Nebraska Center for the Book

Don’t be scared, go and check out these Nebraska events! If you’re looking for something to do in October, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• October 1, 2025 Visiting Author: River Selby in conversation with Timothy Schaffert “Hotshot: A Life on Fire”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  You don’t want to miss this visit from author River Selby. River will be in conversation with Timothy Schaffert presenting Hotshot: A Life on Fire! Learn more about this fascinating memoir about high stakes adventure, personal growth, and humanity below.
• October 1, 2025 Omaha Reads: Bilingual Poetry Workshop
  Willa Cather Branch Library, 1905 S. 44th St.
  Omaha, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  Join Angelica Perez of the Nebraska Writers Collective for a bilingual poetry workshop inspired by Solito by Javier Zamora. Angelica is bilingual and brings experience helping poets express their voices in the language that feels most authentic. This is a free event. Online registration is required.
• October 2, 2025 The Crescent Moon Writers’ Night: Open Mic
  Carhenge, 2151 Co Rd 59.
  Alliance, 6:00 pm
  Matt Mason, Nebraska’s State Poet from 2019-2024, reads at Carhenge. Sponsored by the Alliance Creative District. This is a BYO-Chair event.
• October 2, 2025 Vocal Fry
  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.
• October 3, 2025 Visiting Writers: Teo Shannon, Saddiq Dzukogi, and Alina Nguyen
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  Join and welcome talented writers Teo Shannon, Saddiq Dzukogi, and Alina Nguyen! Teo will be in conversation with Saddiq and Alina about his new book of poetry A Chronology of Blood: Poems. This debut collection of poetry casts an unflinching eye on the issues in the author’s life which includes themes of sexual abuse, gun violence, and conversion therapy. The poems in A Chronology of Blood embrace trauma survivors, the LGBTQ+ community, and lovers of poetry.
• October 3, 2025 An Evening of Great Irish Writers: with Neil O’Shea
  Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner Blvd.
  Lincoln, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  This event features a stand up performance of extracts from the works of some of the great writers to come out of Ireland, including Swift, Wilde, Shaw, Yeats, Synge, Joyce and more. Neil O’Shea is an actor from Dublin who has appeared in theaters across Ireland and toured with the Irish Actors Theatre Company in Europe and the USA and has performed throughout Ireland, in Germany, Sweden, London, as well as in the USA. This event is FREE and open to the public.
• October 3, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading w/ Terena Elizabeth Bell
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Terena Elizabeth Bell is a fiction writer. Her debut short story collection, Tell Me What You See: Ten Stories, was named one of the “best books of the century (so far)” by New York Society Library and a Ms Magazine must-read.
• October 5, 2025 Poetry Porch at Porchfest
  Gifford Park Porch Fest, 3511 Webster St.
  Omaha, 12:00 – 6:00 pm
  Porchfest OMA is a free community music festival held annually in the Gifford Park neighborhood. Join host Zedeka Poindexter for Poetry Porch.
• October 7, 2025 Writing from the Fence Post
  ScatterJoy Acres, 4107 Waverly Rd.
  Murray, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  A 5-week creative writing series on Tuesdays, starting September 9th thru October 7th. Week 5: Open Mic Night: Share your works on our stage, cheer on your fellow writers, sit back while enjoying snacks and drinks.
• 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 8, 2025 UNO Writer’s Workshop Fall 2025 Reading Series with Eileen Myles
  University of Nebraska Omaha,Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom, 6203 S University Dr Rd N.
  Omaha, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
  Eileen is a poet, novelist and art journalist as well as teacher whose practice of vernacular first-person writing across genres has literally changed the game. They are the author of 25 books, including Chelsea Girls and a selected poems, I Must Be Living Twice. Myles has shown their photographs at Bridget Donahue in New York and in Provincetown, MA at Schoolhouse Gallery and in various international public installations. In 2019 Myles wrote and directed a super-8 puppet road film, The Trip and their most recent books are Pathetic Literature, and a Working Life, poems. They live in New York and Marfa, Texas.
