Literary Arts in the Reno Area April 2026
My friends it is NATIONAL POETRY MONTH and there is so much going on in literary arts in our area! You could go to a different event almost every single day.
This month I’m most excited about Poet Laureate Elisa Garcia’s compliment slam - an classic slam twist which is always a great time.
As a general shout, there are a few events coming up this month with details to be determined (such as the prompts for each of the Monday Night Poetry shows. I will update those times / spaces to the April events page on my website:
Griffinspiration.net/events
Wednesday, April 1st 6-8PM
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!
Thursday, April 2nd, 5:30 PM
Tahoe Poetry Collective Open Mic Poetry Night
From their website:
https://www.tahoeeventscalendar.com/event/open-mic-poetry-night/2026-02-05/
Whether you’re crafting your first lines or refining a seasoned piece, this is a relaxed, welcoming space to share your words or simply soak in the atmosphere. Bring a piece you’ve written, or just your curiosity and an open heart. With a glass of wine in hand, you’ll connect with fellow writers, listeners, and the creative spirit that thrives here.
Thursday, April 2, 6:30pm
Weekly Poetry Readings
The Mountain Music Parlor, Center Street.
This week features readings by Teresa Breeden, Hayden Takahashi, and Kathy Nelson
Friday, April 3, Time TBD
The Radical Cat Bookstore 1500 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502
Poetry performances by Bruce Isaacson, Former Clark Country Poet Laureate, and Melanie Perish
Monday, April 6, 6:30 PM
Monday Night Poetry
Shim’s Tavern: 125 W 3rd Street, Reno, NV, 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing!
Thursday, April 9, 6:30pm
Poetry Month Weekly Poetry Readings
The Mountain Music Parlor, Center Street.
This week features readings by George Perreault, Irene Ayala, and Marina Leigh
Friday, April 10 - Saturday April 11
The Truckee Literary Crawl
From their site:
https://business.truckee.com/events/details/truckee-literary-crawl-04-10-2026-83517
The Truckee Literary Crawl is a one-of-a-kind free celebration of writers and readers building a rich, vibrant literary community in the Truckee/Tahoe area. Held in lively, walkable venues — from art galleries and restaurants to breweries and theatres — the Truckee Literary Crawl draws hundreds of writers, poets, and book lovers to experience the joy of words in motion.
Throughout the day, join 67 local, regional, and Western U.S. authors sharing short readings from their recently published work, followed by engaging Q&As.
Sunday,April 12, 5pm: The Spoken Views Radio Show
Live on the radio- 97.7 KWNK or streaming at kwnkradio.org/listen
Hosted by Griffin Peralta -
Tune in to hear my favorite picks in Spoken Word this month!
Monday, April 13, 6:30 PM
Monday Night Poetry
Shim’s Tavern: 125 W 3rd Street, Reno, NV, 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing! This being the second Monday of the month, this open mic will be hosted by yours truly, Griffin Peralta.
The writing prompt for the episode will be:
”Write a poem that is advice to yourself as a teenager.”
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 PM
Poetry Open Mic
The Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St, Carson City NV,
A brand new open mice being hosted by Poet Laureate Elisa Garcia!
Breweryarts.org
Wednesday, April 15th, 6-8PM
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!
Thursday, April 16, 6:30pm
Poetry Month Poetry Month Weekly Poetry Readings
The Mountain Music Parlor, Center Street.
This week features readings by Shaun Griffin, Ann Keniston, and Arian Katsimbras
Friday, April 17, 7:00 PM
COMPLIMENT SLAM
Black Rabbit Mead- 401 E 4th St, Reno, NV, 89512
The exciting return of the COMPLIMENT SLAM, a fun twist on the traditional poetry slam format where competitors must take turns saying nice things to one another- a delight of fun and kindness.
Hosted by Reno’s Poet Laureate Elisa Garcia!
Saturday, April 18
Sierra Poetry Festival
From their site:
https://www.sierrapoetryfestival.org/
Sierra Poetry Festival is a project of Nevada County Arts & Culture. This year’s main stage event will take place on April 18, 2026, at The Center for the Arts, in Grass Valley, CA, attended by some of our most exciting local, national, and international poets and performers. PLUS, more than a month of pop-up poetry events, free and open to the public.
Monday, April 20, 6:30 PM
Monday Night Poetry
Shim’s Tavern: 125 W 3rd Street, Reno, NV, 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing!
Tuesday, April 21, 7PM:
Poetry Under No King Slam
God Luck Macbeth, 124 W Taylor St, Reno, NV 89509
A 18+ poetry slam for the community.
This month’s event will be a punk playground event with fun twists on the traditional format. Be sure to check the new location!
Thursday, April 23, 6:30pm
Poetry Month Weekly Poetry Readings
The Mountain Music Parlor, Center Street.
This week features readings by Jesse James Zielger, Dani Putney, Max Stone
Saturday, April 25, 5-6pm
Biggest Little Poetry Workshop
Midnight Coffee Roasting, 1401 S Virginia St #250, Reno, NV, 89502
Hosted by Spoken Views Poetry Collective Member Courtney Kelly,
You can come out to this workshop to write original poetry, or
this workshop is open to working on poems you bring with you!
Come out and get feedback on your work to help you improve your craft and the impact of your work!
Sunday,April 26, 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 an interview with local slam champion and poetry organizer Shan- the co-founder of POETRY UNDER NO KING.
Monday, April 27, 6:30 PM
Monday Night Poetry
Shim’s Tavern: 125 W 3rd Street, Reno, NV, 89501
An open mic for everyone! Come out and share your original works and hear what your neighbors have been writing!
