Sierra Poetry Festival Celebrates 10 Years with Month-Long 'Fringe' Events

The festival's fringe series kicks off on March 21 and leads up to the main stage event on April 18 in Grass Valley, California.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:18am

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The Sierra Poetry Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, continuing its mission to uplift both regional and national poetic voices. The festivities will kick off with a month-long 'fringe' series of events starting on March 21, culminating in the main stage event on April 18 at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, California.

Why it matters

The Sierra Poetry Festival's success reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in poetry and literary events, which provide unique spaces for community engagement and artistic expression. The festival's commitment to accessibility, with many free events, further broadens its reach and impact.

The details

The fringe events will include UNESCO World Poetry Day celebrations, a Nevada City Poetry Crawl, open mic opportunities, a film screening and fundraiser, and over two dozen other readings, workshops, book launches, and collaborations. Most fringe events are free, with suggested donations accepted.

  • The fringe events will kick off on March 21, 2026.
  • The main stage event will take place on April 18, 2026 at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley.
  • The 2nd Annual Nevada City Poetry Crawl will be held on March 28, 2026 from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
  • The Grass Valley Open Mic Poetry Slam will be held on April 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Iron Door Saloon.
  • The film screening of Paterson will take place on April 1, 2026 at the Nevada Theatre.

The players

Sierra Poetry Festival

A celebration of the written and spoken word, featuring regional and national poets.

The Center for the Arts

The venue for the main stage event of the Sierra Poetry Festival in Grass Valley, California.

Karen Terrey

The Nevada County Poet Laureate.

The Poetry Crashers

A local poetry group participating in the Nevada City Poetry Crawl.

The Onyx

The venue partnering with the Sierra Poetry Festival for a fundraiser and film screening.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Sierra Poetry Festival's commitment to accessibility, diverse programming, and community engagement reflects the growing appeal of poetry and literary festivals as spaces for artistic expression, inspiration, and bringing people together.