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 poetry events... Omaha poetry, Lincoln poetry, Scottsbluff, Kearney, Wayne, Norfolk, we want to make sure it's all here for you.

Color Codes:
Recurring Event
Online Only Event


  • 10/4, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
    10/4: Terese Svoboda, poet, novelist, memoirist, short story writer, librettist, translator, biographer, critic and videomaker.
    11/1: Former Missouri Poet Laureate William Trowbridge.

  • 10/4, F-- 7-9pm, Presses at Postscript Party (1434 Silver St, Ashland) with small presses and authors from FarmGirl Press, WSC Press, Ex Ophidia Press and The Good life Review. Meet the editors and enjoy readings from their authors as well as treats and drinks at Postscript.

  • 10/5, Sa-- 1-2pm, Poetry and Music Workshop offered by Opera Omaha and Nebraska Writers Collective as part of their Poetry and Music Project takes place in The Joslyn's Community Room (2200 Dodge St, Omaha). The workshop is recommended for youth in middle and high school (grades 4–12). See details and registration info at joslyn.org/events/poetry-music-workshop.

  • 10/7, M-- 2-3pm, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason reads at Gordon-Rushville High School, in the cafeteria (810 N Oak St, Gordon). This event is open to the public and is made possible by the Nebraska Arts Council.

  • 10/8, Tu-- 6pm, On Writing Presents at the Benson Theatre (6054 Maple St, Omaha). Every Second Tuesday of the Month join us in the lobby, alongside our partner The Book Nook, and participate in an engaging live reading with a local or nationally recognized writer, playwright, or poet. Peruse the curated offerings from the Book Nook, have a drink, and stay for the Q and A. See more at https://bensontheatre.org (2nd Tuesday)
    10/8: Local poetic legend and Co-Director of Nebraska Writers Collective, Zedeka Poindexter gets us in the mood for spooky season with her Stranger Things Character Poetry Book.
    11/12: Playwright Charlene Donaghy reads from her newest work.

  • 10/10, Th-- 6pm, CUMULATE Public Art Display, featuring the work of 9 Nebraska poets at UNK's Calvin T. Ryan Library (2508 11th Avenue, Kearney). CUMULATE is a permanent art installation by Leslie Iwai. CUMULATE's visual language highlights the beauty and role of clouds in the Nebraska landscape interlacing it visually, audibly, and tangibly with the work of Nebraska poets, evoking the beauty of the Nebraska landscape and its people. See more details at: leslieiwai.com/events/2024/cumulate-reveal.

  • 10/10, 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: 11/14, 12/12, etc.

  • 10/10, Th-- 7pm, Resonance Beat Poetry Jam at Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo (1808 Vinton St, Omaha). 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. (2nd Thursday)
    Next events: 11/14, 12/12, etc.

  • 10/12, Sa-- 10am-4:30pm, N.COB--Nebraska Celebration Of Books Literary Festival at UNL City Campus Union (in Regency Suite, Heritage Room, and Swanson Auditorium on the second floor of the Union, 1400 R St, Lincoln). This year's Book Awards Celebration will be a combined event with the Nebraska Book Festival, called "The Nebraska Celebration of Books" which aims to celebrate Nebraska's literary heritage and contemporary authors. The event will feature several Nebraska authors, a slam poetry showcase, book vendors, presentation of the Nebraska Center for the Book's Nebraska Book Awards and 2025 One Book One Nebraska announcement. See more at: https://bookfestival.nebraska.gov/2024/index.aspx.

  • 10/12, Sa-- 1pm, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason visits his 93rd of Nebraska's 93 counties with a reading in the TCDC Community Bldg (401 E 1st St, Trenton). This event is sponsored by the Trenton, Culbertson, Stratton and Palisade Libraries and Humanities Nebraska.

  • 10/12, Sa-- 1-2:30pm, the Nebraska Writers Collective's 2024 Visiting Writers Series kicks off with a visit from US Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Pacheco at the Carter Lake Public Library (1120 Willow Drive). You're invited to join us for an afternoon writing workshop or experience her powerful poetry when she features at the Omaha Poetry Slam tonight. To register for one or both, go to: newriters.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/the-nebraska-writers-collective-visiting-writers-series-presents-us-youth-poet-laureate-stephanie-pacheco.

  • 10/12, Sa-- 7-9pm, The Omaha Poetry Slam at Dry Spokes (1901 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Tonight features US Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Pacheco. 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Saturday)
    Next events: 11/9, 12/14, etc.

