Off-Site Events Schedule

Location: Le Mondo, 406 NORTH HOWARD STREET, BALTIMORE, MD, 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: zonamotel.substack.com

Zona Motel is an online literary space for conversation, community, and independent literature. Join us for a reading and party featuring 6 of our contributors: Laura Albert, Izzy Casey, Ivan Genc, Sylvia Jones, Scott McClanahan, and Lucy K Shaw. Hosted by Mesha Maren and Juliet Escoria.

Health & Safety Information:
None

Contact: Zona Motel
Contact Email: juliet.zonamotel@gmail.com

Location: 2640 Space, 2640 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://hopkinsreview.com/

Come celebrate literature with The Hopkins Review's editorial team and contributors; Writing Seminars faculty, students, and alumni; and the Baltimore literary community. Join us for food, drinks, and some short readings from The Hopkins Review. This reading and reception will occur within a longer evening of celebration and "friend-raising," featuring representatives from a multitude of incredible Baltimore literary entities (full list forthcoming); party following the reading and reception.

Contact: Dora Malech
Contact Email: doramalech@jhu.edu
Organization: The Hopkins Review and The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University
Organization URL: https://writingseminars.jhu.edu/

Location: Hampton Inn and Suites, Baltimore Inner Harbor 131 E. Redwood Street Fidelity Room Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free

Naugatuck River Review, a journal of narrative poetry, and Wordpeace, a journal for peace and social justice present a reading of poetry and writing from Naugatuck River Review contest winners and finalists, and writers published in Wordpeace.co. Readers include Mary Beth Hines (17th annual narrative poetry contest winner, chosen by Octavio Quintanilla), Joanne Durham, Karen Elizabeth Sharpe, Jennifer Randall Hotz, Lori Rottenberg, Laura Hodes, Sarah Rae and others. 6pm at the Hampton Inn Inner Harbor, Fidelity Room. All welcome.

Health & Safety Information:
Masking is optional, but appreciated.

Contact: Lee Desrosiers
Contact Email: naugatuckriver@aol.com
Organization: Naugatuck River Review
Organization URL: http://naugatuckriverreview.com

Location: 2640 Space, 2640 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free

Come celebrate Baltimore's literary community with an evening of food, drinks, music, and good company. Representatives from a multitude of Baltimore literary entities (full list TBA) will gather to connect and share info about their work. 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm will feature short readings from The Hopkins Review; 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm will feature music, celebration, and a likely dance party. (Post-event, 2640 Space is within close walking distance of some of Baltimore's best bars, including Dutch Courage, Mama Koko's, and more, so you'll be in a great location for further Saturday night fun!)

Contact: Dora Malech
Contact Email: doramalech@jhu.edu

Location: The Historic Patterson Theater at The Creative Alliance. 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224.
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://forms.gle/hK4hSqqv9v3WUNJEA

Lets do it again! In a very special offsite gathering, Wednesday Night Poetry, the longest running consecutive weekly open mic series in the country, convenes at an incredible and iconic art space! This is a soft and SAFE SPACE to land. Doors will open at 5:30pm for socializing and community. Open Mic. One poem per poet, 3-4 min, any theme. Poets will read from 6:30-10:30pm. Come to share a poem, stay for community and togetherness. This venue is generously sponsored in-kind by Google for Education. Register at link to google form to read!

Contact: Kai Coggin
Contact Email: kaicoggin@gmail.com
Organization: Wednesday Night Poetry
Organization URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/14TNcaqU124/

Location: Checkerspot Brewing Company 1421 Ridgely St. Baltimore, MD 21230 (443) 388-9198
Cost: Free

University Press Spotlight: A fiction and poetry reading spotlighting new collections from various University Presses, including Northwestern University Press, University of New Mexico Press, Missouri State/Moon City Press, and University of Wisconsin Stevens Point/Cornerstone Press. Hussain Ahmad (NUP), Yasmina Din Madden (NUP), Grant Faulkner (UNM), Kim Magowan (MCP), Michelle Ross (MCP), and Kali Van Baale (UWSP) will read from their recently released collections. Join us at Checkerspot Brewing for food, drinks, and good writing. Emcee: Chrissy Kolaya (Dzanc)

Contact: Yasmina Din Madden
Contact Email: yasmina.madden@drake.edu

Location: Pratt Street Ale House 206 W Pratt Street
Cost: Free

Right around the corner from the convention center, with free snacks and drinks available to all who attend! Featuring authors from Iron Horse Literary Review and Texas Tech University Press, as well as writers from the Texas Tech Creative Writing Program. Join us for a series of readings from Paul Linczak, Sarah Curtis Craziano, Emily Grandy, and many more! You can see more @ttucreativewritingmfa.

Contact: Iron Horse Literary Review, TTU Press, TTU Creative Writing Program
Contact Email: jessica.e.smith@ttu.edu
Organization: Texas Tech University
Organization URL: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/english/creativewriting/index.php

Location: The Harbor Room The Towers at Harbor Court 10 East Lee St. Baltimore MD 21202
Cost: Free

A photo-narrative guides a story using text, photos, and in some cases, documents, and in formats ranging from books, exhibitions and events. In recent years, the maturity of the photo-book format has increased interest, noted by market values, and collaborations with publishers. Slideshow, panel session will review photobooks from poet Anne Carson, photographer Eugene Richards, and celebrated photographers Roy DeCarava, Josef Koudelka and W. Eugene Smith. Led by writer and photographer Ellis L. Marsalis, III. Refreshments will be served.

Health & Safety Information:
N/A

Contact: Ellis L. Marsalis, III
Contact Email: ellis@obiejoe.com

Location: Pickles Pub, 520 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kind-of-a-big-dill-writers-from-6-local-publishers-pickles-pub-for-awp-tickets-1980583384218?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join local publishers The Baltimore Review, Yellow Arrow Publishing, Mason Jar Press, Washington Writers’ Publishing House, Akinoga Press, and Modern Artist Press at Baltimore’s famous Pickles Pub for a fun, fabulous celebration of more than 100 combined years of publishing some of the finest literary work! Grab a drink, sample some true Baltimore grub, and when it’s time for John Waters’s keynote, you can just walk across the street from Pickles, right back to the Convention Center.

Health & Safety Information:
This event will take place on the ground floor of Pickles Pub and is wheelchair accessible.

Contact: Caroline Bock, Annie Marhefka, Jona Colson, Sarah Daniels, Kathryn Fay, Barbara Diehl, Michael Shattuck, and Mychael Zulauf
Contact Email: wwphpress@gmail.com
Organization: The Baltimore Review, Yellow Arrow Publishing, Mason Jar Press, Washington Writers’ Publishing House, Akinoga Press, and Modern Artist Press

Location: Peter’s Pour House, 111 Mercer St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free
Event URL: PoemoftheWeek.com

WHAT: 20 Years of PoemoftheWeek.com: 100 Poems by 100 Poets joins forces with the Last Rites Reading Series for a poetry extravaganza you won't want to miss. WHERE: Peter's Pour House across the street from the convention center. WHO: Brian Turner, Paisley Rekdal, Monica Prince, Lauren Camp, Major Jackson, Ed Bok Lee, Campbell McGrath, Khalisa Rae, Lee Herrick, Melissa Studdard, Luke Johnson, Ryan Vine, Sara Kain Gutowsi, Randall James, Richard Boada, Anel Flores, Gerard Robledo, & Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum

Health & Safety Information:
NA

Contact: Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum, Karen Carr, & Gerard Robledo
Contact Email: andrew@poemoftheweek.com
Organization: PoemoftheWeek.com & Last Rites

Location: Pickles Pub at 520 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230  *just .4 mile--a 6-minute walk!--from the Baltimore Convention Center
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://jillchristman.com/news/

Birthing New Books: Writer-Editors Brand-New Books Talk Motherhood, Publishing, the Planet—& That Hilarious Thing We Call Work-Life Balance: Jill Christman, Sarah Domet, Lara Lillibridge (Moderator), Summer Stewart, & Nicole Walker. Join us at Pickles Pub--a Baltimore tradition & home of the famous giant (also cheesy) Crab Pretzel to enjoy snacks and beverages, hang out with other cool writers, celebrate new books, pick up some swag, play Book Launch Bingo--& perchance buy a freshly minted book at a special launch price!

Health & Safety Information:
This event will take place on the ground floor of Pickles Pub and is wheelchair accessible.

Contact: Jill Christman (Editor, RIVER TEETH, Booth #551)
Contact Email: jcchristman@bsu.edu
Organization: RIVER TEETH & Friends
Organization URL: https://riverteethjournal.com

Location: Old Major 900 S. Carey St. Baltimore, MD 21223
Cost: Free

Kickstart a busy week in Baltimore with an incredible offsite reading featuring Alina Stefanescu, Jose Hernandez Diaz, Michael Martone, Annelyse Gelman, Nicky Beer, Chen Chen, Johannes Göransson, Alina Pleskova, Katie Jean Shinkle, C.T. Salazar, David Simmons, David Wojciechowski, Kenyatta Rogers, Henry Goldkamp, Matt Bell, Grant Wamack, & Jon Woodward.

