Make sure to check out these literary events as we enter the holiday season! If you’re looking for something to do in December, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!
- December 1, 2024 Salon Reading Series: “Midwinter”
Turbine Flats Resonator Gallery, 2124 Y St.
Lincoln, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is “Midwinter” by Matt Smart, directed by Bob Hall – An ice-cold riff on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by a former Antarctic janitor.
- December 3, 2024 Julie S. Paschold Poetry Reading and Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Julie’s inaugural poetry book is a collection of eco-poetry with deep roots in Nebraska soil. She’s an award-winning poet who’s ready to share her journey to success with you.
- December 4, 2024 Salon Reading Series: “Midwinter”
Eastmont Living Performing Arts Center, 6315 O St.
Lincoln, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is “Midwinter” by Matt Smart, directed by Bob Hall – An ice-cold riff on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by a former Antarctic janitor.
- December 5, 2024 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
Papillion, 6:30 pm
The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event.
- December 7, 2024 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Lincoln Workshops
Pius X High School Conference Room, 6000 A St. (West Entrance 11)
Lincoln, 9:00 – 11:00 am
A workshop designed to help veterans and active duty military personnel express their thoughts and feelings in words. Participants need only be interested in writing in any form – they do not need to have any previous writing experience to benefit from the workshops. Facilitated by professional writing instructors, the workshops consist of six to eight biweekly sessions focused on developing strategies and skills. Facilitated by Tom Seib.
- December 7, 2024 24th Annual Teen Poetry Bash
Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St.
Omaha, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Omaha Public Library presents the 24th Annual Teen Poetry Bash! This is a free event for teens in grades 8-12, though all are welcome to come cheer them on. Contestants must prepare two original poems to perform as slam poetry or read aloud. Registration is required.
- December 12, 2024 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.
- December 14, 2024 Mapping Our Poems
Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
In this generative writing class, we will begin with a word or phrase, line or lines from another book of poetry. After mapping out ideas, feelings, rhythms, syntaxes and words we associate with the line or lines we have brought in, we will start work on our own poems. Led by Julia Guez.
- December 14, 2024 Visiting Author: “Inside Nebraska Courthouses” by Dean Settle
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
Lincoln, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Local art collector, historian, and former gallery owner, Dean Settle, discusses his new book! “Inside Nebraska Courthouses” explores the cultural and architectural legacy of Nebraska’s 93 courthouses. This book is more than just a history — it’s a celebration of Nebraska’s cultural and architectural legacy. Through short narratives, photographs, and illustrations specific to the state’s 93 counties, it offers a unique window into the landmarks that define the state.
- December 14, 2024 Speed Writing & Reading Holiday Party
Zoom, 10:00 am – 12:00 (Noon) pm
Let’s kick off the Holiday Season with some fast-paced writing and short but powerful reading sessions! This year we’re kicking it up a notch by expanding the genres of both readings and workshops to include performance poetry and romance writing, as well as fiction, memoir, and poetry! Our readers and workshop leaders this year include well-known poets and prose writers, including Jewel Rogers, Riley Westerholt, Terese Svoboda, Steve Edwards, Bianca Swift, Sonya Huber, Cassie Premo Steele, Esman Rodas, and Brittany Brauer.
- December 19, 2024 Vocal Fry
Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
Omaha, 6:00 pm
Vocal Fry is normally on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner, MCs. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society.
Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!
*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.
Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.
