Ray W. Howard Library: ENGL& 113 Intro to Poetry (Oldham) : Seattle Literary Venues

Performance Poetry

Places to see/hear local poets perform their work, and possibly perform your own. Slams, contests, open mics, etc.

Unfortunately, many of these links are out of date. I will try to update them as I find newer info. If you have suggestions, please let me know!

Open Mics in Seattle
Local poet Karen Finneyfrock posted this list on her blog, from local publisher David D. Horowitz, of Seattle open mics. Tons more listings than I can fit here!
Not updated recently; some links are out of date.
Works in Progress at Richard Hugo House
Open mic at Richard Hugo House, first Monday of every month. All events begin at 7 p.m., with sign-up at 6:30. Free.
Stage Fright--Open Mic for Teens at Richard Hugo House
Stage Fright is an open mic night for writers in grades 8 through 12. It's held the second Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 p.m. Free.
Currently (January 2024) the Hugo House website is not showing any upcoming events in this series. I'm not sure if that means it's no longer happening or if they just haven't updated their website.
Poets West
Last updated 2017.
This listing of venues for live poetry all around the northwest includes open mics. Use your browser's "search" or "find" feature to search for "open mic."

Other Stuff

Other venues for literary arts, not easily classified...

Books at The Stranger
The Stranger has an impressive book section, with intelligent and interesting weekly reviews and extensive listing of local literary events.
Karen Finneyfrock's Blog
Local poet Karen Finneyfrock, recently shortlisted for a Stranger 2010 "Genius" award.

Author events, readings and the like

There are lots of places around town to see published authors read from their works, get their autographs on their books, and possibly even meet and chat with them a bit about their work. I've listed a few below. If you have suggestions for more, let me know!

Richard Hugo House
Readings, classes, writers in residence (they hold office hours!), opportunities for youth writers, a zine library--an incredible resource for the literary arts, located on Capitol Hill in the heart of Seattle.
Elliott Bay Books
One of the best independent bookstores anywhere. Elliott Bay has a huge selection in all kinds of fields, including a truly impressive literature section, and a nationally renowned monthly reading series featuring famous novelists, poets, biographers, science writers, political writers, and more.
Seattle Public Library
A remarkable public resource with an astonishing range of books and literary events--and it's free! Click on "Calendar of Events" at the top of the page, then use the menus on the left to narrow the results (e.g. select "Author Readings/Lectures" or "Book Group" from "Event Type"). Or just browse the incredible architecture of the downtown branch.
King County Library
I've linked directly to the events page here. Check out their many author readings, book clubs, classes (click on "Programs and Classes" at the top of the page), online databases and catalog of books.
Open Books
Describing itself as "a poem emporium," this bookstore features exclusively books of and about poetry--9,000 and growing. Click on "Calendar" at the top left of the page to see upcoming poet readings and other events.
University Bookstore
Another great spot to see authors read from and talk about their work. Click on "Events" in the menu at the top of the page.
Third Place Books
Another great independent Seattle bookstore, with two locations (Ravenna and Lake Forest Park). Select your spot and then click on "Author Events" in the menu at the top of the page.
Seattle Arts and Lectures
SAL offers several programs, including their Literary Arts Series, American Voices Series, Poetry Series, and Writers in the Schools (WITS)
Town Hall Seattle
A beautiful old building on the west slope of Capitol Hill, Town Hall hosts readings, lectures and a great world music series. To find literary events, click on "Calendar" and then select "literary" events from the menu on the left.
Phinney Books
Phinney Books is an independent bookstore in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood that often hosts readings by local and national authors.

Plays

Seattle has an impressive national reputation for its live theater. Here are a few of the many places around town you can see plays performed live.

Seattle Repertory Theatre
The Seattle Rep, as it's known, is one of the biggest and best-known theater companies in Seattle.
ACT
A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) emphasizes, as the name suggests, contemporary work.
Intiman Theatre
One of Seattle's best-known theatres, located at Seattle Center.
Book-It Repertory Theatre
Unique theatre company presenting theatrical productions of novels and other books.
Fifth Avenue Theatre
High-production musicals in the heart of downtown Seattle.
GreenStage
GreenStage is Seattle's Shakespeare in the Park company.
Strawberry Theatre Workshop
One of many local theatre groups, Strawberry emphasizes ensemble acting and an activist stance in their mission statement.
Seattle Public Theater
Located on the shores of Seattle's lovely Green Lake.
The Village Theatre
Locations in Everett and Issaquah.
Taproot Theatre
In the heart of Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood (85th and Greenwood).
Seattle Performs: Theatre
Even more theatre companies, shows, performances, etc. A comprehensive listing.

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ENGL& 113 Intro to Poetry (Oldham) : Seattle Literary Venues

Performance Poetry

Other Stuff

Author events, readings and the like

Plays