4/1, W-- 5:30 and 7:30pm, Omaha Preliminary Bouts for the All Writes Reserved Youth Poetry Festival at the The Dock at Millwork Commons (1229 Millwork Avenue, Omaha). These events run March 23-April 28 with high schools and middle schools competing in a team poetry slam competition. Remaining prelims are:
-April 1-2, 5:30 and 7:30pm at The Dock at Millwork Commons, Omaha

4/1, 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.

4/2, Th-- 5:30 and 7:30pm, Omaha Preliminary Bouts for the All Writes Reserved Youth Poetry Festival at the The Dock at Millwork Commons (1229 Millwork Avenue, Omaha). These events run March 23-April 28 with high schools and middle schools competing in a team poetry slam competition. Remaining prelims are:
-April 1-2, 5:30 and 7:30pm at The Dock at Millwork Commons, Omaha

4/2, Th-- 6-7:30pm, The Joslyn Castle and Gardens Author Series presents poet Amy Haddad at the Joslyn Castle Carriage House (3902 Davenport St. Omaha). Haddad will read from her new chapbook, The Most Potent Weapon. Free and open to the public. See details at: joslyncastle.com/event/local-author-series-amy-haddad/.

4/2, Th-- Verse & Vibes open mic night at Indigo Cottage Crafts has ended as Indigo has closed.

4/3, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
4/3, Jim Peterson, author of 10 poetry books

4/3, F-- 6pm, Toddfather and Friends at Pageturners Lounge (5004 Dodge St, Omaha). Join Todd Robinson and a crew of poets for a night of delights. 21 and over, free.

4/3, 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: 5/1, 6/5, 7/3, etc.

4/7, Tu-- 6-7:30pm, Tell a Story, Write a Poem, a presentation by former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason at the North Platte Public Library (120 W 4th St, North Platte). Come out to write and hear some stories.

4/7: 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:
4/7, Kelly Madigan
5/5, Chuck Peek
6/2, Judy Lorenzen
7/7, Judy Brackett Crowe

4/8, 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)

4/9, Th-- 6pm, Tell a Story, Write a Poem with former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason at the Lexington Public Library (907 N Washington St, Lexington). Poetry is one of our original ways to tell stories, come write and experience poetry in a fun way. Free and open to the public, sponsored by the Lexington Community Foundation, Humanities Nebraska and the National Endowment for the Arts.

4/9, 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: 5/14, 6/11, 7/9, etc.

4/10, 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)
4/10, Heidi Hermanson and Cat Dixon
5/8, Barbara Schmitz
6/12, Aliyah American Horse

4/11, 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:
4/11: m. mick powell, Writing About the Dead and the Dying
5/30: Allison Adele Hedge Coke, Musicality and the Long Poem
6/20: Hadara Bar-Nadav, Imagery and Imagination: For the Love of Objects

4/11, Sa-- 11am-1pm, Waiting, Listening, and Jumping the Gun: A Zoom Poetry Workshop with Jim Peterson brought to you by Larksong Writing Place. In a generative and slightly philosophical workshop on writing poetry, Jim Peterson will teach participants about Negative Capability and theVatic Voice. Participants will leave with 2-3 first drafts of new poems. $25. To register and get more information, go to: larksongwritersplace.org/Store-Admin/Store/p/waiting-listening-and-jumping-the-gun-a-poetry-workshop-with-jim-peterson.

4/11, Sa-- 5-7pm, The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts (801 Third Corso, Nebraska City) proudly presents HOMEGROWN with Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers. HOMEGROWN is a series of intimate art shares across the state of Nebraska, bringing together poets, sculptors, painters and more. Free and open to the public, light refreshments. See more at khncenterforthearts.org/about/events/homegrown.

4/11, Sa-- 6pm, 2026-27 Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Finals Ceremony at the Samuel Bak Museum (2289 S 67th St, Omaha). The Nebraska Writers Collective has named Youth Poets Laureate since 2021. Tonight, 5 Finalists will read and one will be named our next Youth Poet Laureate. See details at the Facebook Event Page.

4/11, 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: 5/9, 6/13, 7/11, etc.

4/13, 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 TBA. (2nd Monday)
Next events: 5/11, 6/8, 7/13, etc.

