The Poetry Menu

Unless noted, times listed are Central Time.
How do events get listed on the Nebraska Poetry Menu? With your help! We can't find all the info ourselves, so send additions, changes, comments, and suggestions to poetrymenu@googlegroups.com. The Poetry Menu aims to be a great, free resource for Nebraska's poetry-centered events... Omaha poetry, Lincoln poetry, Scottsbluff, Kearney, Wayne, Norfolk, we want to make sure it's all here for you.

Color Codes: Recurring (monthly-ish) Event and Online-Only


  • 11/8, Sa-- 10am: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents online writing workshops on different topics, led by some wonderful poets on a Saturday each month. $35 or free to members. For more information and to register, go to: nepoetrysociety.org/workshops:
    11/8: Courtney LeBlanc, Pop Culture Poems
    12/6: Todd Robinson, Writing Autobiographical Poetry

  • 11/8, Sa-- 7-9pm, The Omaha Poetry Slam at The Local Art Plug (1722 St Mary's Ave, Omaha). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Saturday)
    Next events: 12/13, 1/10, 2/14, etc.

  • 11/10, M-- 6-8pm, Family Dinner Reading Series and Open Mic at the Joslyn Castle Carriage House (3902 Davenport St, Omaha). Reading at 6pm, open mic at 7pm. This month features Todd Robinson, Molly Green and Emily Anderson. (2nd Monday)
    Next events: 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, etc.

  • 11/10, M-- 7pm, poets Sarah McKinstry-Brown and Matt Mason read at Midland University's Luther Library (900 N Clarkson St, Fremont).

  • 11/12, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 11/13, Th-- 7-9pm, The Lincoln Poetry Slam at Larksong Writers Place (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Thursday)
    Next events: 12/11, 1/8, 2/12, etc.

  • 11/14, F-- 6-8pm, Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic at St Mark's on the Campus (1309 R St, Lincoln). Each event has a featured reader from 6-7:30pm and open mic in any remaining time up to 8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. See full details at:sites.google.com/view/smoc-lion. (2nd Friday)
    11/14: Tyler Michael Jacobs and Kiara Letcher
    12/12: Stephen Buhler, reading from Ted Kooser's poetry

  • 11/15, Sa-- 10am-4:30pm, The Nebraska Celebration of Books, which aims to celebrate Nebraska's literary heritage and contemporary authors, on the second floor of the UNL City Campus Union and Jackie Gaughn Multicultural Center (14th and R Sts, Lincoln). The event features 2025 One Book One Nebraska author Tosca Lee, past and present State Poets Matt Mason and Jewel Rodgers, book vendors, publishers, and presentation of the Nebraska Book Awards, Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Award, and the 2026 One Book One Nebraska announcement. The Nebraska Book Awards are sponsored and facilitated by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission.

  • 11/15 and 1/17, Sa-- 10:30-11:30am, Poetry Writing Workshops with resident poetry instructor Julie S. Paschold at Lauritzen Gardens (100 Bancroft St, Omaha):
    11/15, To Verse or Not to Verse: Information and registration at: lauritzen.ticketapp.org/portal/product/51/event/4602a8fb-3f40-4fcb-8b5b-76f3a75980ad.
    1/17/26, The Ekphrastic Poem: Information and registration at: lauritzen.ticketapp.org/portal/product/51/event/1670978d-87c5-49bb-8103-5d3a96ec27d1

  • 11/19, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). Tonight features a special event: Servings Of Spoken Word, hosted by Esman Rodas Calderon with a theme of food poems and ways to help SNAP recipients. See more at The event's Facebook page. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 11/20, Th-- 5-7pm, Third Thursday Artist Talks at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts (801 Third Corso, Nebraska City). Our Artist Talk is the ideal opportunity to meet KHN resident artists (poets, painters, musicians and more) and get a glimpse of their creative work. We begin in the KHN Gallery dining room with light refreshments followed by presentations. Residents present for eight minutes each, with an additional four minutes for questions.
    Next events: No December event, 1/15, 2/19, 3/19

  • 11/20, Th-- 6:30-7:30pm, Writers in Conversation, Third Thursdays @ Larksong at Larksong Writers Place (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln). 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. Social Time 6-6:30. Free. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 12/18, 1/15, 2/19, etc.

  • 11/20 Th-- 7-9pm, Vocal Fry, a monthly spoken word open mic at UNO's Criss Library (6401 S University Dr Rd N, Omaha, first floor by the Starbucks). This month features Shelby Martinez. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society. Doors open at 6:30 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 1/15, 2/19, etc.

  • 11/21, F-- 7pm, A spoken word featured reading and open mic at The Ellery (1247 S 11th St, Lincoln). Hosted by Esman Rodas Calderon. (Third Friday, new theme each month). Tonight features a special event, Fortune Favors the Poet: Showdown Showcase and Open Mic to celebrate our Nebraska representatives in the 2nd annual Tri-State Slam<. Full details at the Facebook Event page.
    After the event, you're invited to join Write After, a writing group that meets around the conclusion of this event (around 8:30 or 9).
    Next events: 12/19, 1/16, 2/20, etc.