• October 10, 2025 Vocal Fry
  St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 8:00 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 video/audio recordings of John G. Neihardt will feature for the annual October “Dead Poet’s Reading”. Nancy Gillis, longtime Executive Director of the Neihardt Center, design the presentation and provide context and answer questions. If time remains, Open Mic will will follow until closing.
• October 12, 2025 Visiting Author: Rebecca Lexa “The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
  Fellow nature lovers, book lovers, and all of those who love to pick up new hobbies, come meet author and naturalist Rebecca Lexa as she talks about “Five Reasons to Be an Everyday Naturalist”, highlighting some great benefits of learning to identify the living beings around you. We will have copies of her book for you to purchase and she will sign when the talk is over.
• October 14, 2025 One Author Kearney: Writers’ Workshop with Karen Russell
  Kearney Public Library, Platte Room, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
  Join author Karen Russell for a writing workshop certain to grow your writing life. She is the author of six books of fiction, including The Antidote, as well as NYT bestsellers Vampires in the Lemon Grove and Swamplandia!, one of the NYT’s ten best books of the year and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She has taught literature and creative writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the University of California-Irvine, Williams College, Columbia University, and Bryn Mawr College, and was the Endowed Chair of Texas State’s MFA program.
• October 14, 2025 One Author Kearney: Karen Russell
  The World Theatre, 2318 Central Ave.
  Kearney, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  The Kearney Public Library Foundation and the library proudly present an evening of conversation and readings with Karen Russell! A book signing will follow the presentation. This is a free, ticketed event. She is the author of six books of fiction, including The Antidote, as well as NYT bestsellers Vampires in the Lemon Grove and Swamplandia!, one of the NYT’s ten best books of the year and a Pulitzer Prize finalist. She’s received both MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships, the NYPL’s Young Lions Award, the Bard Fiction Prize, the National Book Foundation’s “5 under 35” award, and was selected for Granta’s Best Young American Novelists and The New Yorker’s “20 under 40” list (she is now decisively over 40). She’s also won two National Magazine Awards for Fiction, the Shirley Jackson Award, the 2023 Bottari Lattes Grinzane prize, and the 2024 Mary McCarthy Award, among other honors. She taught literature and creative writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, UC-Irvine, Williams College, Columbia University, and Bryn Mawr College. She serves on the board of Street Books.
• October 16, 2025 Writers in Conversation: Third Thursdays @ Larksong with Ava Winter and Alina Nguyen
  Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner Blvd.
  Lincoln, 6:00 – 7:00 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. The evening is sure to both please and educate, not to mention inspire!
• October 16, 2025 Virtual Author Series: Joanna Biggs, Richard Scott Larson, and Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum
  Zoom, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  Help us welcome three writers from our first Willa Cather Residency for Writers cohort as they share recent publications! Joanna Biggs, Richard Scott Larson, and Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum will all read excerpts from their books as they reflect on their unique writers in residence experiences. This event is free with online registration.
• October 16, 2025 Vocal Fry
  Flatiron Building, 1722 St Marys Ave.
  Omaha, 7:00 – 9:00 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. Hosted in the intimate and immersive setting where every performance feels personal. Whether you’re a longtime lover of spoken word or a curious newcomer, this event guarantees an unforgettable night of connection and creativity. Tonight Featuring Nathan B. Wise, with Sam Nichols and Allen Stevenson as MCs.
• 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.
• October 23, 2025 Writers’ Workshop with Tyler Michael Jacobs
  Kearney Public Library, Platte Room, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
  Join poet Tyler Michael Jacobs for a poetry writing workshop. He is the author of The Weight of Drought forthcoming from Stephen F. Austin State University Press and Building Brownville. His words have appeared or are forthcoming in Passages North, Variant Literature, Plainsongs, Pidgeonholes, Sierra Nevada Review, and elsewhere. His poems have also been featured on Nebraska Public Media’s Friday LIVE! He received his MFA from Bowling Green State University. There is a $15 fee for this workshop with lunch included.
• October 23, 2025 Tosca Lee at Tecumseh Public Library
  Tecumseh Public Library, 170 Branch St.