Health & Safety Information:
21+ with bar and food menu

Contact: Ben Niespodziany (neonpajamas)
Contact Email: btniespod@gmail.com

Location: Checkerspot Brewing Company 1421 Ridgely St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free

Join us for a cocktail hour and reading as we celebrate 50 years of Iowa's Nonfiction MFA program and 90 years of the Iowa Writers' Workshop! Featured readers: Melissa Febos, Carmen Maria Machado, Alexander Chee, Lauren Haldeman, and Rodney Dailey. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided. We hope you will join us to celebate Iowa's writing legacy and future!

Contact: Danielle Wheeler
Contact Email: danielle-wheeler@uiowa.edu
Organization: University of Iowa Office of Writing and Communication

Location: Maryland Science Center (601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230)
Cost: Free

Hosted by the Wick Poetry Center, this event celebrates two Poets for Science publications, Light Enters the Grove: Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park through Poetry and The Nature of Our Times: Poems on America's Lands, Waters, Wildlife, and other Natural Wonders. Contributors will share their work from the collections followed by a reception. The gathering marks the beginning of the yearlong programming honoring ten years of the Poets for Science project.

Contact: Wick Poetry Center
Contact Email: dhassle1@kent.edu

Location: Leon's Backroom Bar, 227 W Chase St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Join us for a casual, multi-genre happy hour reading and hangout at Leon's, a friendly neighborhood gay bar. Readers will share work that they consider queer, feminist, or otherwise radical. Readers include: Rebecca Suzuki, Chrissy Martin, Dorsia Smith Silva, Marisa Crawford, Eleanor Whitney, and Liz Flyntz, with more to be announced. Come grab a drink and build community with us.

Contact: Eleanor Whitney, Liz Flyntz
Contact Email: eleanor.whitney@gmail.com

Location: 400 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://calendar.prattlibrary.org/event/down-river-poets-remembering-baltimores-slave-trade

This memorial event, featuring contemporary poetry and a short historical talk, will honor the memory of thousands of people sold south from Baltimore in the interstate slave trade between 1808, when the transatlantic slave trade was outlawed, and 1864, when Maryland abolished slavery. Featuring poets Abdul Ali, abdu mongo ali, Hayes Davis, Teri Ellen Cross Davis, Reginald Harris, Taylor Johnson, Lauren Russell, and Stewart Shaw, along with scholar Lawrence Jackson.

Contact: Lauren Russell, Stewart Shaw
Contact Email: sshaw@prattlibrary.org
Organization: Enoch Pratt Free Library
Organization URL: https://www.prattlibrary.org/

Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 811 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, United States
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.instagram.com/ucf_crw_mfa/

Join us for readings by MFA students from the University of Central Florida in the downstairs gallery of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Health & Safety Information:
You're welcome to bring water and small snacks!

Contact: UCF Graduate Writer's Association
Contact Email: gwa@ucf.edu
Organization: UCF Graduate Writer's Association

Location: Greedy Reads Remington 320 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Split/Lip Press and March Xness present readings by Hayden Casey, Aubrey Hirsch, Jillian Danback-McGhan, Shanda McManus, Raquel Gutierrez, Katie Moulton, Sejal Shah, and Ander Monson

Contact: Split/Lip Press
Contact Email: splitlipthepress@gmail.com
Organization URL: www.splitlippress.com

Location: Creative Alliance, The Patterson Building, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://creativealliance.org/

In this "Time's Breath" art exhibition public opening and artist talk, Boston-based author Leah De Forest, Senior Editor of Bloom, an online magazine devoted to authors whose first major work was published when they were age 40 or older, and forthcoming debut novelist (Any Kind of Known Tomorrow), discusses balancing art practices and the craft of writing fiction with Deborah Brown English (Time's Breath), and artist and debut novelist, Margaret Hutton (If You Leave). Free and open to all.

Contact: Lauren Cerand
Contact Email: laurencerandpr@gmail.com

Location: Greedy Reads Bookstore Remington 320 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
Cost: Free

Join five readers from Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons series as they read from their recently-released books: Anjali Enjeti (Ballot), Eileen G’Sell (Lipstick), Mollie Hawkins (Saxophone), Nicole Lobdell (X-ray), and Simona Supekar (Stock Photo). Q&A after the reading.

Health & Safety Information:
Wearing a mask is highly encouraged.

Contact: Eileen G'Sell
Contact Email: epgsell@wustl.edu

Location: Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

SWWIM, MER, NELLE, Whale Road Review, Perugia Press, & Cultivating Voices LIVE present “Off Site. On Purpose,” featuring many of today's most inspiring women and nonbinary writers and poets! Join us for a night of life-affirming poetry on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM), Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Admission free. Cash bar available. This year’s Offsite. On Purpose. is dedicated in loving memory to Jennifer Martelli. Readers include: Leila Farjami, Abby E. Murray, Jennifer Militello, Yamini Pathak, Dorsía Smith Silva, Zoe Ryder White.

Contact: Catherine Esposito Prescott, Jen Karetnick, Mary Block, Marjorie Tesser, Cindy Veach, Katie Manning, Sandra Yannone, Rebecca Olander, Lauren Slaughter
Contact Email: info@swwim.org
Organization: SWWIM. MER, NELLE, Whale Road Review, Perugia Press, Cultivating Voices LIVE

Location: Hyatt Regency Baltimore, 300 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free

As time goes on, in our ever-changing world of Creative Writing, we find our people. Let's come together to celebrate what's new, what's exciting, and innovative ideas in the work of our growing Creative Writing family. West Chester University provides the space to form a new legacy at AWP: an Offsite that reunites old friends, creates new connections, and always spotlights what we're doing to open new spaces while uplifting messages of equity, intersection, and inclusion. Let's get together and make good trouble.

Contact: JungHe Wood, E Dorian Smith
Contact Email: vwood@wcupa.edu
Organization: West Chester University
Organization URL: https://www.wcupa.edu/

Location: Le Mondo, 406 North Howard Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201
Cost: Free

An offsite poetry reading cohosted by Action Books, Black Ocean, Black Sun Lit, Changes, and Wendy's Subway at Le Mondo, featuring readings by Jimin Seo, Chariot Wish, Leslie McIntosh, Laura Newbern, Joe Hall, Nathan Hoks, Johannes Göranson, Elisa Gabbert, Jane Lewty, Kimberly Alidio, Jonathan Larson, Jared Daniel Fagen, ML Martin, Ted Dodson, Leia Penina Wilson, Toby Altman, kathy wu, and Sahar Khraibani.

Contact: Action Books, Black Ocean, Black Sun Lit, Changes, and Wendy's Subway
Contact Email: info@changes.press

Location: Our Urban Reads, 3008 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.urbanreadsbookstore.com/events

Come out in person for an audio version of the bookstore browsing experience! Authors from around the country, and a few international writers, will perform poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and other writing that transcends and subverts genre. Expect to be entertained, provoked, intrigued, moved, amused, and inspired, in turn, by a whole host of authors, each of whom presents for about five minutes. An open mic will follow, time permitting.

Health & Safety Information:
Please feel welcome to wear a mask for the health of those around you, whether you are feeling ill or not. Thank you!

Contact: Cristina Deptula
Contact Email: authorslargeandsmall@gmail.com
Organization: Synchronized Chaos International Magazine
Organization URL: http://synchchaos.com

Location: 20 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Atmosphere Press Happy Hour: a low-pressure, come-as-you-are hang for writers. No readings, no pitches—just good conversation and new writing friends. Say "hi!" and get a free drink! Grab a seat, grab a sip, and unwind with the AP crew.

Contact: Atmosphere Press
Contact Email: megan@atmospherepress.com
Organization URL: atmospherepress.com

Location: The Library, Hotel Indigo 24 West Franklin Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://form.jotform.com/260115211093139

Vermont Studio Center's Friday Night Reception – Join us in the Library! Vermont Studio Center celebrates its writers, authors, Visiting Writers Program, and partnerships with its annual reception. Come and have a drink on us, meet other VSC alums, and gather together before off-site events. For prospective writers, learn about an international residency program in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Meet and connect with VSC staff: Executive Director, Hope Sullivan and Writing Program Director, Sarah Audsley. Friday, March 6, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm The Library at Hotel Indigo

Contact: Hope Sullivan, Executive Director, Sarah Audsley, Writing Program Director
Contact Email: writing@vermontstudiocenter.org
Organization: Vermont Studio Center
Organization URL: https://vermontstudiocenter.org/

Location: Hotel Indigo: 24 W Franklin St, Baltimore, MD 21201. Poe Room, 9th floor
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://cheusecenter.gmu.edu/events/17710cha

Join us in honoring and celebrating writers, artists, publishers, librarians and curators who are committed to defending freedom of expression here in the U.S. and around the world. We will gather in the Edgar Allan “Poe Room” at Hotel Indigo for short readings and discussion, and audience participation. Afterwards, the gathering will migrate downstairs to Poets Cafe for further conversation. Featured speakers: Featured presenters: Katherine E. Young, Roman Kostovski, Katya Kazimirova, Moazzam Sheikh, Elizabeth Larison, Danielle P. Williams, Ilya Kaminsky

Health & Safety Information:
n/a

Contact: Full Bleed: A Journal of Art & Design, The Cheuse Center, Poetry Daily, Watershed Lit, the MFA at George Mason, Plamen Press, Craft Magazine
Contact Email: atang21@gmu.edu
Organization: https://www.full-bleed.org/
Organization URL: https://cheusecenter.gmu.edu/

Location: Vinyl & Pages, 301 LIGHT STREET | BALTIMORE HARBOR PLACE | BALTIMORE MD 21202
Cost: Free
Event URL: www.ADozenNothing.com

Join us in celebrating 10 years of A Dozen Nothing and Rinky Dink Press with a reading featuring: Kaitlyn Airy, Jeff Alessandrelli, Mike Bagwell, John Wall Barger, Michael Buckius, Adam Clay, Brendan Constantine, Ryan Eckes, Devon Fulford, AB Gorham, Amy Haddad, Brooke Harries, Matt Hart, Tobi Kassim, Katie Manning, Erin L. McCoy, Megan Merchant, Gabriel Palacios, Todd Robinson, Jenny Sadre-Orafai, Sarah M. Sala, Dorsía Smith Silva, and Sara Wainscott. Only 5 minutes by foot from the Convention Center!

