Calendar of Events
Dates, locations, and times are subject to change. Some workshops or events may charge a fee. Contact us to submit your event.
July
- July 29, 2025
Reflections in Verse: An Ekphrastic Writing Workshop Inspired by Seeing Double
Assemblage Gallery, 1828 N St.
Lincoln, 4:30 - 7:00 pm
Inspired by the gallery’s latest exhibition, Seeing Double, this ekphrastic writing workshop invites participants to explore artwork that plays with duality, mirrored forms, and layered meaning in both image and concept. We’ll begin with a guided walk through the gallery led by art curator, Anne Pagel, taking time to find the pieces that speak to us most. Then, poet and teaching artist Zedeka Poindexter will lead participants through generative writing prompts designed to spark poetic and narrative responses to the visual work. This is more than just a gallery visit—it’s an opportunity to engage deeply with art and build new creative work that begins with the visual and transforms through words. All levels of writing experience are welcome. Come curious and leave with fresh reflections of your own. Limit 12 participants.
August
- August 5, 2025
Janice N. Harrington Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Harrington writes descriptive, lyrical, and experimental poems that speak to the Black American Imagination in all its multiplicity, advocating for a future that celebrates pleasure and self-fulfillment within Black communities. - August 7, 2025
Verse & Vibes
Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
Papillion, 6:30 pm
An open mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar ;). Open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Everyone is welcome. Free event. Jules Coral, MC. - August 9, 2025
Omaha Poetry Slam
The Local Art Plug, 1722 St. Marys Ave, Suite 110,
Omaha, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
The Nebraska Writers Collective proudly presents the Omaha Poetry Slam, a monthly open mic and poetry slam, held on the second Saturday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. We will start at 7 p.m. 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.) - August 11, 2025
Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
Omaha, 7:00 pm
Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society. - August 21, 2025
The Poetry Pause
Carriage House at Joslyn Castle & Gardens, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Hear two local poets, one seasoned and one just starting to make waves, read their work and chat about why they write. It’s a great place to sit down, cool off, and enjoy something a little different. The poetry is thoughtful, fun, and totally family-friendly, and you’ll even have the chance to ask the poets questions. Stop by and see what poetry sounds like when it’s shared out loud. This month's poets are Trey Moody and Sarah Larsen. Trey, author of Thought That Nature, brings nationally recognized poetry to Omaha with pieces featured in The Atlantic and The Believer. Sarah is a graduate teaching assistant at UNO and a rising voice in Nebraska’s writing community. - August 21, 2025
Vocal Fry
Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
Omaha, 7:00 pm
Prepare to be moved, inspired, and electrified at the only spoken word event in Nebraska dedicated solely to the art of expression. This isn’t just another open mic night—it’s a celebration of storytelling and raw emotion, where voices from all walks of life take center stage. Nathan Lachner and State Poet Jewel Rodgers, MCs. - August 23, 2025
Randomness in Art, Poetry, & Your Life with Brad Modlin
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
What if the out-of-place belonged? In this playful, generative workshop, we’ll explore poems and art that welcome the unexpected—and write our way into surprising connections that just might make perfect sense.
September
- September 2, 2025
Jewel Rodgers Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Rodgers spoken word poetry is electric and engaging. Her poetry inspires audiences to dig into the wells of our lives for beauty and connection. - September 4, 2025
Verse & Vibes
Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
Papillion, 6:30 pm
An open mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar ;). Open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Everyone is welcome. Free event. Jules Coral, MC. - September 8, 2025
Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
Omaha, 7:00 pm
Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society. - September 13, 2025
How to Sing in the Dark with Abby E. Murray
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
In this generative workshop, we’ll turn to poetry as a lifeline—reading powerful work born of upheaval, then writing our own. Come to discover how language can hold grief, spark resilience, and light the way forward. Leave with new drafts and a renewed sense of creative purpose. - September 13, 2025
Omaha Poetry Slam
The Local Art Plug, 1722 St. Marys Ave, Suite 110,
Omaha, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
The Nebraska Writers Collective proudly presents the Omaha Poetry Slam, a monthly open mic and poetry slam, held on the second Saturday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. We will start at 7 p.m. 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.) - September 25, 2025
The Poetry Pause
Carriage House at Joslyn Castle & Gardens, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Hear two local poets, one seasoned and one just starting to make waves, read their work and chat about why they write. It’s a great place to sit down, cool off, and enjoy something a little different. The poetry is thoughtful, fun, and totally family-friendly, and you’ll even have the chance to ask the poets questions. Stop by and see what poetry sounds like when it’s shared out loud. This month's poets are Lisa Fay Coutley and Rosine Selemani. Lisa Fay is an award-winning author of multiple poetry collections and essays, and an Associate Professor at UNO’s Writer’s Workshop. Rosine is a passionate young writer focused on telling empowering, honest stories of African and Congolese girlhood and identity. - September 18, 2025
Vocal Fry
Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
Omaha, 7:00 pm
Prepare to be moved, inspired, and electrified at the only spoken word event in Nebraska dedicated solely to the art of expression. This isn’t just another open mic night—it’s a celebration of storytelling and raw emotion, where voices from all walks of life take center stage. Nathan Lachner and State Poet Jewel Rodgers, MCs.
October
- October 7, 2025
Mary K. Stillwell Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
One of Stillwell's poetry collections explores the murder of two women, another celebrates the power of imagination. Her work covers a broad range of topics, from lyrical to narrative, and always captivating. - October 18, 2025
Humor in Poetry with Melissa Fite Johnson
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Think poetry has to be serious all the time? Think again. In this workshop, we’ll laugh, play, and explore how humor can crack open truth, deepen emotion, and spark joy—even in the heaviest topics. Come write poems that might just make someone snort-laugh.
November
- November 4, 2025
Charles Fort Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Fort’s poetry demonstrates, unequivocally, that he is a master of his craft. By turns surreal, tender, terrifying, absurd, and soulful, Fort’s work churns with passionate, forceful expression. - November 8, 2025
Pop Culture Poems with Courtney LeBlanc
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
What can your favorite band, movie, or childhood toy reveal about your inner world? Join poet Courtney LeBlanc to explore pop culture as a poetic lens in this fun, generative workshop.
December
- December 2, 2025
Allison Adelle Hedge Coke Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Hedge Coke’ poems form a taxonomy of threatened lives — human, plant, and animal — in a century marked by climate emergency. Her ecopoetry insists upon a reckoning and resistance with and redress of America’s continuing violence toward Earth and its peoples. - December 6, 2025
Writing Autobiographical Poetry with Todd Robinson
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Turn your life into art. In this workshop, we will explore how autobiographical poetry can honor both your magnificence and your messy humanity. You will leave with new ways to tell your story with beauty and depth.
Ongoing
Lincoln
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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. -
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.)
Various
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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.
Related Links
- Links to other book-related calendars
- Events sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book
- Library of Congress Center for the Book compendium of One Book projects, book fairs, storytelling festivals and other literary events across the U.S. and around the world
- Library calendar posted by the Nebraska Library Commission
- Lincoln City Libraries programs and events
- Omaha Public Library calendar of library events
- Nebraska event information from The Poetry Menu
- National Storytelling Network Calendar
- Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America upcoming book fairs and events