  Tecumseh, 6:00 pm
  Join Tosca Lee in Tecumseh at the library where ahe will be dishing on One Book One Nebraska 2025 pick The Long March Home, writing, and writing life in Nebraska! Open to the public, books will be available.
• October 23, 2025 Poetry Reading with Tyler Michael Jacobs
  Kearney Public Library, Platte Room, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  Enjoy an evening of poetry with Tyler Michael Jacobs. He is the author of The Weight of Drought forthcoming from Stephen F. Austin State University Press and Building Brownville. His words have appeared or are forthcoming in Passages North, Variant Literature, Plainsongs, Pidgeonholes, Sierra Nevada Review, and elsewhere. His poems have also been featured on Nebraska Public Media’s Friday LIVE! He received his MFA from Bowling Green State University.
• October 24, 2025 Lydia Kang in conversation with Tosca Lee: “K-JANE”
  Sower Books, 914 N 70th St.
  Lincoln, 6:00 pm
  Join and watch Lydia Kang in conversation with Tosca Lee at Sower Books to discuss her brand new release, K-JANE, a new young adult novel all about growing up Korean in Nebraska! Join for what will be a fun evening talking about the book and about the Korean-Nebraskan experience!
• October 26, 2025 The Halloween Mischief Poetry Reading/Harvest of Words
  Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral Parish Center, 39th and Burt St.
  Omaha, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  This open mic invites you to bring poems on the theme of Halloween or any other to finish the year. Poets welcome, listeners welcome. Open mic with refreshments and some music.
• October 29, 2025 Visiting Author: Corinna Barrett Lain in conversation with Professor Eric Berger “Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  Join us to hear about Corinna Barrett Lain’s new book Secrets of the Killing State. She will be in conversation with UNL Professor of Law Eric Berger. You don’t want to miss the conversation, we’ll see you there!
• October 30, 2025 NEWISH Poetry Slam
  North Omaha Music and Arts – NOMA, 2510 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
  NEWISH is presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter at NOMA. We invite you to take risks, say what hasn’t been said. This is a curated space & environment for you to express yourself and grow amongst your community. Enjoy the poetry slam with live music! Registration is $10, and the grand prize is $100.

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.

Fall into these Nebraska literary events! If you’re looking for something to do in September, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• September 2, 2025 Book Launch Celebration: Linda Pawlenty in Conversation with Tom Gannon “Clutch: An Education at Work”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  Join us as we welcome Lincoln author, truck driver, and English teacher Linda Pawlenty, and return guest Tom Gannon! Linda will be signing copies and chatting about her new book Clutch: An Education at Work!
• 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 Lauren Sisler – “Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy)”
  Saint Paul United Meethodist Church, 1144 M St.
  Lincoln, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
  Presented by Bryan Health, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, two-time Emmy award-winning sportscaster Lauren Sisler visits Lincoln to talk about her book, Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy).
• 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 5, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Sue William Silverman
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  Sue William Silverman is an award-winning author of eight works of nonfiction and poetry. Her new book, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader, is a collection of flash essays.
• September 6, 2025 Unleashing the Power of the Flash Essay: How to Craft Brief Prose into Publishable Art
  Zoom, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  The flash essay isn’t merely short; it’s a form unto itself. What makes flash, unable to rely on length for a lasting impression, still feel vast, deep, and memorable, rather than slight, anecdotal, or confined? Sue will discuss how, through structure, ellipsis, imagery, metaphor, and more, writers can transform universal themes such as loss, grief, and love into brief, illuminating work—“proseletts” with outsized abilities—to capture an editor’s notice. This event will include a prompt, time for questions-and-answers, and informal discussion. Each participant will receive a free copy of Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader by Sue William Silverman, which is a collection of flash essays. Instructed by Sue William Silverman.
• September 6 & 20, 2025 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Omaha Workshops
  Nebraska Wildlife Rehab’s Baldwin Center Conference Room, 9777 M St.
  Omaha, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  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 Jen Stastny and Cindy Cronn.