Contact: A Dozen Nothing Poetry Journal and Rinky Dink Press
Contact Email: adozennothing@gmail.com

Location: Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor (on the east side of the Baltimore Convention Center). 300 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202, Presidential Room on first floor
Cost: FREE
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/until-were-all-free-narrativepower-survival-tickets-1982801481607?aff=oddtdtcreator

Until We’re All Free centers a 25-minute film created and owned by the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) examining Black survival as a collective, inherited practice. The screening is followed by a moderated conversation with Xyrus-author of I Killed a Man, preserved in the San Marcos Historic Archives-TheConsciousLee, and Ron Goines (M4BL). Together, they explore narrative power, authorship, devotion beyond visibility, and the responsibility of writers in shaping collective memory and public conscience.

Health & Safety Information:
Venue meets all requirements

Contact: MANO AMIGA, M4BL, Every Day Is Juneteenth, Xyrus
Contact Email: cyrus@manoamigasm.org
Organization: MANO AMIGA, M4BL, Every Day Is Juneteenth
Organization URL: https://m4bl.org/

Location: 406 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Join Third Coast, Western Humanities Review, and Waxwing for an evening of poetry and prose at Le Mondo. Contributors will share original work in an artist-run space project in downtown Baltimore. This collaborative reading brings together voices from across the literary landscape for a night of riveting storytelling and verse!

Contact: Third Coast, Western Humanities Review, and Waxwing
Contact Email: thirdcoasteditors@gmail.com

Location: Club Car Baltimore, 12 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201 (If you take the Charm City Circulator (Purple Line), it will drop you off near the venue).
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://queerloveproject.substack.com/p/awp-guide-baltimore-2026

QLP contributors will share their latest nonfiction, poetry and other work to connect with this intersectional community at a time when we can all do with a little more love in our lives. Readers include Jerry Portwood, Michael Narkunski, Jardana Peacock, Anthony DiPietro, Dale Corvino, Megan Okonsky and others yet to be announced. This is a free event and open to all who want to meet other queer writers from around the country.

Contact: Jerry Portwood & Michael Narkunski
Contact Email: queerloveprojectsub@gmail.com
Organization: Queer Love Project
Organization URL: https://queerloveproject.substack.com/

Location: Hotel Ulysses Ash Bar 2 East Read Street
Cost: Free

Join us in one of the most beautiful and evocative bars in town, for irresistible voices from Baltimore and beyond.  Part I will feature "Bad*ss Baltimore Bardesses." Part II will spotlight "Fierce Feminist Voices from Afar." FEATURING: Local authors Jennifer Keith, Eleanor Lewis, Jennifer Sutherland, and Moira Egan. Welcoming to Baltimore Kim Addonizio, Tara Betts, Annie Finch, Julie Kane, Amy Lemmon, Anna Lena Phillips Bell, Joy Priest, Richelle Lee Slota, Alexis Sears, and Patricia Smith.

Health & Safety Information:
Ash Bar Happy Hour menu available for purchase. ADA accessible.

Contact: Moira Egan, Annie Finch
Contact Email: moirae333@gmail.com

Location: Vinyl & Pages 301 LIGHT STREET HARBOR PLACE BALTIMORE MD 21202
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.stanchionzine.com/awp

Join Stanchion for a unique celebration at Vinyl & Pages, the stunning, Black-owned book & record store and community space in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. In addition to having time to shop afterhours for books and music, you'll enjoy raffles and readings from Stanchion authors & magazine contributors. And then you can take part in a one-of-a-kind open mic night to perform & pitch your newest writing to Stanchion editor-in-chief Jeff Bogle for a chance to be a part of Issue 23 of the magazine.

Contact: Jeff Bogle
Contact Email: stanchionzine@gmail.com

Location: 1505 Eutaw Place Suite 202
Cost: Donation Based (suggested $10)
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/split-lip-friends-reading-to-benefit-charm-tickets-1981945609671?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Join us at a Split Lip & Friends benefit reading featuring an incredible lineup of writers. We’re raising funds for CHARM, a Baltimore-based organization dedicated to nurturing young writers and expanding access to publishing. Gather with us to celebrate the work—and community—that keeps literature alive, across generations. FEATURING: Local author Albert Phillips Jr., plus Nini Berndt, Priyanka Champaneri, Jason B. Crawford, Tope Folarin, Adam Gianforcaro, Kat Giordano, Hannah Grieco, Jon Chaiim McConnell, Crystal Odelle, Sebastian Paramo, and Stella Wong

Health & Safety Information:
The location is fully ADA accessible. Masks are welcome but not required.

Contact: Split Lip Magazine and CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth
Contact Email: whitney@charmlitmag.org
Organization: Split Lip Magazine and CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth
Organization URL: https://charmlitmag.org

Location: 1505 Eutaw Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
Cost: 20
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/button-poetry-live-charm-city-awp-tickets-1982832173407

Join us at Charm City's very own Button Poetry Live event! Feel the energy, hear powerful words, and experience poetry the way it’s meant to be — up close and personal. Whether you’re a poetry lover or just curious, this is the spot to be for poetry you won't want to forget. Don’t miss out on this live celebration of expression and community! In partnership with the Charm City Slam and Baltimore Unity Hall

Contact: Button Poetry
Contact Email: sam@buttonpoetry.com
Organization: Charm City Slam
Organization URL: https://charmcityslam.com/

Location: Charm City Books 426 Franklin St Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

As QTBIPOC, not only are our narratives of suicidality ostracized in some circles, they have a tendency to be fetishized in others. As an underserved hyphenated community, our poetry is critical in reminding ourselves to stay alive for ourselves. Join us at 5:30 pm Saturday, March 7th in a panel and reading discussion about the critical poetics of suicide for queer and trans people of color featuring Diannely Antigua, Em Dash, Joan Kwon Glass, MT Vallarta, and Maya Williams.

Contact: Diannely Antigua, Em Dash, Joan Kwon Glass, MT Vallarta, and Maya Williams
Contact Email: mayawilliams16@gmail.com
Organization: Charm City Books

Location: Aye Space For Us 100 E. 23rd Street, 2nd Floor
Cost: Free

Join us at Aye Space For Us for The A Gathering Together: Literary Journal for an Off-Site Reading Featuring: Ade Oluokun, Christopher R. Rogers, Abdul Ali, Julia Mallory, Tauheed Rahim II, and Bedour Alagraa. The event is hosted by Joshua Myers and Tanay Harris.

Contact: Joshua Myers
Contact Email: submissions@agatheringtogether.com
Organization: A Gathering Together: Literary Journal
Organization URL: www.agatheringtogether.com

Location: Crossbar Der Biergarten, 18 E Cross St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free

Join ALTA for an informal translator meetup at Crossbar Der Biergarten, 0.6 miles from the Baltimore Convention Center. Food and drink available for purchase.

Contact: American Literary Translators Association (ALTA)
Contact Email: info@literarytranslators.org
Organization: American Literary Translators Association (ALTA)
Organization URL: https://literarytranslators.org/event/alta-at-awp26/

Location: Motor House In the West Bay Room 120 W. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Stories rise from the inkwells of our lives, creating a quiet dialogue between author and reader. But what happens when that dialogue steps off the page? Let’s find out together. Join us for readings by Lucy Sante, Hyeseung Song, Maggie Anderson, and Maria Ortiz, and stay for a conversation where authors and readers come together as both, through questions and shared curiosity.

Contact: Maria Ortiz
Contact Email: mortiz16@gmail.com

Location: Impact Hub (Open Space East): 10 E North Ave. Suite 5 Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free - RSVP Required
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-enchanted-garden-x-awp-a-literary-wellness-mixer-experience-tickets-1983056522441?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Enchanted Garden: A Literary Wellness Mixer & Experience is an immersive off-site gathering designed for writers, readers, and creatives seeking restoration and meaningful connection. Hosted by Dr. Mercedes Osakwe, OTD, OTR/L — occupational therapist, mental health advocate, and author of the award-winning The Enchanted Garden Affirmation Coloring Book (Golden Wizard Award) — this experience blends literary expression with intentional wellness. Through guided affirmations, interactive reflection, and curated conversation, attendees will reconnect with creativity, clarity, and community.

Contact: Dr. Mercedes Osakwe
Contact Email: mercisthetics@yahoo.com
Organization: Mercisthetics
Organization URL: https://mercisthetics.com

Location: 301 Light Street Pavilion Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: $40 includes books, bites and bubbles from 1pm - 3pm
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/kevin-m-scott-120749207873

Join CuplesTeahouse and Vinyl & Pages for an unforgettable experience with author Kevin M. Scott. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and ask questions during this book signing, discussion, and reception.

