Literary Arts in Reno, February 2026
Hey Team!
There are a handful of one-off events going on this month, and each one sound so fun! I’m excited to announce that I will be hosting Monday Night Poetry the second Monday of the month going forward! I hope you all come out- the theme for my night this month will be: Write a poem that imagines a better future.
Here’s what I know about the literary arts in Reno this month!
Monday, February 2, 630pm: Monday Night Poetry at Shim’s Tavern
125 W 3rd St, Reno, NV 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing! This show’s special feature is local poet Teresa Breeden, who is the poet of study for the Collective Breath Book CLub!
The writing prompt for the show is “Handling Shadows,” which is also the title of Teresa’s book!
Wednesday, February 4: True Colors Poetry Workshop
OUR CENTER RENO, 1745 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502
A space for the queer community to write and share poetry!
Activities and prompts are provided!
This show event is hosted by Poet Laureate emeritus Jesse James Ziegler!
Friday, February 6, 7pm: Sexy Grown Folks Poetry and Jazz Night
Black Rabbit Mead Co.: 401 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89512
Hosted by Reno’s poet laureate, Elisa Garcia!
This event invites poets to read their sultriest works with live musical accompaniment! Dress to swoon in your best red attire!
The Organ Worms (Lukas Farias, Jordan Taylor, and Nick Bentz) will perform live with poets from the community!
Sunday, February 8, 5pm: The Spoken Views Radio Show
Live on the radio- 97.7 KWNK or streaming at kwnkradio.org/listen
Hosted by Griffin Peralta
This show will feature the most recent winner of the PUNK slam: Cheyenne Lester.
As I write this, my interview with her will be tomorrow. I will ask her about her process, the themes of her work, her inspirations, and to talk about her experiences with the poetry community in Reno.
Monday, February 9, 630pm: Monday Night Poetry at Shim’s Tavern
125 W 3rd St, Reno, NV 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing! I’ll be hosting this one myself and I’ve chosen the prompt:
write a poem that imagines a better future
Monday, February 16, 630pm: Monday Night Poetry at Shim’s Tavern
125 W 3rd St, Reno, NV 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing!
Tuesday, February 17, 1230pm: Teresa Breeden and Melanie Perish
Live at the Carson City Senior Center! 911 Beverly Drive (Joshua Room)
Two of our regulars at Monday Night Poetry doing a special feature mid day!
Drop in and hear original works from TWO local poets!
Tuesday, February 17, 7pm: Poetry Under No King
NEW LOCATION: Good Luck Macbeth: 124 W Taylor St, Reno, NV 89509
A monthly poetry slam for our town!
This month’s slam is a playground slam, meaning it has a fun theme and special rules.
For this event, competitors should write a love letter to whatever they want-
This poem will be performed in the first round.
All following rounds will have a love and Valentines theme- get sappy!
Wednesday, February 18: True Colors Poetry Workshop
OUR CENTER RENO, 1745 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502
A space for the queer community to write and share poetry!
Activities and prompts are provided!
This show event is hosted by Poet Laureate emeritus Jesse James Ziegler!
Sunday, February 22, 5pm: The Spoken Views Radio Show
Hosted by Griffin Peralta
This will be a montage show wherein I feature new releases by big poets in the community. Tune in to hear my picks for what’s great in spoken word poetry today!
Monday, February 23, 630pm: Monday Night Poetry at Shim’s Tavern
125 W 3rd St, Reno, NV 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing!
Saturday, February 28, 5pm: Biggest Little Generative Poetry Workshop
Midnight Coffee Roasters, 1401 S Virginia St #250, Reno, NV 89502
Hosted by Spoken Views Poetry Collective member Courtney Kelly!
This is a workshop designed to help you write new works!
Come with a pen and paper- leave with a poem!