4/14, Tu-- 5:30 and 7:30pm, Semi-Final Bouts for the All Writes Reserved Youth Poetry Festival at The Venue at Highlander (2120 N 30th St, Omaha). These events run March 23-April 28 with high schools and middle schools competing in a team poetry slam competition. Semis and Finals are:
-April 14 and 16, 5:30 and 7:30pm at The Venue at Highlander, Omaha
-April 28, 7pm at Scott Hall at the Holland Center, Omaha

4/14, Tu-- 7pm, Poetry Reading Featuring Shyla Shehan and Clif Mason at the Benson Theatre (6054 Maple St, Omaha). We'll have poetry collections, cupcakes, and camaraderie. The evening will start with short readings from Michelle Pierce Battle, Katie Berger, Cat Dixon, and Genevieve Williams. Reading begins at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. See details at the Facebook Event page.

4/15, 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)

4/16, Th-- 5:30 and 7:30pm, Semi-Final Bouts for the All Writes Reserved Youth Poetry Festival at The Venue at Highlander (2120 N 30th St, Omaha). These events run March 23-April 28 with high schools and middle schools competing in a team poetry slam competition. Semis and Finals are:
-April 14 and 16, 5:30 and 7:30pm at The Venue at Highlander, Omaha
-April 28, 7pm at Scott Hall at the Holland Center, Omaha

4/16, 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)
4/16: Greg Kosmicki and Mike Stinson
Next events: 5/21, 6/18, 7/16, etc.

4/16 Th-- 7-9pm, Writes of Passage, a monthly spoken word open mic at UNO's Criss Library (6401 S University Dr Rd N, Omaha, first floor by the Starbucks). Doors open at 6:30 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
Next events: 5/21, 6/18, 7/16, etc.

4/17, 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).
4/17 theme, SURPRISE
5/15 theme, Voices and Versos: En celebración
6/19 theme, Queer Joy: LGBT+ poetry and prose
7/17 theme, Poems in Protest II: Poemas En Protesta II

4/18, Sa-- 10-11:30am, Poetry Writing Workshops with resident poetry instructor Julie S. Paschold at Lauritzen Gardens (100 Bancroft St, Omaha): 4/18, Exploring Nebraska Poets: Information and registration at lauritzen.ticketapp.org/portal/product/51/event/2530f058-05dc-4728-86c7-83ff5678ba56
5/30, Blackout Poetry: Information and registration at lauritzen.ticketapp.org/portal/product/51/event/d25ffeb9-e830-40f1-9c0d-aa29cb9f1999

4/18, Sa-- 10-11am, Poetry Workshop with Matt Mason at the Morton-James Public Library (923 1st Corso, Nebraska City). An engaging and fun poetry workshop with former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason. Adults and teens age 15 and up, free, no registration. Open to beginning and seasoned poets and writers. Questions? Call the Library at 402-873-5609, and see more at the Facebook Event page.

4/18 and 4/25, Sa-- 2-4pm, Ekphrastic Writing Workshop with Karen Shoemaker. The Sheldon Museum of Art's Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the American experience and on "Americanness" itself through paintings and photographs. Karen Shoemaker will lead a generative writing workshop that offers participants the opportunity to deepen those reflections through guided exercises designed to clarify what they see, what it means to them, and how those insights might become a poem, story, or brief memoir.
4/18: At the Sheldon Museum of Art (451 N 12th St, Lincoln), free registration at: sheldonartmuseum.doubleknot.com/event/teach-in-ekphrastic-writing-with-karen-shoemaker/3132507
4/25: At the Larksong Writers Space (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln), free registration at larksongwritersplace.org/Events/Online-Events/Virtual-Details/c/special-events/p/teach-in-ekphrastic-writing-with-karen-shoemaker-pt-2.

4/22, W-- 1pm, "What's Your American Story?" showcase reception at the La Vista Library (9110 Giles Rd Rm 215, La Vista). For the past 6 weeks, participants have been working with former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason to create written works exploring their connection to the United States. All are invited to come hear them read their poems. Light refreshments will be served. This event also brought by the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Nebraska Public Media.

4/22, 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)

4/25 and 4/18, Sa-- 2-4pm, Ekphrastic Writing Workshop with Karen Shoemaker. The Sheldon Museum of Art's Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the American experience and on "Americanness" itself through paintings and photographs. Karen Shoemaker will lead a generative writing workshop that offers participants the opportunity to deepen those reflections through guided exercises designed to clarify what they see, what it means to them, and how those insights might become a poem, story, or brief memoir.
4/18: At the Sheldon Museum of Art (451 N 12th St, Lincoln), free registration at: sheldonartmuseum.doubleknot.com/event/teach-in-ekphrastic-writing-with-karen-shoemaker/3132507
4/25: At the Larksong Writers Space (1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln), free registration at larksongwritersplace.org/Events/Online-Events/Virtual-Details/c/special-events/p/teach-in-ekphrastic-writing-with-karen-shoemaker-pt-2.