Contact: Kevin M. Scott
Contact Email: Kevin@TheKevinmscott.com
Organization: Vinyl & Pages
Organization URL: vinylandpages.com

Location: Vinyl+Pages,301 Light Street, Baltimore Harbor Place, Baltimore MD 21202
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://AVeryGayLiteraryHour.eventbrite.com

Join us for a night of queer brilliance as voices in poetry and prose take the stage. Hosted by Nicole Tallman, with JackLeg Press and Anhinga Press!. Poetry and prose are better when they’re very gay, very live, and very you. Featuring Brett Hanley, Jen Harris, Ben Kline, Rita Mookerjee, Caridad Moro-Gronlier, Julie Marie Wade. Plus Dustin Brookshire, Alex Carrigan, Michael Todd Cohen, Adrian Dallas Frandle, Erika Gill, Summer Hart, Joseph Lezza, Alison Lubar, Lex Orgera, Bleah Patterson, Tyler Allen Penny, Sue Scavo, Terese Svoboda, Karla Van Vliet, Terri Witek, + more!

Health & Safety Information:
Guests can bring their own alcoholic drinks. Tea and non-alcoholic beverages are sold onsite.

Contact: Nicole Tallman, JackLeg Press, Anhinga Press
Contact Email: ntallman@jacklegpress.org
Organization: Nicole Tallman + JackLeg Press
Organization URL: https://AVeryGayLiteraryHour.eventbrite.com

Location: The Mercury Theater, 1823 N Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQKfCbfGK/

A reading featuring Baltimore, New Orleans, and Miami writers at The Mercury Theater (1823 N Charles) starting at 6 PM, featuring readings by Christopher Luis Jorge, Clare Welsh, JB Aris, Christopher Louis Romaguera, Maurice Carlos Ruffin and Skye Jackson.

Contact: Christopher Louis Romaguera and JB Aris
Contact Email: c.romaguera004@gmail.com

Location: Checkerspot Brewing, 1241 Ridgely Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free

Join Belt Publishing staff and authors for a casual get-together to celebrate our newest and forthcoming titles (with galleys!). Join our smart, fun, open and welcoming community!

Contact: Anne Trubek
Contact Email: publicity@beltpublishing.com

Location: Enoch Pratt Free Library Poe Room 400 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Poet Kameryn Alexa Carter and fiction writer Theo Stewart, both first-years at the University of Michigan Helen Zell Writers' Program, will give a reading.

Contact: Theo Stewart
Contact Email: theostew@umich.edu

Location: V-NO Wine Bar & Shop, 905 S Ann Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free

Join Autumn House Press for an evening celebrating eight of our authors: Marian Crotty, P. Scott Cunningham, Ren Cedar Fuller, Anthony Immergluck, Meredith Nnoka, Jasmine Reid, Grace Spulak, and Lauren D. Woods. The event will feature readings from their newest AHP books, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. We’re also delighted to welcome featured readers from Four Way Books, Carnegie Mellon University Press, and Barrow Street Books.

Contact: Autumn House Press
Contact Email: cstroud@autumnhouse.org

Location: Pratt Street Ale House 206 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Please join Project Poëtica, from Southern Methodist University’s English program, and Deep Vellum Publishing for a night of poetry, connecting, and food, with esteemed writers: Leila Chatti, Chen Chen, Dorothy Chan, Denise Duhamel, Mag Gabbert, Conor Bracken, Giancarlo Huapaya, Fargo Nissim Tbakhi, Sophia Terazawa, and S. Yarberry.

Contact: SMU English’s Project Poëtica and Deep Vellum Publishing
Contact Email: lbrazealgarza@gmail.com
Organization: Southern Methodist University & Deep Vellum Publishing
Organization URL: https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/english/smu-project-poetica

Location: BARCOCINA 1629 THAMES STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21231
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.yellowarrowpublishing.com/calendar/10yearanniversary

Join Yellow Arrow Publishing as we celebrate ten years of empowering women-identifying writers! We will feature ten readers representing the diversity of storytelling we have shared through Yellow Arrow Journal, Yellow Arrow Vignette, and the Yellow Arrow chapbook series. We believe every writer has a story to tell, and every story is worth telling. Let’s honor these incredible stories in community.

Contact: Yellow Arrow Publishing
Contact Email: info@yellowarrowpublishing.com

Location: Section 771, 504 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-future-of-agencys-happy-hour-tickets-1981364909782

Writers and publishers, come get to know the future of agency team over drinks and appetizers at Section 771. Meet the future of agency (tfoa) in Baltimore for happy hour! tfoa is publishing's only full-service marketing agency, providing everything authors need for their launches, including influencer and book club marketing, events/author tours, and social media management to help authors of all genres find their audiences. tfoa empowers authors and publishers to launch with confidence and impact through strategy, creativity, and transparency. Show conference badge for entry.

Contact: the future of agency
Contact Email: operations@thefutureofagency.com

Location: Angie's Seafood (1727 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21231)
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://butterfliesanthology.eventbrite.com

Enjoy a book launch reading of BUTTERFLIES OVER LAND: Voices and Visions Resisting Anti-Immigrant Terror. This anthology includes a mix of genres, from poetry to nonfiction personal essays and short fiction. Our guest readers include co-editors Jen Cheng and Camille Hernandez, with readers Pallavi Dhawan, Nancy Lynée Woo, Danez Smith, Saúl Hernández, Kevin Carson, Jalen Jones, and poets laureate Sandy Yannone and Melida Rodas. RSVP encouraged, drop-ins are welcome. Please celebrate with us on Thursday, March 5th at 5:30pm at Angie's Seafood (1727 E Pratt St). For updates, please follow @JenCvoice or see the event link.

Health & Safety Information:
We ask attendees to be mindful of their own health and the well-being of others. If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending. This venue was selected for its accessibility and that it is black-owned and woman-owned with healthy food options. From the convention center, it is 8 minutes by car or 12 minutes by bus (orange route). We ask that attendees support our free event and our host venue by buying their own food and drink from the restaurant. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic options available. We appreciate you sharing in our community care values.

Contact: Jen Cheng and Camille Hernandez
Contact Email: jencvoice@gmail.com

Location: National Aquarium, 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free

Doors 6:30PM @ Pier 3 Reading 7:15PM @ Pier 4 Cherry Tree, Nine Syllables Press, and West Branch—members of the Small Literary Arts Center Coalition—present a star-studded in-person poetry reading at the Baltimore National Aquarium on Wednesday, March 4th. Join us from 6:30-7:15 pm to tour Blue Wonders (Pier 3). The reading will begin shortly after in Pier 4. Featured readers include: Victoria Chang, Leila Chatti, Denise Duhamel, Diamond Ford, Francisco Márquez, Diana Khoi Nguyen, Paisley Rekdal, Chet’la Sebree, and Patricia Smith Cash Bar

Contact: Small Literary Arts Center Coalition (SLACC)
Contact Email: Lit_House@washcoll.edu

Location: Lord Baltimore Hotel (Theater) 20 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.pioneervalleywriters.org/event-details/nevermore-a-haunted-literary-reading

Join us for a haunted reading, in the theater of the haunted Lord Baltimore Hotel, just blocks from where Edgar Allen Poe lies buried. Featuring Carmen Maria Machado, Sequoia Nagamatsu, GennaRose Nethercott, and Matthew Lansburgh. Hosted by writers Joy Deva Baglio & Jennifer Pullen, who will also be reading. Candles flicker and Poe’s Raven makes an appearance, all while we listen to the words of celebrated writers of speculative and ghostly prose. Sponsored by Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop. More details, author bios, & RSVP at www.PioneerValleyWriters.org under "Events." Free & open to all!

Contact: Joy Deva Baglio & Jennifer Pullen
Contact Email: joy@pioneervalleywriters.org
Organization: Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Organization URL: https://www.pioneervalleywriters.org/

Location: Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.corpuscallosumpress.com/events

As Plainsongs nears its 50th anniversary, the Nebraska-based poetry journal invites all past, present, and future contributors and readers (that means you) to join staff and featured poets in the Baltimore Theatre at the Lord Baltimore Hotel for an evening of poetry, mingling, music, and general revelry. Following our scheduled readings, guests will be encouraged to step up to the microphone and share a few minutes of their own creative work. Will there be singing? Possibly. A friendly, supportive atmosphere? Most certainly. Prizes? My, you're inquisitive today. Sure, probably some prizes. Free booze? Don't be absurd—we are a small press. There will be a cash bar, though. We hope to see you there!

Contact: Eric Tucker
Contact Email: etucker@corpuscallosumpress.com
Organization: Corpus Callosum Press
Organization URL: https://www.corpuscallosumpress.com/

Location: Charm City Books, 426 West Franklin St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Please join Texas State University's MFA Program and Porter House Review as we celebrate esteemed writers: Mai Der Vang (Primordial 2025), Ledia Xhoga (Misinterpretation 2024), Isabella DeSendi (Someone Else's Hunger 2025), Jennifer Whalen (Eveningful 2023), Cloud Delfina Cardona (The Past is a Jean Jacket 2025), Crystal Odelle (Trans Studies 2024), and Saúl Hernández (How to Kill a Goat and Other Monsters 2024). 

Health & Safety Information:
Masks encouraged.