  • 10/13, Su-- 2-3pm, Poetry reading and book signing at Purple Dragon Paper Co (512 N Main St, Fremont) featuring Midwest Youth Poet Laureate Aliyah American Horse and Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason. Put on by the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, this is a free event. See more at neihardtcenter.org/events/

  • 10/13, Su-- 2-4pm, Poetry open mic at the St. Cecilia's Parrish Center (39th and Burt St, Omaha). This is a Halloween theme so bring your most haunting poetry by yourself or by your favorite author.

  • 10/16, W-- 7:30pm, UNO Fall 2024 Writer's Workshop Reading Series presents Anna Monardo at the UNO Art Gallery (Weber Fine Arts Bldg, 6505 University Dr S, Omaha). Anna Monardo grew up in Pittsburgh, with strong ties to her Calabrian family; her memoir, After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage (Bordighera Press) is the story of her family’s immigration to the U.S. Excerpts were published in the New York Times, Creative Nonfiction, Hotel Amerika, Cimarron Review, and more. All events are free and open to the public. See more at unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/writers-workshop/reading-series/wrws-reading-series.php.

  • 10/17, Th-- 3:30pm, How to Fall Down into the Grass: Nature Journaling Workshop by Aimee Nezhukumatathil at the Nebraska East Union (Prairie Suite, 1705 Arbor Dr, Lincoln), part of UNL's E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues with help from the Nebraska Writers Collective and Lincoln Parks and Recreation. Poet, professor and author of World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments, Nezhukumatathil presents the same workshop on Oct 17 and 18, you must register to attend one. Registration and more information at: enthompson.unl.edu/.

  • 10/17, Th-- 7-9pm, Vocal Fry, a monthly spoken word open mic at The Union for Contemporary Art in the The Shirley Tyree Theater (2423 N 24th St, Omaha). Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society. Doors open at 6 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 11/21, 12/19, etc.

  • 10/18, F-- 3:30pm, How to Fall Down into the Grass: Nature Journaling Workshop by Aimee Nezhukumatathil at the Pioneers Park Nature Center (3201 South Coddington, Lincoln), part of UNL's E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues with help from the Nebraska Writers Collective and Lincoln Parks and Recreation. Poet, professor and author of World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments, Nezhukumatathil presents the same workshop on Oct 17 and 18, you must register to attend one. Registration and more information at: enthompson.unl.edu/.

  • 10/25, F-- 7pm, Halloween Arts Event at the Table Rock Opera House (106 Houston St, Table Rock). Hear Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason read Halloween poems along with presentations by professional opera singers, a dramatic reading from Hamlet (his father's ghost), and more. Hosted by the Pawnee County Promotional Network and Humanities Nebraska.

  • 10/26, Sa-- 10am: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents online writing workshops on different topics, led by some wonderful poets on the 3rd Saturday of every month. $35 or free to members. For more information and to register, go to: nepoetrysociety.org/workshops:
    10/26, Lisa Fay Coutley, Infecting the Text: Letting Trauma Take its Necessary Shape
    11/2, Erica Reid, Glorious Dailiness
    12/14, Julia Guez, Mapping Our Poems

  • 10/26, Sa-- 11:45am-9pm, MCC's Creative Writing Forum at Metropolitan Community College (5300 N 30th St, BLDG 23/21, Omaha). A one-day celebration of writing! An afternoon of generative workshops, lectures, and craft talks. Reception and readings to follow. We are excited to welcome Keynote Presenter Nathan McClain as well as our headlining artists: Lydia Kang, Alina Nguyễn, and Theodore Wheeler. Tickets are $10-$20, events run all day, see the schedule and buy tickets at eventbrite.com/e/mccs-creative-writing-forum-tickets-982110377577.

  • 10/30, W-- 7:30pm, UNO Fall 2024 Writer's Workshop Reading Series presents Liz Kay at the UNO Art Gallery (Weber Fine Arts Bldg, 6505 University Dr S, Omaha). She is the author of Something to Help Me Sleep (dancing girl press), The Witch Tells The Story And Makes It True (Quarter Press), and Monsters: A Love Story (G. P. Putnam's Sons). All events are free and open to the public. See more at unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/writers-workshop/reading-series/wrws-reading-series.php.



  • 11/1, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
    11/1: Former Missouri Poet Laureate William Trowbridge.
    12/6: TBA.