  • 11/23, Su-- 3-5pm, Special Event, Larksong Writers Place Turns 5. Join us in celebrating 5 years of connection, community, and creativity. Come for cake, conversation, and gratitude.

  • 11/26, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 11/27?, Th-- 7-10pm, NEWISH Poetry Slam with Live Music at NOMA (2510 N 24th St, Omaha). Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter, see more at the Facebook Event page. Registration is $10, Grand prize is $100 (every last Thursday).
    Next events: 12/25?, 1/29, 2/26, etc.



  • 12/2: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents the Nebraska Poets Reading Series at 6:30pm on the first Tuesday of the month. See details at: nepoetrysociety.org/readings. Events are online, free and open to the public:
    12/2, Allison Adelle Hedge Coke
    1/6, Gene Fendt
    2/3, Adrian Elizabeth Koesters

  • 12/3, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)
    --After the event on the 1st Monday of each month, you're invited to join Write After, a writing group that meets around the conclusion of this event.

  • 12/4, Th-- 7pm, Verse & Vibes open mic night at Indigo Cottage Crafts (2063 Creekside Dr, Papillion). This event is sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society, doors open at 6:30, free and open to all. (1st Thursday)
    Next events: 12/4, 1/1?, 2/5, 3/5, etc.

  • 12/5, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
    12/5, Abby E. Murray, author of Recovery Commands

  • 12/5, F-- 6:30-10pm, Poetry Night at the Reading Room (1505 Farnam St, Omaha). Share your own work or read a favorite poem aloud, this event is for the seasoned writer, those who love the power of spoken word, anyone who'd like to celebrate poetry. Registration required: contact readingroomomaha@gmail.com or call/text at 563-940-1308. (1st Friday)
    Next events: 1/2, 2/6, etc.

  • 12/6, Sa-- 10am: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents online writing workshops on different topics, led by some wonderful poets on a Saturday each month. $35 or free to members. For more information and to register, go to: nepoetrysociety.org/workshops:
    12/6: Todd Robinson, Writing Autobiographical Poetry

  • 12/6, Sa-- 1-4pm, The Omaha Public Library's Poetry Bash for Teens at the Abrahams Branch Library (5111 N 90th St, Omaha). More info TBA.

  • 12/8, M-- 6-8pm, Family Dinner Reading Series and Open Mic at the Joslyn Castle Carriage House (3902 Davenport St, Omaha). Reading at 6pm, open mic at 7pm. This month features Todd Robinson, Molly Green and Emily Anderson. (2nd Monday)
    Next events: 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, etc.

  • 12/10, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 12/11, Th-- 7-9pm, The Lincoln Poetry Slam at Larksong Writers Place (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Thursday)
    Next events: 12/11, 1/8, 2/12, 3/12, etc.

  • 12/12, F-- 6-8pm, Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic at St Mark's on the Campus (1309 R St, Lincoln). Each event has a featured reader from 6-7:30pm and open mic in any remaining time up to 8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. See full details at:sites.google.com/view/smoc-lion. (2nd Friday)
    12/12: Stephen Buhler, reading from Ted Kooser's poetry
    1/9, Greg Kosmicki
    2/13, Alina Nguyên and Caroliena Cabada

  • 12/13, Sa-- 9am-3pm, the Omaha Book Fest at IBEW Hall (13306 Stevens St, Omaha). A variety of local authors and craft vendors will be featured at the perfect event to complete your holiday shopping. See bookfestomaha.com/ for more information.

  • 12/13, Sa-- 7-9pm, The Omaha Poetry Slam at The Local Art Plug (1722 St Mary's Ave, Omaha). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Saturday)
    Next events: 12/13, 1/10, 2/14, 3/14, etc.

  • 12/17, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 12/18, Th-- 6:30-7:30pm, Writers in Conversation, Third Thursdays @ Larksong at Larksong Writers Place (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln). 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. Social Time 6-6:30. Free. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 12/18, 1/15, 2/19, 3/19, etc.

  • 12/18 Th-- No Vocal Fry this month! Vocal Fry, a monthly spoken word open mic at UNO's Criss Library. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 1/15, 2/19, 3/19, etc.

  • 12/19, F-- 7pm, A spoken word featured reading and open mic at The Ellery (1247 S 11th St, Lincoln). Hosted by Esman Rodas Calderon. (Third Friday, new theme each month)
    After the event, you're invited to join Write After, a writing group that meets around the conclusion of this event (around 8:30 or 9).

  • 12/24?, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 12/25?, Th-- 7-10pm, NEWISH Poetry Slam with Live Music at NOMA (2510 N 24th St, Omaha). Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter, see more at the Facebook Event page. Registration is $10, Grand prize is $100 (every last Thursday).
    Next events: 12/25?, 1/29, 2/26, 3/26, etc.

  • 12/31?, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)



  • 1/1/26?, Th-- 7pm, Verse & Vibes open mic night at Indigo Cottage Crafts (2063 Creekside Dr, Papillion). This event is sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society, doors open at 6:30, free and open to all. (1st Thursday)
    Next events: 2/5, 3/5, etc.