4/25, Sa-- 7pm, the National Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony at the new Central Omaha Public Library (7205 Dodge St, Omaha). The Nebraska Writers Collective, in partnership with Urban Word, is hosts this event, marking the first time this celebration has been held in our state. Join us for an evening celebrating youth voice, literary excellence, and the announcement of the 10th National Youth Poet Laureate. The evening will feature performances from four national finalists, alongside a reading from the 2025 Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Victoria Bogatz. The program will be hosted by Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers and accompanied by DJ Errik Ejike. Seating is limited. Please register in advance at: newriters.networkforgood.com/events/94507-youth-poet-laureate-commencement-ceremony.

4/27, M-- 6:30pm, Poetry Night at the Council Bluffs Public Library (400 Willow Ave, Council Bluffs, IA). Whether you are an established writer or just starting out, we welcome you to share your work in a public venue. Those who simply enjoy listening to poetry are also strongly encouraged to attend. Free and open to the public. See details at councilbluffslibrary.org/event/poetry-night-25211.

4/28, Tu-- 7pm, The All Writes Reserved Youth Poetry Festival Finals at Scott Hall at the Holland Center (1200 Douglas St, Omaha). These events run March 23-April 28 with high schools and middle schools competing in a team poetry slam competition. Semis and Finals are:
-April 14 and 16, 5:30 and 7:30pm at The Venue at Highlander, Omaha
-April 28, 7pm at Scott Hall at the Holland Center, Omaha

4/29, W-- 4-5pm, The Northeast Community College Visiting Writers Series in the Union 73 Coffee Shop (NECC campus, 801 E Benjamin Ave, Norfolk). These events are free and open to the public.
-4/29, Lydia Kang

4/29, 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)

5/1, F-- Noon, First Friday Book Talk and Reading through Larksong Writers Place but on Zoom. Register at: larksongwritersplace.org. Free, registration required.
5/1, TBA

5/1, 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: 6/5, 7/3, etc.

5/5: 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:
5/5, Chuck Peek
6/2, Judy Lorenzen
7/7, Judy Brackett Crowe

5/6, 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.

5/7, 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: 6/11, 7/9, etc.

5/8, 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)
5/8, Barbara Schmitz
6/12, Aliyah American Horse

5/9, Sa-- 1pm, The Opera Omaha Poetry & Music Project Concert. Now in its 9th year, the Poetry & Music Project connects student poets and their words with composers to create original music and explore the connections between poetry and music. The Poetry & Music Project is a statewide program run in partnership with the Nebraska Writers Collective to amplify the voices of youth poets across Nebraska and Iowa. The project connects student poets and their words with composers to create original music and explore the connections between poetry and music. See more at: operaomaha.org.

5/9, 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: 6/13, 7/11, etc.

5/11, 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 TBA. (2nd Monday)
Next events: 6/8, 7/13, etc.

5/13, 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)

5/14, 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: 6/11, 7/9, etc.

5/15, 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).
5/15 theme, Voices and Versos: En celebración
6/19 theme, Queer Joy: LGBT+ poetry and prose
7/17 theme, Poems in Protest II: Poemas En Protesta II

5/20, 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)

5/21, 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)
4/16: Greg Kosmicki and Mike Stinson
Next events: 6/18, 7/16, etc.

5/21 Th-- 7-9pm, Writes of Passage, a monthly spoken word open mic at UNO's Criss Library (6401 S University Dr Rd N, Omaha, first floor by the Starbucks). Doors open at 6:30 with performances starting at 7. No registration is required. (3rd Thursday)
Next events: 6/18, 7/16, etc.

5/27, 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)

5/30, 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:
5/30: Allison Adele Hedge Coke, Musicality and the Long Poem
6/20: Hadara Bar-Nadav, Imagery and Imagination: For the Love of Objects

5/30, Sa-- 10-11:30am, Poetry Writing Workshops with resident poetry instructor Julie S. Paschold at Lauritzen Gardens (100 Bancroft St, Omaha): 5/30, Blackout Poetry: Information and registration at lauritzen.ticketapp.org/portal/product/51/event/d25ffeb9-e830-40f1-9c0d-aa29cb9f1999
-More coming 6/27, 7/25, 8/15, and 9/12