Contact: Bianca Alyssa Pérez
Contact Email: mfinearts@txstate.edu
Organization: Texas State University MFA and Porter House Review
Organization URL: https://www.english.txst.edu/mfa.html

Location: Vinyl & Pages 301 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free

Dennis Hinrichsen & Jordan Stempleman read from their new books. Hinrichsen is the author of twelve collections of poetry. Formally adroit and lyrically rich, his poems unerringly map both the zeitgeist and the subjective psyche. He lives in Michigan, where he served as the first Poet Laureate of the Greater Lansing area. Stempleman is the author of ten books of poetry. He is also the editor for The Continental Review, Windfall Room, and Sprung Formal, and an associate professor in the Liberal Arts Department and the Creative Writing Program at the Kansas City Art Institute.

Contact: Christopher Nelson
Contact Email: greenlindenpress@gmail.com
Organization: Green Linden Press
Organization URL: https://www.greenlindenpress.com/

Location: Meander Art Bar 1801 East Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/must-love-memoir-at-awp-baltimore-tickets-1980333346348?aff=oddtdtcreator

Must Love Memoir is a New York City-based reading series dedicated to telling personal stories ?? In its second offsite event, Must Love Memoir will host an evening of nonfiction readings at Meander Art Bar featuring the following authors: Annie Liontas — Sex with a Brain Injury Ronit Plank — When She Comes Back Arianna Rebolini — Better: A Memoir About Wanting to Die Chet'la Sebree — Turn (W)here: A Geography of Home (May 2026) Hyeseung Song — Docile: Memoir of a Not So Perfect Asian Girl Jeannie Vanasco — A Silent Treatment; The Glass Eye; Things We Didn't Talk About When I Was a Girl

Contact: Krystal Marie and Hope Elizabeth Kidd
Contact Email: krystal.orwig@gmail.com

Location: Old Major, 900 S Carey St, Baltimore, MD 21223
Cost: Free

Raw, Real, Radical—A Reading at Old Major, named Baltimore's "Best Neighborhood Bar!" Come gather in community at this eclectic space, nearby the Convention Center, for an incredible night of author readings from Sara Lippmann; Nita Noveno; Rachel Leon; Alison Kinney; Vesna Jaksic Lowe; Philip James Shaw; Stephanie Austin; Melanie Faranello. It will be a fun, welcoming, creative night! Doors at 6 PM. Event starts at 7 PM.

Health & Safety Information:
Full bar, tropical-inspired food, vegan food options, spirit-free beverages available. 21+ (bring ID)

Contact: Sara Lippmann
Contact Email: saralippmann@gmail.com

Location: Enoch Pratt Central Library, Wheeler Auditorium400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://calendar.prattlibrary.org/event/kimbilio-author-showcase

You are cordially invited to a night of unforgettable storytelling and celebration as Kimbilio fellows and faculty take the stage at the historic Enoch Pratt Library (400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore MD 21201) on Thursday March 5th at 7:00 pm ET. Listen to five extraordinary voices in the contemporary African American diaspora: Danielle Evans, Rickey Fayne, Rion Amiclar Scott, Deesha Philyaw and Jacinda Townsend. Experience stories that bend time, break rules, and challenge expectations. We hope to see you there!

Health & Safety Information:
N/A

Contact: Nuha Fariha, David Haynes
Contact Email: kimbilio@kimbiliofiction.com
Organization: Enoch Pratt Library
Organization URL: https://www.prattlibrary.org/

Location: Red Emma's, 3128 Greenmount Ave Fl. #2, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beehive-poetry-blowout-six-indie-poetry-presses-read-tickets-1980903851745?aff=oddtdtcreator

JOIN THE HIVEMIND... Authors read from Belladonna* Collaborative, Fence, Fonograf Editions, Futurepoem, Noemi, and Tender Buttons Press! Books available for purchase! Readers and schedule TBA.

Contact: Lee Ann Brown
Contact Email: tenderbuttonspress@gmail.com

Location: 106 N. EUTAW STREET Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Antiphony Journal and Press is hosting a poetry reading featuring readings by Julie Carr, Matt Turner, Inna Krasnoper, Erik Soto, Timothy Ashley Leo, and Sam Cha.

Contact: Antiphony: A Journal and Press
Contact Email: ryan@antiphonyajournalandpress.com

Location: Wet City Brewing, 223 W Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://wetcitybrewing.com/

Political Passionate Personal: FlowerSong Press Poets Join us for a reading & book party featuring: Genevieve Betts Sarah Browning John Compton Michelle Otero Tatiana Figueroa Ramirez Luivette Resto Joseph Ross Natalia Treviño Eddie Vega New Book Alert! Sarah with CALL ME YES and Natalia with WHEN YOU WERE HUMAN! Beer & full menu will be available to order - wetcitybrewing.com - Just 1.25 miles from the Convention Center FlowerSong Press nurtures verse, fiction, & nonfiction from, about, & throughout the borderlands, amplifying the voices of those from the Americas and beyond.

Health & Safety Information:
A mask-friendly event.

Contact: Sarah Browning
Contact Email: sarahbrowningwriter@yahoo.com
Organization: FlowerSong Press
Organization URL: https://www.flowersongpress.com/

Location: Cedar House at Patterson Park 27 S Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free

Poetry Readings by Adedayo Agarau, Marcella Durand, Rosalind Morris, Roberto Tejada, Daniel Tiffany, and Henk Rossouw.

Contact: Daniel Tiffany
Contact Email: tiffany@usc.edu
Organization: Fordham University Press
Organization URL: https://fordhampress.com/

Location: Bar and lounge Hilton Garden Inn Baltimore Inner Harbor 625 S. President Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202
Cost: Free

Writeaways, the international writing workshop and retreat program, with locations in France, Italy, Ireland, New Mexico, and North Carolina, invites you to a happy hour get-together. Join Writeaways co-founders Mimi Herman and John Yewell at the bar and lounge of the Hilton Garden Inn, Baltimore Inner Harbor, about a mile from the convention center. Arrive any time from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, make new friends, hang out with us, and find out more about Writeaways! Check us out at www.writeaways.com.

In addition, help us celebrate the publication of John Yewell's novel, The Botsworth Dossier -- the first novel ever printed entirely on broadsheet newsprint! https://www.johnyewell.com

Health & Safety Information:
Masks are optional

Contact: Mimi Herman and John Yewell
Contact Email: writeaways@writeaways.com
Organization: Writeaways
Organization URL: www.writeaways.com

Location: The Black Genius Art Show, 106 N. Eutaw Street Suite 1, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Optional Donation to Trans Youth Emergency Project
Event URL: https://southernequality.app.neoncrm.com/forms/37

Join trans and nonbinary writers J Brooke (I Can Tell You The Version That Will Make You Take My Side, 2026), Kelsey L. Smoot (SOULMATE AS A VERB, 2026), Jendi Reiter (Introvert Pervert, 2026), and Jackie Domenus (No Offense: A Memoir in Essays, 2025), for readings and an open discussion on work engaging with gender and the physical manifestation of it. Fun, free cocktails (yes, buried the lede there), and great music. Donations for Trans Youth Emergency Project encouraged, but not required. TYEP helps families of trans youth navigate and access health care during this time of crisis.

Contact: Jackie Domenus
Contact Email: jackiedomenus@gmail.com

Location: The Harbor Room The Towers at Harbor Court 10 East Lee St. Baltimore MD 21202
Cost: Free

Join members of the AWP Two-Year College Caucus for a reading of creative work in all genres. Students welcome!

Contact: Magin LaSov Gregg
Contact Email: mlasovgreg@frederick.edu

Location: good neighbor, 3827 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://macondowriters.com/events-news/

Join the Macondo Writers Workshop in Baltimore for an open-mic reading featuring Macondistas. Check back to our homepage, or follow us on Instagram @Macondowriters or Facebook at Macondo Writers Workshop for event updates.

Health & Safety Information:
The health and safety of our community is important to us. We ask all attendees to be mindful of their own health and the well-being of others when joining this event. If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending. Any additional health or safety guidelines, including venue-specific policies, will be shared in advance as they are confirmed. We appreciate your care and consideration in helping us maintain a respectful and welcoming space.

Contact: Macondo Writers Workshop
Contact Email: macondowriters@gmail.com

Location: 322 W. Baltimore St,, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.hippocampusmagazine.com/event/hippocampus-magazine-anthology-launch-party/

Join us for the launch party of Selected Memories Vol. 2, an anthology, celebrating 15 years of creative nonfiction at Hippocampus Magazine. Readings from contributors, light refreshments, camaraderie, and books! Doors open at 7 p.m.; program begins at by 7:30 p.m. See our website for finalized list of readers and other details.

Contact: Hippocampus Magazine and Books
Contact Email: donnatalarico@gmail.com
Organization URL: https://www.hippocampusmagazine.com

Location: Viva Books Brown's Arcade 326 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: FREE
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZXtRL8A7/

Join us for a memorable night at Viva Books for a reading featuring Kim Addonizio and Nick Fynn and Pink Trees Press authors Jane LeCroy, Madeline Artenberg, Phillip Giambri, and Linda Kleinbub. Author signings and books available to purchase. Viva Books is located in the historic Brown's Arcade, a 15-minute walk from the Convention Center heading north on Charles Street. You can also take the Purple Route bus on the free Charm City Circulator, which has stops along Charles Street near the bookstore.

Health & Safety Information:
There are no health and safety requirements at this time.

