Tahoe Literary Festival Kickoff Celebration 2026
Join us as we open the Tahoe Literary Festival with an inspiring evening that celebrates the power of words and community. The festival kickoff features a welcome, readings from acclaimed and local poets, and featured readings by participating authors. The evening concludes with a community open mic, inviting writers, poets, and storytellers of all experience levels to share their voices. Whether you’re a longtime literary enthusiast or attending for the first time, this festive gathering sets the tone for a weekend of creativity, conversation, and connection.
This event is FREE to attend and open to everyone. Friday October 9, 2026 5:00pm – 5:45pm PDT at BOATWORKS MALL.
Poet Extravaganza
J.Macon King
J.MACON KING is an award-winning poet, writer, and Editor-in-Chief of Mill Valley Literary Review online. He is known for his Beat-infused, often-theatrical poetic performances and encouraging audience participation. King’s work and adventures have been featured in numerous publications and presented on the stage. He has performed dozens of readings in the Bay Area and Tahoe… Read More →
Elisa Garcia
Elisa Garcia is a Mexican-American writer and spoken word artist whose voice was born in Los Angeles and has been shaping the Reno poetry scene since 2009. She is the current City of Reno Poet Laureate and a proud member of the Spoken Views Collective. Elisa has guided young poets… Read More →
Presenter
Kim Bateman, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, Storyteller, Communication Specialist, Psychology Educator, End-of-Life Doula, and M.A.P.S. trained psychedelic assisted therapist. She facilitates leadership workshops for executives, including How to be more Comfortable in Uncomfortable… Read More →
Lara Gularte is Poet Laureate Emerita of El Dorado County. Her latest book, Soul of Black Stone, is published by “Bruma Publications.” Her work examines family history, identity, culture, and the natural world. Her first book of poetry published by “The Bitter Oleander Press… Read More →
Chris Olander
Chris Olander, Poet/Teacher with Ca. Poets in Schools since 1984, blends performance techniques with spoken word to create an Action art Poetry: musical image phrasing to dramatize relative experiences–a poetry arising from oral and bard traditions: a sound poet exploring meanings… Read More →
Karen Terrey
Karen Terrey serves as Poet Laureate for Nevada County, CA, where her mission is to support a
welcoming arts community that encourages collaboration and growth. She’s an editor and
writing coach, offering creative writing workshops online and in Truckee through her business,
Tangled
… Read More →
welcoming arts community that encourages collaboration and growth. She’s an editor and
writing coach, offering creative writing workshops online and in Truckee through her business,
Tangled
… Read More →
Jesse James Ziegler
Jesse James Ziegler is Poet Laureate Emeritus for the City of Reno (5th-Jan/24-Dec/25). He is the Vice President of Spoken Views Collective and the Creative Director for Monday Night Poetry (Voted 2024 and 2025 Best Open Mic – Reno News & Review), True Colors Poetry and Collective… Read More →
