Calendar of Events

June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
Ongoing

Dates, locations, and times are subject to change. Some workshops or events may charge a fee. Contact us to submit your event.

June

June 4-6, 2026 71st Annual Willa Cather Spring Conference
The National Willa Cather Center, 413 N Webster St.
Red Cloud, All Day
The Willa Cather Spring Conference returns with the theme "Memory, Myth, and Meaning: Cather in Dialogue with America 250." This event invites readers, scholars, and artists to explore the enduring relevance of Willa Cather’s work. Centered on the publication centenary of her novella My Mortal Enemy, the program features keynote speaker Rebecca Romney, scholarly plenaries, and a mixed media exhibit by Susan Hart. Other highlights include the opening of All Aboard: West-Bound Trains in American Culture at the historic Burlington Depot and a special performance of The Bohemian by Harbor Stage Company. Set in Cather's hometown of Red Cloud, the conference offers a rich blend of scholarship, art, and place. Please join us for a celebration of Cather’s literature in dialogue with America’s past and present.
June 6, 2026 "Roxie In Color" Book Release & Author Signing
Sower Books, 914 N 70th St.
Lincoln, 2:00 pm
Meet the authors Diane Debrovner & Stacy Cervenka and snag their brand-new book Roxie in Color! Written for ages 9–12, but packed with things everyone will love! Roxie wants to blend in at a new school, which is hard to do when your parents are blind, in this remarkable novel about friendship, misperceptions, and family—plus a dog’s view of the world.
June 6, 2026 Shake Night Double Feature with Old School Shakespeare Omaha
Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 7:00 pm
Opera Omaha and Old School Shakespeare Omaha come together for a unique evening of words and art. First, experience Opera Omaha's one-act opera, UnShakeable: Three years after a mysterious epidemic has left its survivors plagued by memory loss, two actors reunite in a desolate theater using the only common language they can find: Shakespeare. As they search for sparks of their forgotten past, they’ll need the audience’s help to connect them to memories and emotions that linger just out of reach. Next, grab a drink at the bar and enjoy an immersive performance of Hamlet, presented by Old School Shakespeare Omaha. Step into a world of grief, ghosts, madness, mirrors, and the dangerous (and beautiful) duality of the human mind.
June 8, 2026 Judy Lorenzen Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Judy Lorenzen’s poetry holds both joy and sorrow—family, forgiveness, and the quiet wonders of nature. Honest and tender, her work has been praised for the way love threads through even life’s struggles.
June 9, 2026 Visiting Author: Visiting Author – Garrett Peck "The Bright Edges of the World: Willa Cather and Her Archbishop"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Join us as we welcome author and historian Garrett Peck, from New Mexico, to Francie & Finch Bookshop! He will be presenting his book, The Bright Edges of the World: Willa Cather and Her Archbishop. The book explores Cather’s travels to the Southwest that inspired her to write her “best book” (her words), Death Comes for the Archbishop.
June 9, 2026 History Unveiled: "Disparate Regimes in the United States, 1865-1965" Presented by Author Brendan Shanahan
Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall N.
Lincoln, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Who decides the rights of immigrants? Historian Brendan A. Shanahan arrives at the Nebraska History Museum to discuss his award-winning book Disparate Regimes: Nativist Politics, Alienage Law, and Citizenship Rights in the United States, 1865–1965. This event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. This lecture is the first presentation during the museum’s summer History Unveiled program series, each month from June to August.
June 10, 2026 The No Gatekeepers Poetry Night
Joslyn Castle Music Room, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Run by Castle and Cathedral Creative District Artist in Residence Matt Mason, Bring 2 poems: one of your own, one by another poet (friend, favorite song lyrics, etc.). Both poems should make us feel and/or understand some kind of experience, story, etc. You have 5 minutes, after which a horn will sound. All of us have poems that reach us, though often we don't call them just poems, we call them song lyrics, rap lyrics, cowboy poetry, slam poetry, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein. Tonight, we give the gatekeeper the night off and welcome you to entertain us. It's just us.
May 12, 2026 Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Aliyah American Horse
St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 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 Aliyah American Horse will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will will follow until closing.
June 13, 2026 Visiting Author: Visiting Author – Lisa Knopp "Ravelings: Essays on Love, Loss, and Wonder (American Lives)"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Join us as we welcome author Lisa Knopp! She will read from her recent book of essays, Ravelings, published by the University of Nebraska Press. In Ravelings, Lisa Knopp takes up an older, opposing meaning of the verb “ravel” — “to entangle” — as she explores the deaths and departures of loved ones and the rituals by which we mourn and honor them, while contemplating her relationships with writing, spirituality, sense of home, aging, desire, and the relationship between body and mind.
June 17, 2026 Once Upon a Time at the Castle
Joslyn Castle & Gardens, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Once Upon a Time at the Castle is a storytime adventure featuring a youth librarian who will transport you to a world of imaginary characters. After story time, we will learn about the real creatures we read about with live wildlife interactions and activities. Each month will be a new way to engage with storytelling and nature! This is a free series for the community, best suited for children ages 2-8. Wear good shoes and BOYB (bring your own blanket) and snacks! In the case of inclement weather or heat advisories, we will move inside the Castle or Carriage House.
June 18, 2026 Art Walk and Poetry Pause
Joslyn Castle Carriage House, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
During the Castle and Cathedral Creative District's Art Walk, the Nebraska Poetry Society features two local poets at different points in their writing lives who share their work, discuss poetry and the creative process, and answer questions. Featured June poets are Shyla Ann Shehan and Leta Iris.
June 18, 2026 Writers in Conversation - Third Thursday with Margaret Lukas and Claudia J. Severin
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd.
Lincoln, 6:00 - 6:30 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. Join for discussion between writers Margaret Lukas and Claudia J. Severin.
June 20, 2026 Imagery and Imagination: For the Love of Objects with Hadara Bar-Nadav
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
What do your cherished objects reveal? Join us to explore imagery and imagination as we write about the objects that carry memory, meaning, and mystery in our lives.
June 25, 2026 What's Your American Story Writing Workshop with Matt Mason
St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center, 3900 Webster St.
Omaha, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Castle and Cathedral Creative District Artist in Residence Matt Mason teaches a writing workshop. Mason reprises his first What's Your American Story workshop with writing about what brings you/your family to Omaha/Nebraska/USA.
June 27, 2026 Poetry Workshop: That Bloomin' Poetry
Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.
Omaha, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Ever really looked at a flower as it blooms—noticed the petals, wondered what each part is called, and how the bloom plays a role in the life of the plant? What does that have to do with poetry? In this outdoor workshop, we’ll explore the many ways things “bloom,” both in nature and in our lives, using observation as a starting point for creative writing. Bring a notebook, something to write with, and come prepared to spend time outside as you find fresh inspiration in the garden. Dress for the weather, bring water, and use sun protection, if needed! Led by Julie S. Paschold.
June 27, 2026 Poetry Office Hours with Matt Mason
Joslyn Castle's Carriage House, 3902 Davenport St.
Omaha, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Drop in to talk with Castle and Cathedral Creative District Artist in Residence Matt Mason about poetry, ask a question, or bring your laptop and submit poems to literary magazines. Mason hopes to hold these on the 2nd Saturday of the month through September.
June 27, 2026 Book Launch Party: "Wheel Man" by Marcia Calhoun Forecki
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner Blvd.
Lincoln, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Join for a book launch celebration for Marcia Calhoun Forecki, author of Wheel Man. Readings and conversation will take place and snacks will be provided. Francie & Finch Bookstore will be on premises with books to sell!
June 30, 2026 Book of Poetry Launch: Nicole Lachat in Conversation with Ber Anena "The Red We Silk"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Join us welcoming poet Nicole Lachat as she presents her new book of poetry The Red We Silk. Nicole will be joined in a special conversation with fellow writer, Ber Anena. The Red We Silk collects inherited migrations and the weight of familial journeys into a lyric investigation of displacement and longing. Memory abides in the body and the body in memory, propelling the speaker through geographical and spiritual landscapes, desires, and griefs toward the transformative work of discovery. Tender, attentive, and multivocal, these are poems of belonging beyond borders.