Contact: Pink Trees Press
Contact Email: pinktreespress@gmail.com
Organization: Pink Trees Press, Inc.
Organization URL: https://www.pinktreespress.org/

Location: Meander Art Bar 1801 East Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writers-best-friend-a-cat-reading-tickets-1982789979203?aff=oddtdtcreator

Writers reading about cats! Hosted by Amelia Possanza, Samantha Paige Rosen, and Gaby Iori, featuring: Kristen Arnett, Krys Malcolm Belc, Lilly Dancyger, Mario Elias, Hannah Grieco, Ananda Lima, Eshani Surya, and Jules Wernersbach.

Contact: Amelia Possanza, Samantha Paige Rosen, and Gaby Iori
Contact Email: sam@samanthapaigerosen.com

Location: Bird in Hand 11 E 33rd St Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free

Join us for a poetry reading featuring poets from Riot in Your Throat and Small Harbor Press! The bar will be open and books will be available for purchase! Free and open to the public!

Contact: Riot in Your Throat
Contact Email: riotinyourthroat@gmail.com

Location: Le Mondo Theater 406 North Howard St Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetics-of-liberation-a-reading-and-community-gathering-tickets-1982218270206?aff=oddtdtcreator

Poetics of Liberation is an intersectional feminist reading and community gathering celebrating poets whose work inspires social transformation. Hosted at Le Mondo, an artist-owned theater in the heart of Baltimore, we are thrilled to feature dezireé a. brown, Ashley-Devon, María Esquinca, Chiagoziem Jideofor, Katelin Kelly, Jae Nichelle, Susan Nguyen, jj peña, m. mick powell, heidi andrea restrepo rhodes, and Tyehimba Jess. Hosted by Host Publications editors Annar Veröld-Miranda & Claire Bowman!

Health & Safety Information:
Health and safety note: masks are encouraged and will be provided.

Contact: Host Publications
Contact Email: editors@hostpublications.com

Location: 24 W Franklin St, Baltimore, MD 21201, Edgar Allan Poe Room
Cost: Free

Hear featured poets and authors who Troublemaker Firestarter has published!

Contact: Troublemaker Firestarter
Contact Email: TroublemakerFirestarter@gmail.com

Location: American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://baltimorereading.com

Register for a free offsite reading at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), including private after-hours exhibit access. Friday, March 6, 2026. 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230 Reception and private viewing of museum starts at 6pm; reading starts at 7pm. Scheduled readers: Rita Dove, Kim Addonizio, Dorothy Chan, Chen Chen, Sasha Debevec-McKenney, Benjamin Garcia, Mickie Kennedy, Timothy Liu, Matthew Olzmann, and Paul Tran.

Contact: Mickie Kennedy
Contact Email: ereleases2@gmail.com
Organization: Mickie Kennedy
Organization URL: https://www.mickiekennedy.com

Location: Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse 3128 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free!
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-importance-of-being-earnest-writers-on-cringe-tickets-1982284266603?aff=oddtdtcreator

Rather than judge discomfort, we offer up awkward, cringe, sentimental, and earnest writing as portals into vulnerability, a place for real human connection. Get ready to groan in recognition of our shared humanity, to giggle with nervous laughter, and whisper as you half cover your eyes to avoid the beautiful trainwreck happening mere feet away. Our reading invites you to sit in the shared discomfort and feel all the feels. Time permitting, an open mic will follow Readers: b. al-ism, Jardana Peacock, Chen Chen, Steffan Triplett, Lydi Conklin, Jenny Xie, Kailah Figueroa, Sarah Wang

Contact: b. al-ism
Contact Email: b.alism@protonmail.com

Location: Meander Art Bar, 1801 E. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, 21231
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/body-of-work-off-site-reading-at-awp-tickets-1980814195581?aff=oddtdtcreator

Presented by the Body Type newsletter on Substack, Body of Work is a reading about body image and the tricky business of the physical self. Authors will read funny, spicy, moving, relatable work about their relationship to their bodies. Featuring: Annabelle Tometich, Emma Copley Eisenberg, Lilly Dancyger, Margo Steines, Minda Honey, Renee Bracey Sherman, and host Mikala Jamison of Body Type. Free, but *entry only with RSVP on the Eventbrite page*. Meander's full menu available for purchase. Stick around after the reading for a post-party!

Contact: Mikala Jamison
Contact Email: mikala.jamison@gmail.com
Organization: Body Type on Substack
Organization URL: https://bodytype.substack.com/

Location: Mount Royal Tavern 1204 West. Mount Royal Avenue Baltimore, MD 21217
Cost: Free

Join Western Connecticut State University's MFA in Creative and Professional Writing for an afternoon of readings featuring Anthony D'Aries, Angela Laurio, Stephanie Nash, Makenzie Ozycz, Adrienne Rozells, and S. Salazar! Come learn more about our program, including our residencies at the Oscar Wilde House in Dublin and the Boyd's Mills Retreat Center in the Pocono Mountains.

Contact: Anthony D'Aries
Contact Email: dariesa@wcsu.edu
Organization: Western Connecticut State University MFA in Creative and Professional Writing
Organization URL: https://www.wcsu.edu/writing-mfa/

Location: Baltimore Brewhouse, 511 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.terrain.org/events/awp26-offsite-reading/

8×9 features nine place-based writers for a literary reading of eight minutes each. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Baltimore Brewhouse, which is staying open late for this special event! This event is sponsored by and features contributors to Terrain.org and Writing the Wild. Welcome & Introductions by Writing the Wild's Krissy Kludt (Welcome) and Terrain.org's Simmons Buntin (Reader Introductions). Readers: Elizabeth Bradfield, Heather Swan, Anne Haven McDonnell, Daniel Lassell, Elizabeth Jacobson, Michael Kleber-Diggs, Kimberly Blaeser, J. Drew Lanham, Krissy Kludt.

Contact: Simmons Buntin & Krissy Kludt
Contact Email: info@terrain.org
Organization: Terrain.org & Writing the Wild
Organization URL: https://www.terrain.org

Location: Blackwell Hitch, 700 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Pergola, the new online literary magazine of the Hood College MFA program, with readings from the first issue.

Contact: Dorian Knapp and Maui Smith
Contact Email: knapp@hood.edu
Organization: Hood College MFA in Creative Writing
Organization URL: https://www.hood.edu/graduate/academics/programs/creative-writing-mfa

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Gilman Hall, 3400 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218 Tudor and Stuart Room (room 388, JHU Homewood campus)
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.press53.com/

Press 53 is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! Light snacks and drinks provided. Press 53 was founded in October 2005 and is based in Winston-Salem, NC. In July of 2010, Press 53 publisher and editor in chief Kevin Morgan Watson and award-winning author Clifford Garstang launched two-time Pushcart Prize-winning Prime Number Magazine, an online journal of distinctive poetry, short fiction, and now flash nonfiction. In 2011, Press 53 began its free, monthly 53-Word Story Contest, which is now used in classrooms around the world. Press 53 authors will read. Come out and help us celebrate!

Contact: Shannon Robinson, Kevin Morgan Watson
Contact Email: kevin@press53.com
Organization: Press 53/Prime Number Magazine
Organization URL: https://www.press53.com/

Location: 307 Mosher Street Walk, Baltimore, MD 21217
Cost: Free

Join us for a mash up of prose and poetry with writers: Lydia Armstrong, Jasmine Blooms, Rosa Castellano, Diamond Forde, Cynthia Henebry, Benin Lemus, Ty Phelps, Monica Prince, April Sopkin, Sullivan Summer, Nate Waggoner, Dana Tenille Weeks ASL Interpretation provided!

Contact: The Doll House and RVA Lit Arts
Contact Email: castellano.rosa@yahoo.com

Location: Bird in Hand Coffee & Books 11 E 33rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: FREE

Join us for readings by Randolph MFA faculty and recent alumni authors Danez Smith, Brittany Rogers, John Vercher, Chet'la Sebree, Yaccaira Salvatierra, Phillip B. Williams, & Marguerite Sheffer

Contact: Chris Gaumer, Gary Dop
Contact Email: mfa@randolphcollege.edu
Organization: Randolph MFA
Organization URL: https://www.randolphcollege.edu/mfa-cw/

Location: 2029 Monkton Rd., Monkton, Maryland 21111
Cost: Free or donation at link
Event URL: https://calendar.manor-mill.com/events/sagas-spirits-the-viking-mead-hall-reading-salon/

On March 6, Sagas & Spirits: The Viking Mead Hall Reading Salon will materialize at Manor Mill like Brigadoon. Featuring poetry by international poet Ewen Glass (Ireland), David Cazden, flash fiction by Tommy Dean, Jennifer A Sutherland, and additional literary marauders still TBA. FREE FOOD AND DRINK! Come, be entertained! This is an AWP Off-Site Event sponsored by: Maryland Writers’ Association Manor Mill and Stag’s Crossing Mead of Baltimore

Contact: Chrissy Stegman
Contact Email: chrissy.stegman@gmail.com
Organization: Maryland Writers' Association
Organization URL: https://marylandwriters.org/

Location: The Harbor Room The Towers at Harbor Court 10 East Lee Street Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://flashthecourt.com/

Fans of flash, this off-site event is for you! Recent contributors of Flash the Court will share their remarkable work: some playful, some serious—but all prime examples of the flash form. Founding Editor Court Harler will moderate the event. Local author and literary citizen extraordinaire, Amy L. Bernstein, will generously host a wine and cheese reception afterward, where writers can relax and network overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Please join us for a fantastic evening of flash and fellowship only a short walk away from the Convention Center. Court and Amy will see you there!