• September 8, 2025 The Last Edition of 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. Featuring Allen Stevenson. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
• September 9, 2025 Author Event: Dr. Helen Fagan “Lead Like People Matter: What Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience Reveal About Leadership”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  Join as we welcome special guest, author Dr. Helen Fagan and celebrate the release of the newest edition of her book Lead Like People Matter. At the event we will also be welcoming Linked2Literacy, a beloved local non-profit with the mission of inspiring generations by providing inclusive books and literacy education through community partnerships. A portion of your purchase of Dr. Fagan’s new book will be given to the mission of Linked2Literacy.
• September 9, 2025 Writing from the Fence Post
  ScatterJoy Acres, 4107 Waverly Rd.
  Murray, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  A 5-week creative writing series on Tuesdays, starting September 9th thru October 7th. Week 1: “Marsupial Memoirs”: kick off with the Kangaroos & Wallabies! Enjoy sitting with all the marsupials & connect with nature while writing Memoir.
• September 12, 2025 An Evening with Author Jeff Chu in Conversation with Pat Leach
  First Presbyterian Church, 840 S. 17th St.
  Lincoln, 7:00 pm
  Join award-winning author Jeff Chu in conversation with Pat Leach, Nebraska Center for the Book president and host of Nebraska Public Media’s All About Books, as they explore these powerful themes behind Jeff’s new book Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand. Reception to follow with an opportunity to meet the author and get your book signed! Make sure to reserve your seat!
• September 13 & 27, 2025 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.
• 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 Moonshell Storytelling Festival
  Mahoney State Park Open-Air Pavillion, 28500 W. Park Hwy.
  Ashland, 10:30 am – 9:30 pm
  A family-friendly daylong event filled with song, stories, and fun. See the event website for additional detail and updates. Free with Mahoney State Park admission; paid registration required for storytellers’ workshops at Peter Kiewit Lodge. The 2025 featured storytellers are Darrin Crow, Jeff Doyle, Carolina Quiroga, and Kim Weitkamp.
• September 13, 2025 Poetry with Jewel Rodgers at The Florence Mill
  The Florence Mill, 9102 N 30th St.
  Omaha, 3:30 pm
  Nebraska’s New State Poet, Jewel Rogers, joins us for Poetry in the Mill at The Florence Mill. Her reading will wake you up to how lively and fun poetry can be.
• 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 16, 2025 Writing from the Fence Post
  ScatterJoy Acres, 4107 Waverly Rd.
  Murray, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  A 5-week creative writing series on Tuesdays, starting September 9th thru October 7th. Week 2: “Haikus with Cows”: Get your vibes Mooo-ving & explore your Poetic Rhymes. Create your own Haiku, Ghazal, Pantoum, and free verse.
• September 18, 2025 The Poetry Pause at Joslyn Castle Art Walk
  Joslyn Castle & Gardens, Carriage House, 3902 Davenport St.
  Omaha, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
  Two local poets will be reading their work, talking about their creative process, and chatting with each other-and with you. Featuring Lisa Fay Coutley and Rosine Selemani.
• September 18, 2025 Marcus Brotherton & Tosca Lee: “The Long March Home”
  Zoom, 7:00 pm
  Delve into World War II history with the 2025 One Book One Nebraska selection! Join authors Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee as they share excerpts from The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific and discuss their approach to writing historical fiction with the National Willa Cather Foundation.
• 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.
• September 19, 2025 Book Launch Event: Alison Pearce Stevens “Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species (Books for a Better Earth)”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  Friends of all ages, join us as we welcome back beloved Science Writer & Award-winning Children’s Author, Alison Pearce Stevens! She will be presenting and signing copies of her new book Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species (Books for a Better Earth), a lively introduction to some of North America’s most troublesome invasive species—and to the industrious dogs and handlers working to stop their spread!
• September 19, 2025 Palabras Con Pan
  Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Palabras Con Pan or ‘Words with Bread’ is part of a themed open mic series occurring on the 3rd Friday of every month. Featuring Joanna Calel, Maritza N. Estrada, Andres DB and Angelica Perez. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, hosted by Esman Rodas Calderon with coffee and sweet bread provided by Crescent Moon Coffee and Pan Dulce Bakery.