July

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September

October

November

December

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Ongoing

Lincoln

Lincoln City Library Book Groups
All of the groups are free and open to the public. Just drop in at one of the gatherings or call the branch location if you need more information.
Romancing the Tome: A Romance Reader Book Club
This is an in-person book club for readers of romance. Join for book of the month discussions, book swaps, bookish discussions, and book shopping trips.
One Book One Lincoln
Various activities. Inviting Lincoln to read and discuss the same book. Become a fan on Facebook.
Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic
Crescent Moon Coffee, The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Poetry & prose open mic - hosted by Jeff Martinson. Every Wednesday night, sign up begins at 6:30 pm.
Pop in Storytime
Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St, Lincoln, NE
Through stories, songs, and movement, come learn more about the natural world. Everyone is invited to participate, however stories and activities are planned for children ages 3-5.
Lincoln Poetry Slam
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, NE
A monthly open mic and poetry slam, held on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm. Begins 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.)

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Various

NEWISH Poetry Slam
NOMA, 2510 N 24th St, Omaha, NE
Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective and hosted by Zedeka Poindexter. Registration is $10, Grand prize is $100. Last Thursday of each month.
Book Club for Adults
Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St, Grand Island, NE
Meets the 1st Monday of every month at 5:30 pm. Click here for the 2024 book selections.
Bygone Book Club
Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St, Grand Island, NE
Local historians lead book discussions at 11:00 am on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Click here to see the title selection.
Toddler & Preschool Storytime
Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
Come enjoy stories geared for ages every Thursday. Readings for ages 0-2 starting at 9:30 am and readings for ages starting at 10:30 am.
Open Book Club
Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave, Kearney, NE
This library-sponsored group is open to everyone ages 18 or older. No registration is required and the group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. Contact the library for more information.
Between the Lines Book Club
Saddlebrook Branch, 14851 Laurel Ave, Omaha, NE
Meets the 1st Friday of the month at 10:30 am. Registration is required.
Omaha Public Library Book Clubs
Omaha Public Library hosts book clubs at most library locations. OPL book clubs typically meet monthly and are facilitated by OPL staff.
Nebraska Writers Workshop
Ralston Baright Public Library, 5555 South 77th St, Ralston, NE
Every Wednesday. First & Third Wednesdays are in-person meetings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Second and Fourth Wednesdays are Zoom meetings starting at 7:00 pm.

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Calendar of Events

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Ongoing

Lincoln

Various

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