Health & Safety Information:
n/a

Contact: Court Harler
Contact Email: flashthecourt@gmail.com
Organization: Amy L. Bernstein
Organization URL: https://amywrites.live/

Location: Red Emma's, 3128 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21218
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://redemmas.org/

Join us at Red Emma's—a worker cooperative bookstore, cafe, and community events space—for an epic early evening reading! 5:30–6:30pm - Bench Editions: Jared Joseph, Andy Sia, Kelsi Vanada - Cardboard House Press: Roque Raquel Salas Rivera, Xavier Valcárcel - Diálogos: Olga Mikolaivna - World Poetry Books: Carlie Hoffman, Olena Jennings, Michael Martin Shea 6:30–7:30pm - Phoenix Poets: Aaron Coleman, Aja Couchois Duncan, Kristin Dykstra, Jake Rose, Jonathan Thirkield - Ugly Duckling Presse: Alexis Almeida, Stine An, Terrence Arjoon, Lau Caesarco, Timothy Ashley Leo

Contact: David B. Olsen
Contact Email: dbolsen@uchicago.edu
Organization: Bench Editions, Cardboard House Press, Diálogos, Phoenix Poets, Ugly Duckling Presse, and World Poetry Books

Location: The Harbor Room The Towers at Harbor Court 10 East Lee St. Baltimore MD 21202
Cost: FREE

A diverse panel of literary magazine editors share insights on the considerations that inform the editorial decision-making process. Attendees will learn that literary merit is only one component of a complex balancing act involving a number of behind-the-scenes deliberations. The panel includes an experienced author’s perspective on submission strategies. Join us for a vivid, frank discussion on the inner workings of submission and rejection. You'll gain new insights into how and where to submit--and how your submission is evaluated from an editorial perspective. Refreshments will be served.

Health & Safety Information:
N/A

Contact: Amy L. Bernstein
Contact Email: amy@amywrites.live

Location: VIRTUAL
Cost: FREE

Join professional book coach and author Amy L. Bernstein for a group coaching session to determine whether your draft nonfiction book or memoir is on the right track in terms of a viable structure, identifiable readership, strong storytelling, and more. Amy will pose key questions to help assess your progress, identify challenges, and suggest ways to move forward. Amy will read up to 5 double-spaced pages of your manuscript or proposal in advance (entirely optional). Email Amy for instructions on submitting pages and obtaining the Zoom link. The deadline to submit pages is Sunday, Feb. 22.

Contact: Amy L. Bernstein
Contact Email: info@wordfirstbookcoach.com
Organization: Wordfirst Book Coaching Services
Organization URL: www.wordfirstbookcoach.com

Location: Manor Mill 2029 Monkton Road Monkton, MD 21111
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://calendar.manor-mill.com/events/welcome-to-baltimore-writers-on-writing-in-charm-city/

Join us at Manor Mill, a newly restored, pre-revolutionary grist mill set in the bucolic countryside, for an evening celebrating Baltimore writers and writing! A panel of writers including Madison Smartt Bell, Antje Rauwerda, Lia Purpura, Patrice Hutton, and Craig Bettenhausen will read from their work which covers fiction, nonfiction, poetry and journalism and discuss their writing life in Baltimore. Susan Keatley, writer and founder/host of the monthly Manor Mill Prose Night will then moderate a discussion. Madison Smartt Bell will provide musical entertainment. Snacks provided, BYOB.

Contact: Susan Keatley
Contact Email: susan.reslewic@gmail.com
Organization: Manor Mill
Organization URL: https://manor-mill.com

Location: Bird in Hand, 11 E 33nd St, Baltimore
Cost: free, donations encouraged
Event URL: https://www.theivybookshop.com/event/alchemical-spells-for-survivors-a-reading-to-benefit-house-of-ruth-rainn/

Join us for a reading by nationally acclaimed poets & writers to raise money for House of Ruth & to celebrate art's power to commute trauma & expand consciousness. Featuring: Jan Beatty, Elizabeth Hazen, Jenny Molberg, Tonee Mae Moll, Caridad Moro-Gronlier, Somayeh Shams, & Jen Sperry Steinorth. Cocktails, coffee, & books for sale. Donations to House of Ruth encouraged! "Every poem breaks a silence that had to be overcome." Adrienne Rich "And there are so many silences to be broken." Audre Lorde

Contact: Jennifer Sperry Steinorth, Bird in Hand (The Ivy)
Contact Email: jen@jensperrysteinorth.com
Organization: Bird in Hand, TRP, House of Ruth
Organization URL: https://www.theivybookshop.com

Location: The Club Car Baltimore 12 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

CLASH Books, Crop Circle Press + Nightboat Books Present: A Musical Reading with live band Movie Club (Los Angeles). This is the literary event for music lovers. 13 authors perform spoken word over a live instrumental rock band in Baltimore's beloved queer nightclub, The Club Car. 9 PM. Come for the hypnotic combination of prose and music, stay for the DJ dance afterparty til 1 AM!

Contact: Leza Cantoral
Contact Email: clashmediabooks@gmail.com

Location: Le Mondo, 406 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.lemondo.org/calendar

Come shake it with us at the 8-Ball Poetry Reading. Eight poets will take to the stage for eight minutes each and you never know what you'll get next! Asa Drake, Preeti Vangani, Dashaun Washington, Jenny Qi, D.S.Waldman, Jessica Johnson, Mariya Zilberman & Laura Grothaus will share their latest works and maybe/definitely uncover your fortunes.

Contact: Preeti Vangani
Contact Email: preetivangani@gmail.com

Location: Charm City Books 426 W. Franklin St. Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.charmcitybooks.com/events/4568220260305
 

Don’t miss this free in person and online reading debut of The Sage Creators Collective, dynamic women writers over 50! Headlined by founder, Patricia Smith, Pulitzer Prize Finalist, 2025 National Book Award (Intentions of Thunder: New & Selected Poems), and National Slam Champion, Patricia will be joined by 10 writers selected from The Sage Creators Collective’s membership, women writers with over five decades of life claiming their voices, their stories, and their space. Come experience this powerful work and discover what Sage is all about! (Women writers over 50, ask to join our Facebook group, if you’re not already a member).

 

For more info on our readers lineup, livestreaming, etc., visit Events | Charm City Books

 

Free refreshments! Come early to get your seat!

Contact: Patricia Clark and Jean Howard
Contact Email: patriciapoet@gmail.com
Organization: Sage Creators Collective
Organization URL: https://www.charmcitybooks.com

Location: Cedar House, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free

A reading of Omnidawn Press poets, including Maria Nazos, Maw Shein Win, Elizabeth Robinson, Jennifer Hasegawa, David Koehn, Molly Bendall, Laynie Browne, Rodrigo Toscano, Liza Flum, Ewa Chrusciel

Contact: Maria Nazos
Contact Email: nazosmaria@gmail.com
Organization: Omnidawn

Location: 1820 Lancaster St. Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free

Join Red Hen Press and our forthcoming and recently released authors as we celebrate their work in a gorgeous riverside warehouse! Enjoy drinks, music, prose, poetry, and nibbles as our authors read and take in the views of the Patapsco River as the sun sets over the water.

Contact: Red Hen Press
Contact Email: media@redhen.org
Organization: Red Hen Press
Organization URL: https://www.redhen.org

Location: Athens Ballroom, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore, 2 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.triohousepress.org/upcoming-events

Join us for a reading sponsored by presses from the lands of the Aurora Borealis! Trio House Press, EastOver Press, and Porphyry Press present poetry and prose readings by authors Mai-Linh Hong (Continental Drift); Reuben Gelley Newman (Dear Dear); Jason Prokowiew (War Boys); Maya Jewell Zeller (Raised by Ferns); Erica Watson (Ghosts of Distant Trees); Annie Wenstrup (The Museum of Unnatural Histories); Ian Hall (Creekwater Mansions); Davin Malasarn (The Outer Country); and Lisa Wartenberg Vélez (2025 Rural Writers of Color Anthology). Full cash bar and free appetizers!

Contact: Kris Bigalk, Keith Lesmeister, Jeremy Pataky
Contact Email: marketing@triohousepress.org
Organization: Trio House Press, EastOver Press & Porphyry Press
Organization URL: http://www.triohousepress.org

Location: The Ivy Bookshop 5928 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21209
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.theivybookshop.com/event/a-reading-with-poets-writers-get-the-word-out-2025-fiction-cohort/

Join us at The Ivy Bookshop for an evening of longing & belonging. Members of Poets & Writers Get the Word Out 2025 Fiction Cohort share their work at The Ivy Bookshop! With Roohi Choudhry, Yu-Mei Balasingamchow, Kerry Donoghue, Lacey N. Dunham, Shasta Grant, Laura Venita Green, and Miranda Schmidt.

Contact: Kerry Donaghue
Contact Email: kdonoghue9@gmail.com

Location: Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD, 21211
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://atomicbooks.com

With Ariel Gore, China Martens, Ayun Halliday, Laura Bogart, Joyanna Priest, Muffy Bolding & Others! Calling all literary misfits! This is the party you didn't know you needed. Join us for a wild evening celebrating the writers who said "no thanks" to gatekeepers and built their own doors. The School for Wayward Writers at The Literary Kitchen has been nurturing a scrappy community of authors who write on their own terms. Through classes, free weekly write-ins, and a publishing collective, they've been quietly (and not so quietly) revolutionizing what it means to be a writer in community.