• September 23, 2025 Writing from the Fence Post
  ScatterJoy Acres, 4107 Waverly Rd.
  Murray, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  A 5-week creative writing series on Tuesdays, starting September 9th thru October 7th. Week 3: “Llama tell you, life’s too short for drama!”: Stubbornness aside, strategize a short story with Pixie the Llama.
• September 25, 2025 Arapahoe Library Visit with Tosca Lee
  Arapahoe Public Library, 306 Nebraska Ave.
  Arapahoe, 10:30 am
  Join Tosca Lee at the library in Arapahoe, where she will be talking about the research behind 2025’s One Book One Nebraska pick, and how she and co-author Marcus Brotherton teamed up to write this novel about one of the darkest chapters in WWII history inspired by real-life stories of brotherhood, hope, and sacrifice. Books will be available for purchase.
• September 25, 2025 Jensen Memorial Library with Tosca Lee
  Jensen Memorial Library, 443 N. Kearney Ave.
  Minden, 2:00 pm
  Join Tosca Lee in Minden at Jensen Memorial Library for a One Book One Nebraska talk about the writing, research, and history behind The Long March Home! Books will be available for purchase.
• September 25, 2025 Holdrege Area Public Library Visit with Tosca Lee
  Holdrege Area Public Library, 604 East Ave.
  Holdrege, 6:00 pm
  Join Tosca Lee in Holdredge at the library, where she will be discussing the writing, research, and impact of The Long March Home – 2025’s One Book One Nebraska! Books will be available for purchase.
• 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 25, 2025 NEWISH – Monthly Poetry Slam
  NOMA, 2510 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
  We invite you to take risks, say what hasn’t been said. This is a curated space & environment for you to express yourself and grow amongst your community. Enjoy the poetry slam with live music! Registration is $10 and the grand prize is $100. Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter.
• September 28, 2025 Bouteloua LitART FEST
  Glacier Creek Preserve, 14810 State St.
  Bennington, 2:00 – 6:00 pm
  A Celebration of Prose, Poetry, and Pottery featuring Ross Gay, Daniel Gathman, Jen Stastny, Jeff Lacey, and Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers. See link for the schedule.
• September 30, 2025 Writing from the Fence Post
  ScatterJoy Acres, 4107 Waverly Rd.
  Murray, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  A 5-week creative writing series on Tuesdays, starting September 9th thru October 7th. Week 4: “Goats: the original kings and queens of the hill”: Chill in the Goat Yard & focus on fantasy or fables.

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.

Fill your end of summer needs by checking out these literary events! If you’re looking for something to do in August, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• August 1, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Charlie Peck
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  Charlie Peck grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and received his MFA from Purdue University. His poetry has appeared previously in Cincinnati Review, Ninth Letter, Massachusetts Review, and Best New Poets 2019, among others. His first collection, World’s Largest Ball of Paint, is the winner of the 2022 St. Lawrence Book Award from Black Lawrence Press.
• August 1, 2025 Native Omaha Days Poetry Groove
  Let It Fly Sports Bar, 1080 Capitol Ave.
  Omaha, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
  An open mic experience featuring Dani Cleveland and Friends taking it back to the poetry/open mic night days of the early aughts. Dust off those notebooks and share what you’ve been working on or share what’s on your heart in the moment. There is a cash prize for best spoken word piece.
• August 2, 2025 Jewel Rodgers and Matt Mason at Joslyn’s Art-Tastic Saturday
  Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Douglas St.
  Omaha, 12:30 – 1:00 pm & 1:30 – 2:00 pm
  Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers and former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason lead events at the Joslyn Art Museum as part of the Joslyn’s Art-Tastic Saturday, which runs from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Matt Mason leads a writing workshop at 12:30 pm in the Founders Room and both poets perform poems at 1:30 pm.
• August 3, 2025 60th Annual Neihardt Day
  John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, 306 W Elm St.
