Find Inspiration and Creative Community at the Sierra Poetry Festival April 18, 2026

Ten years ago I sat with a group of poets and artists brainstorming a new literary festival to take place in Nevada County. Who knew back then how successful this event would be, how it would become a gathering opportunity for artists throughout the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, and beyond, to build creative networks and find inspiration in the synergistic sharing. The Sierra Poetry Festival is one of my favorite events each year. And this year we celebrate our ten year anniversary with some special extras.

 

Sierra Poetry Festival is a project of Nevada County Arts Council. This year’s mainstage 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. Our keynote presenters are Brenda Hillman and Robert Hass! Tickets are now available.

Part of the community appeal is the opportunity for local poets to perform an original poem on stage. This year we have two Open Mic Competitions, one in Truckee on March 12 and another in Grass Valley on April 16, that offer two winners each this opportunity. The Tangled Roots Open Mic at Alibi in downtown Truckee runs 6-7:30 pm on March 12. Join us to cheer on local poets and writers on stage. On April 16, head down to the Iron Door in the basement of the Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley at 5:30 pm for another Open Mic Competition opportunity. These two events are a blast - meet other writers and join a community.

March 21st is World Poetry Day, and more events continue through the month of April with the SPF Fringe, a month and more of FREE poetry events happening in locations across Nevada County.

 

Sierra Poetry Festival marks National Poetry Month from the rolling foothills of California’s Gold Country to the rugged High Sierra, bringing a rich literary community together to celebrate the spoken word and reach out to new audiences in fresh ways. Through Sierra Poetry Festival we also celebrate California Arts, Culture & Creativity Month and we draw attention to our two coveted California Cultural Districts.