  • 11/2, Sa-- 10am: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents online writing workshops on different topics, led by some wonderful poets on the 3rd Saturday of every month. $35 or free to members. For more information and to register, go to: nepoetrysociety.org/workshops:
    11/2, Erica Reid, Glorious Dailiness
    12/14, Julia Guez, Mapping Our Poems

  • 11/5: 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:
    11/5, Kassandra Montag
    12/3, Julie S. Paschold

  • 11/7, 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: 11/7, 12/5, etc.

  • 11/9, Sa-- 7-9pm, The Omaha Poetry Slam at Dry Spokes (1901 Leavenworth St, Omaha). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Saturday)
    Next events: 11/9, 12/14, etc.

  • 11/10, Su-- 5:25-8:30pm, the John G. Neihardt Foundation's 25th Annual Laureate's Feast Gala at Gallery 1516 on Leavenworth (1516 Leavenworth St, Omaha). See full details and buy tickets at: neihardtcenter.org/events/.

  • 11/12, Tu-- 6pm, On Writing Presents at the Benson Theatre (6054 Maple St, Omaha). Every Second Tuesday of the Month join us in the lobby, alongside our partner The Book Nook, and participate in an engaging live reading with a local or nationally recognized writer, playwright, or poet. Peruse the curated offerings from the Book Nook, have a drink, and stay for the Q and A. (2nd Tuesday)
    11/12: Playwright Charlene Donaghy reads from her newest work.

  • 11/13, W-- 7:30pm, UNO Fall 2024 Writer's Workshop Reading Series presents Michael Hofacre at the Benson Theatre (6054 Maple St, Omaha). Michael Hofacre is a film editor living in Los Angeles. He has been part of the editing team on over 50 film, television, and documentary projects, working alongside directors such as Danny DeVito, Jodie Foster, Milos Forman, Michael Mann, Tran Anh Hung, Judd Apatow and Adam McKay. All events are free and open to the public. See more at unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/writers-workshop/reading-series/wrws-reading-series.php.

  • 11/14, 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: 11/14, 12/12, etc.

  • 11/14, Th-- 7pm, Resonance Beat Poetry Jam at Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo (1808 Vinton St, Omaha). 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. (2nd Thursday)
    Next events: 11/14, 12/12, etc.

  • 11/21, Th-- 7-9pm, Vocal Fry, a monthly spoken word open mic at The Union for Contemporary Art in the The Shirley Tyree Theater (2423 N 24th St, Omaha). Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society. Doors open at 6 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 11/21, 12/19, etc.



  • 12/3: 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:
    12/3, Julie S. Paschold
    1/6, Carolina Hotchandani
    2/4, Lisa Fay Coutley
    3/4, Elizabeth Clark Wessel

  • 12/5, 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: 12/5, 1/2, 2/6, 3/6, etc.

  • 12/6, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
    12/6: TBA
    1/3: TBA

  • 12/12, 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: 12/12, 1/9, 2/13, 3/13, etc.

  • 12/12, Th-- 7pm, Resonance Beat Poetry Jam at Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo (1808 Vinton St, Omaha). 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. (2nd Thursday)
    Next events: 12/12, 1/9, 2/13, 2/13, etc.

  • 12/14, Sa-- 10am: The Nebraska Poetry Society presents online writing workshops on different topics, led by some wonderful poets on the 3rd Saturday of every month. $35 or free to members. For more information and to register, go to: nepoetrysociety.org/workshops:
    12/14: Julia Guez, Mapping Our Poems
    2/22: MK Chavez, Hybridity: Poems that Cross the Line

  • 12/14, Sa-- 7-9pm, The Omaha Poetry Slam at Dry Spokes (1901 Leavenworth St, Omaha). 6:30 doors, 7:00 show. See details at the Facebook Event Page. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. (2nd Saturday)
    Next events: 12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 3/8, etc.

  • 12/19, Th-- 7-9pm, Vocal Fry, a monthly spoken word open mic at The Union for Contemporary Art in the The Shirley Tyree Theater (2423 N 24th St, Omaha). Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society. Doors open at 6 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
    Next events: 12/19, 1/16, 2/20, 3/20, etc.



  • 2/13, Tu-- 6pm, On Writing Presents at the Benson Theatre (6054 Maple St, Omaha). On many Second Tuesdays of the Month join us in the lobby, alongside our partner The Book Nook, and participate in an engaging live reading with a local or nationally recognized writer, playwright, or poet. Peruse the curated offerings from the Book Nook, have a drink, and stay for the Q and A. See more at https://bensontheatre.org/event/on-writing-presents/. (2nd Tuesday)
    2/13: Playwright and author, Kim Louise.






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Last update: October 4th, 2024

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