  Bancroft, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
  Join the 60th Annual Neihardt Day celebration! Free and open to the public! Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets; picnic tables will be available.
• 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 Acoustic Performance and Book Signing with Brad Colerick & Scott Feldmann: “Zintka!: Lost Bird of Wounded Knee – Zintkála Nuni”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  Musician and author Brad Colerick will be visiting to sign books and perform an acoustic set of songs that he’s written! His new book Zintka! began as a song about a Lakota infant who survived the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee and the ensuing three-day blizzard. She was miraculously found alive — saved by the warmth of her mother’s dying body. The song was turned into an award-winning short film with his creative partner Scott Feldmann.
• August 7, 2025 Nights at The Joslyn: Storytelling & Poetry Workshop with Matt Mason
  Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Douglas St.
  Omaha, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
  The workshop begins with Matt Mason sharing his poetry, inspired by works in the European collection, followed by writing in the galleries and time to share.
• 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 8, 2025 Visiting Writers: Abby E. Murray in Conversation with Ava Winter
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  Join us as poet Ava Winter talks with Abby E. Murray about their second poetry collection Recovery Commands. Selected out of 300 entries as the 2024 winner of the Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Prize, this book explores the intersection of military and civilian life.
• August 8, 2025 Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Chad Christensen & JV Brummels
  St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 8:00 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 Chad Christensen & JV Brummels will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will follow until closing.
• August 9, 2025 Fractured Narratives: Memory & Forgetting
  Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd.
  Lincoln, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  The stories we share in poems are often incomplete, fractured pieces that follow an emotional logic. How do we decide where to start and where to end? What parts of the story do we tell and what do we omit? We will discuss how imagery “triggers” memory, and how those pieces combine to create narrative poems. In this workshop, we will read sample poems, discuss narrative techniques, and have time to generate our own first drafts. Instructed by Charlie Peck, $50 registration fee.
• 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 12, 2025 Writers’ Workshop with Sarah McKinstry-Brown
  Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
  Join us for this writing workshop led by Nebraska Poet, Sarah McKinstry-Brown. She will inspire you to experience, love, and write poetry. The workshop will start at noon and registration is required. The workshop fee is $15 and will include lunch. Please bring along something to write with and write on.
• August 12, 2025 Poetry Reading with Sarah McKinstry-Brown
  Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  Enjoy an evening of poetry with Nebraska Poet Sarah McKinstry-Brown. She is the author of Cradling Monsoons and This Bright Darkness, and is the recipient of three Nebraska Book Awards, an Academy of American Poets Prize, as well as a Sewanee Writers’ Conference Tennessee Williams Scholarship in poetry and a Nebraska Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Award.
• 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 Writers in Conversation – Third Thursday with Tyler Jacobs & Presley Shellhase
  Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd.
  Lincoln, 6:30 – 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. This month features Tyler Jacobs and Presley Shellhase.
• August 21, 2025 Book Launch Party: Dr. Addison Killeen’s “The Shift: A Leadership Fable of the Transition from Overwhelm to Focus”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  Come celebrate the release of Dr. Addison Killeen’s newest book, The Shift: A Leadership Fable of the Transition from Overwhelm to Focus—a transformational story for leaders in business and beyond. In a world full of distractions, burnout, and reactive decision-making, this book offers a refreshing blueprint for regaining control and building systems that restore clarity, focus, and joy in leadership.
• 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 22, 2025 Visiting Author: Brandon Scranton “Secrets in the Shadows of House Nassau”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  Author Brandon Scranton will be visiting to celebrate his new book Secrets in the Shadows of House Nassau! He will be doing a reading and signing copies of his book.
• 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.
• August 23, 2025 Book Launch Celebration: Jaye Viner “The Island of Dreams”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
  Nebraska author Jaye Viner will be visiting to celebrate her new fantasy novel The Island of Dreams, an epic fantasy with death gods, disability, and utopia gone wrong, perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Alix E Harrow, Peter Pan, George MacDonald, and Penny Dreadful.