  • 1/2/26, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
    1/2, TBA

  • 1/2/26, F-- 6:30-10pm, Poetry Night at the Reading Room (1505 Farnam St, Omaha). Share your own work or read a favorite poem aloud, this event is for the seasoned writer, those who love the power of spoken word, anyone who'd like to celebrate poetry. Registration required: contact readingroomomaha@gmail.com or call/text at 563-940-1308. (1st Friday)
    Next events: 2/6, 3/6, etc.

  • 1/6/26: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents the Nebraska Poets Reading Series at 6:30pm on the first Tuesday of the month. See details at: nepoetrysociety.org/readings. Events are online, free and open to the public:
    1/6, Gene Fendt
    3/3, Kim Sosin
    4/7, Kelly Madigan

  • 1/7/26, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)
    --After the event on the 1st Monday of each month, you're invited to join Write After, a writing group that meets around the conclusion of this event.

  • 1/8, Th-- 7-9pm, The Lincoln Poetry Slam at Larksong Writers Place (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Thursday)
    Next events: 2/12, 3/12, etc.

  • 1/9, F-- 6-8pm, Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic at St Mark's on the Campus (1309 R St, Lincoln). Each event has a featured reader from 6-7:30pm and open mic in any remaining time up to 8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. See full details at:sites.google.com/view/smoc-lion. (2nd Friday)
    1/9, Greg Kosmicki
    2/13, Alina Nguyên and Caroliena Cabada
    3/13, Rasaq Malik

  • 1/10, Sa-- 7-9pm, The Omaha Poetry Slam at The Local Art Plug (1722 St Mary's Ave, Omaha). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Saturday)
    Next events: 1/10, 2/14, 3/14, etc.

  • 1/12, M-- 6-8pm, Family Dinner Reading Series and Open Mic at the Joslyn Castle Carriage House (3902 Davenport St, Omaha). Reading at 6pm, open mic at 7pm. This month features Todd Robinson, Molly Green and Emily Anderson. (2nd Monday)
    Next events: 2/9, 3/9, etc.

  • 1/14, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 1/15, Th-- 6:30-7:30pm, Writers in Conversation, Third Thursdays @ Larksong at Larksong Writers Place (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln). 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. Social Time 6-6:30. Free. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 1/15, 2/19, 3/19, etc.

  • 1/15 Th-- 7-9pm, Vocal Fry, a monthly spoken word open mic at UNO's Criss Library (6401 S University Dr Rd N, Omaha, first floor by the Starbucks). Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society. Doors open at 6:30 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 2/19, 3/19, etc.

  • 1/16, F-- 7pm, A spoken word featured reading and open mic at The Ellery (1247 S 11th St, Lincoln). Hosted by Esman Rodas Calderon. (Third Friday, new theme each month)
    After the event, you're invited to join Write After, a writing group that meets around the conclusion of this event (around 8:30 or 9).
    Next events: 2/20, 3/20, 4/17, etc.

  • 1/17, Sa-- 10:30-11:30am, Poetry Writing Workshops with resident poetry instructor Julie S. Paschold at Lauritzen Gardens (100 Bancroft St, Omaha):
    1/17/26, The Ekphrastic Poem: Information and registration at: lauritzen.ticketapp.org/portal/product/51/event/1670978d-87c5-49bb-8103-5d3a96ec27d1

  • 1/21, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 1/28, W-- 7-9pm, The Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic at Crescent Moon Coffee (in The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln). See more at crescentmooncoffee.com. Signup starts at 6:30pm, hosted by Jeff Martinson. (every Wednesday)

  • 1/29, Th-- 7-10pm, NEWISH Poetry Slam with Live Music at NOMA (2510 N 24th St, Omaha). Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter, see more at the Facebook Event page. Registration is $10, Grand prize is $100 (every last Thursday).
    Next events: 2/26, 3/26, etc.



  • 3/28, Sa-- 10am: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents online writing workshops on different topics, led by some wonderful poets on a Saturday each month. $35 or free to members. For more information and to register, go to: nepoetrysociety.org/workshops:
    3/28: Alison Lubar, The Poets' "Little Song": 800 Years of Sonnets from Medieval Sicily to the American Midwest
    5/30: Allison Adele Hedge Coke, Musicality and the Long Poem




Navigate The Poetry Menu:


Arts Organizations

Poetry Resources

Series and Festivals

Presses

Independent Bookstores

Aurora: Columbus: Grand Island: Kearney: La Vista: Lincoln: Omaha: Papillion: Seward:




The Poetry Menu is a community, not an individual effort:
contribute additions, changes, and cancellations to: poetrymenu@googlegroups.com.


This marvelous site maintained by former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason (see more at Midverse.com)
with design help from Monica Ghali, Andrew Daum, Jason Valandra, and Ken Boucher, with webhosting provided by Joe Mason.

Last update: November 6th, 2025

No poets were harmed in the making of this Menu