative writing. The conversation is then opened to the entire audience for a lively discussion of all things literary. Join for discussion between writers Matt Mason and Sarah McKinstry-Brown.
August 29, 2026 Visiting Author: Alexandra Hayne "What Ruth Learned"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Join us as we welcome Omaha author Alexandra Hayne as she presents her debut novel What Ruth Learned, a novel of “secrets, reinvention,and the stories we inherit”!

September

October

November

December

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Ongoing

Lincoln

Lincoln City Library Book Groups
All of the groups are free and open to the public. Just drop in at one of the gatherings or call the branch location if you need more information.
Romancing the Tome: A Romance Reader Book Club
This is an in-person book club for readers of romance. Join for book of the month discussions, book swaps, bookish discussions, and book shopping trips.
One Book One Lincoln
Various activities. Inviting Lincoln to read and discuss the same book. Become a fan on Facebook.
Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic
Crescent Moon Coffee, The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Poetry & prose open mic - hosted by Jeff Martinson. Every Wednesday night, sign up begins at 6:30 pm.
Pop in Storytime
Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St, Lincoln, NE
Through stories, songs, and movement, come learn more about the natural world. Everyone is invited to participate, however stories and activities are planned for children ages 3-5.
Lincoln Poetry Slam
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, NE
A monthly open mic and poetry slam, held on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm. Begins with an open mic, and then the competitive individual slam! Sign up at the event. (If you plan to compete in the slam, bring three poems.)

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Various

NEWISH Poetry Slam
NOMA, 2510 N 24th St, Omaha, NE
Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter. Registration is $10, Grand prize is $100. Last Thursday of each month.
Book Club for Adults
Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St, Grand Island, NE
Meets the 1st Monday of every month at 5:30 pm. Click here for the 2024 book selections.
Bygone Book Club
Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St, Grand Island, NE
Local historians lead book discussions at 11:00 am on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Click here to see the title selection.
Toddler & Preschool Storytime
Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
Come enjoy stories geared for ages every Thursday. Readings for ages 0-2 starting at 9:30 am and readings for ages starting at 10:30 am.
Open Book Club
Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave, Kearney, NE
This library-sponsored group is open to everyone ages 18 or older. No registration is required and the group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. Contact the library for more information.
Between the Lines Book Club
Saddlebrook Branch, 14851 Laurel Ave, Omaha, NE
Meets the 1st Friday of the month at 10:30 am. Registration is required.
Omaha Public Library Book Clubs
Omaha Public Library hosts book clubs at most library locations. OPL book clubs typically meet monthly and are facilitated by OPL staff.
Nebraska Writers Workshop
Ralston Baright Public Library, 5555 South 77th St, Ralston, NE
Every Wednesday. First & Third Wednesdays are in-person meetings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Second and Fourth Wednesdays are Zoom meetings starting at 7:00 pm.

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Calendar of Events

August

September

October

November

December

Ongoing

Lincoln

Various

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