• August 24, 2025 3rd Annual “The Dog Days of Summer” Poetry Event
  Parish Center behind St Cecilia’s Cathedral, 39th and Burt Sts.
  Omaha, 2:00 4:00 pm
  Bring poems, all poets welcome, listeners welcome. Suggested themes: pet therapy or favorite star systems (Sirus is the dog star rising before the sun). Open mic, Refreshments, Some music.
• August 29, 2025 Book Launch Celebration: Jeff Hill “Dark Tendencies and Dirty Secrets “
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  From the author of Dead Socials comes a new debut short story collection from Jeff Hill titled Dark Tendencies and Dirty Secrets! Come celebrate with Jeff and get your signed copy.

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.

Make a splash by participating in these summer literary events! If you’re looking for something to do in July, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• July 1, 2025 Hadara Bar-Nadav Poetry Reading & Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Hadara Bar-Nadav’s latest book casts spells and confronts illusions, ignites grief and awe, and challenges our assumptions about what it means to heal our bodies, our families, and our shared histories.
• July 2, 2025 Book Discussion: “Long March Home” with Author Tosca Lee
  John A. Stahl Library, 330 North Colfax St.
  West Point, 12:00 pm
  Join me at the library for a talk about 2025 One Book One Nebraska The Long March Home and more about the writing of this novel with friend and co-author Marcus Brotherton. Books will be available for purchase.
• July 2, 2025 Author Visit – Dusty & Erin Stanczyk: “The Happy Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook: 75+ Colorful Recipes to Nourish Your Whole Body, Feed Your Family, and Have Fun Along the Way”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 2063 Creekside Dr.
  Papillion, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  This new book will attract parents interested in all things wellness. The authors take a slightly more movement- and lifestyle-centered approach than some family cookbooks, using a framework focused on how to live purposefully by eating, moving, and resting with purpose. Lincoln native authors Erin and Dusty Stanczyk are certified health and lifestyle coaches, and creators of the lifestyle brand and website, EatMoveRest.com.
• July 3, 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.
• July 4, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Cliff Taylor
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  Cliff Taylor (enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska) is an award-winning writer, poet, speaker, and storyteller. He is the author of several books, including Notes of an Indigenous Futurist (Hema Press) and the recent essay collection The Shining Hands of My Ponca Ancestors (NDSU Press). A Nebraskan through and through, he currently lives on the Oregon Coast with his sweetheart of many years.
• July 7, 2025 Illustrator Visit with Chloe Burgett
  W. Clarke Swanson Branch, 9101 W. Dodge Rd.
  Omaha, 10:00 – 11:00 am
  Join children’s book illustrator, Chloe Burgett, as she shares what it’s like drawing pictures for children’s books. Chloe will present about her job, read her book, answer questions, and lead a draw-along activity. This is a free event for children of all ages. Parents/caregivers must remain with their child(ren) for the duration of the program. Registration is required.
• July 10, 2025 Stories and Rhymes for Difficult Times: Cultivating our Emotional Heritage with Jerry Bockoven
  Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect Ave,
  Norfolk, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Marrying art with psychology, the presentation will use the language of poetry and storytelling to address ways to manage such emotional challenges as depression, anxiety, anger and grief. This presentation is part of Humanities Nebraska’s Speakers Bureau.
• July 11, 2025 Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Jewel Rodgers
  St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 8:00 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 Katie Marya and Jessica Poli will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will follow until closing.
• July 12, 2025 Adapting Classical Mythology with Maria Zoccola
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  Discover how mythology shapes how we see ourselves and the world. In this workshop, you’ll explore how ancient stories shape modern identity, power, and beauty — and create your own myth-inspired poems that speak to today’s truths and transformations.
• July 12, 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.)
• July 14, 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.
• July 17, 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 Todd Robinson and Luke Koesters. Todd​,aka “The Toddfather,” is a beloved Omaha poet and educator with books from Backwaters Press and Main Street Rag, and decades of teaching and community leadership. Luke is a queer, Asian-American poet and MFA candidate whose work explores identity and expression through a contemporary lens.
• July 17, 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.
• 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.

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.