Contact: Ariel Gore
Contact Email: arielfiona@gmail.com
Organization: Literary Kitchen
Organization URL: literarykitchen.org

Location: Maryland Center for History and Culture, 610 Park Avenue, Baltimore MD., 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://wintergreenwomenwriterscollective.com/news-page

The Wintergreen Women Writers Collective in partnership with Torch Literary Arts will present a multi genre program of readings featuring renowned and award-winning writers Lauren Alleyne, Remica Bingham-Risher, Mahogany Brown, Carla Du Pree, Latorial Faison, DaMaris Hill, Amanda Johnston and Patricia Smith. Refreshments will be provided. This event is open to the public.

Contact: Dr. Joanne Gabbin; Ms. Opal J Moore
Contact Email: o.moore5847@gmail.com
Organization: Maryland Center for History and Culture
Organization URL: https://www.mdhistory.org

Location: The Peale Community Museum, 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21202. (An easy walk from AWP)
Cost: Free to all
Event URL: https://kattywompuspress.com/sammy/celebrate-in-baltimore/

Music by the Cornelius Eady Group, poems from many of the anthology's 40 contemporary American poets responding to the state of our country, including Cornelius Eady, Curtis L. Crisler, Leah Umansky, Subhaga Crystal Bacon, Andy Young, Frank Mundo and more. Join us to celebrate the many beautiful voices of our resistance.

Health & Safety Information:
Masking optional unless local respiratory infection rates are high at the time of the event, in which case we may request masking.

Contact: Sammy Greenspan
Contact Email: sammy@kattywompuspress.com
Organization: Kattywompus Press
Organization URL: https://kattywompuspress.com

Location: Golden West Cafe, 1105 W. 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211
Cost: Free

Cowboy Jamboree Press and Malarkey Books are proud to present an evening of readings by 10 esteemed authors: Stephanie Austin, Trent Brown, Jonathan Danielson, Teri Ellen Cross Davis, Benjamin Drevlow, Melissa Flores Anderson, Joey Hedger, Kelly Ann Jacobson, Christopher Stevenson, and John Waddy Bullion, plus emcee Michael Chin. Their work spans grit lit, humor, and magic for an eclectic collection of writing sure to entertain and offer something for everyone. Food, drinks, and books will be available for sale.

Health & Safety Information:
N/A

Contact: Michael Chin
Contact Email: mikec@acappellablog.com
Organization: Cowboy Jamboree Press and Malarkey Books
Organization URL: http://www.cowboyjamboreemagazine.com/

Location: Bird in Hand Café & Bookstore (11 E 33RD ST, BALTIMORE, MD, 21218)
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/storystudio-chicago-social-tickets-1981972112943?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join host Rebecca Makkai, StoryStudio Chicago, and an assemblage of A-list authors at Bird in Hand Café & Bookstore on Saturday, March 7th from 7-9pm for drinks and erudite conversation. Celebrate with your new writer friends and wrap up the weekend in style at this free social. Coffee, tea, and cocktails (and of course, books!) will be available for purchase. RSVP appreciated.

Contact: StoryStudio Chicago
Contact Email: events@storystudiochicago.org
Organization URL: https://www.storystudiochicago.org

Location: Angels Rock Bar 10 Market Pl Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-adroit-journal-the-kenyon-review-ploughshares-present-lit-up-tickets-1981593836508?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please join us for LIT UP, a reading hosted by Ploughshares, The Kenyon Review, and The Adroit Journal, in partnership with Loyola High School's Words Matter: Writing for Social Action. The event will feature readings by Erin Belieu, Victoria Chang, Erica Dawson, Oliver de la Paz, James Allen Hall, and Felicia Zamora. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and the event will close with live DJs and a dance party. Please RSVP with EventBrite.

Contact: Jenny Molberg, F. Douglas Brown
Contact Email: jenny.molberg@emerson.edu
Organization: Ploughshares, The Kenyon Review, The Adroit Journal

Location: Patapsco Valley State Park, S Rolling Rd & Soapstone Trail, Catonsville, MD 21227
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://poetryinthewoods.com/events#event-register-march

Register for the Off-site, Open-air, No-mic, 2-mile Poetry Hike led by PITW Program Coordinator Travis Mossotti @ Patapsco Valley State Park (Soapstone Trail) on Thursday, March 5th @ 6:30AM - 8:30AM EST. Just a 10min drive from the Convention Center, there will be a chance to hike, share poems, and participate in a trailhead poetry reading after the hike @ 8:00AM (Trailhead reading is open to hikers/non-hikers and is ADA Accessible with plenty of free parking). Rideshare options and detailed instructions will be provided via email to all registered participants.

Health & Safety Information:
Dress for the weather. The hike and reading will take place outdoors (rain or shine). The hike has a small elevation gain and trail reviews show that's it's often muddy after rain. All hikers should be @ the trailhead by 6:30AM EST. Hike is approximately 1.8miles with a stop at a park pavilion at the halfway point. There's no fee to access the park and parking at the trailhead is free (overflow parking option at the Park n Ride). All non-hikers who would like to participate in the trailhead reading only should meet at the trailhead at 8AM EST.

Contact: Travis Mossotti
Contact Email: admin@poetryinthewoods.com
Organization: Poetry in the Woods
Organization URL: https://www.poetryinthewoods.com/

Location: V-NO Wine Bar & Shop, 905 S Ann Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
Cost: Free

Featuring "lightning-fast" readings from Four Way Books' most recent publications, this event at V-NO Wine Bar will feature eleven of our authors: Matthew Tuckner, Chris Crowder, Joel Brouwer, Aiden Heung, Sarah Stone, Maggie Dietz, Daniel Tobin, Rajiv Mohabir, Daniel Levin, Monica Ferrell, and Isabella DeSendi. We’re grateful to co-host alongside and welcome featured readers from Autumn House Press, Carnegie Mellon University Press, and Barrow Street Books. See you there!

Contact: Autumn House Organizer: Christine Stroud; Four Way Contact: Hannah Matheson
Contact Email: publicity@fourwaybooks.com
Organization: Autumn House Press, Four Way Books, Barrow Street Books, & Carnegie Mellon University Press

Location: The Chesapeake Shakespeare Theatre Studio 4th floor, 206 East Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 244-8571 (around the corner from their main theater on Calvert Street)
Cost: Free

7.13 Books presents Attack of the Book People IV, an evening of literature and libations with featured readers Amber Sparks, Erika Swyler, Cynthia Weiner, Tobias Carroll, Alex Behr, Farooq Ahmed, and Bill Lessard! Leland Cheuk and Kurt Baumeister of 7.13 Books will host. March 5th, 2026, 6-10 PM at: The Chesapeake Shakespeare Theatre Studio 4th floor, 206 East Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 244-8571 (around the corner from their main theater on Calvert Street)

Contact: Leland Cheuk and Kurt Baumeister
Contact Email: kurtbaumeister@gmail.com
Organization: 7.13 Books
Organization URL: https://713books.com/

Location: University of Baltimore Student Center, 5th Floor 21 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://partiful.com/e/eTZbp5b9NFc8FvbURYQi

Game Over Books and Garden Party Collective in Baltimore! Join us for a reading at the University of Baltimore campus, held on the 5th floor of the Student Center at 21 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201. Featuring readings by: Mya Matteo Alexice, Ashley Elizabeth, Annie Marhefka, Aparna Paul, Jessica Nirvana Ram, Casey Newbegin, Maria Picone, Haley Bossé, Chiara di Lello, Sara Mae Sponsored by The Klein Family Center for Communications Design

Contact: Game Over Books and Garden Party Collective
Contact Email: sykora.bob@gmail.com
Organization: The Klein Family Center for Communications Design
Organization URL: https://www.ubalt.edu/schools-and-colleges/yale-gordon-college-of-arts-and-sciences/about-cas/klein-family-center-for-communications-design/index.cfm

Location: Meander Art Bar, 1801 E Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21231
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://4debutpoets.eventbrite.com

Join four poets for a reading from their recent debut collections: Samyak Shertok (No Rhododendron, 2025, Winner of the Donald Hall Prize for Poetry), Mary Helen Callier (When the Horses, 2025, Winner of the Alice James Editor's Choice), Erin O'Luanaigh (Avail, 2026, Paul Dry Books), and Kieron Walquist (Our Hands Hold Violence, 2025, National Poetry Series Winner).

Contact: Erin O'Luanaigh
Contact Email: eoluanaigh@gmail.com
Organization: Meander Art Bar

Location: 4 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free. Registration required.
Event URL: https://citylitproject.salsalabs.org/hardtimesrequirefuriousdancing/index.html

When the world is heavy, we must find our joy and dance. Hard Times Require Furious Dancing* is a gathering that is defiant in joy. Step out of conference mode and onto the dance floor. Come celebrate that one good thing that’s worth the sweat. Featuring DJ Chris Brooks and The Jonathan Gilmore Project, with light bites, a cash bar, a photo booth, and plenty of room to dance, meet people, and reconnect with friends. Whether you come to move or simply be in the room, this is a space for collective joy and footstompin’ music. Wear something festive that makes you feel seen. *Alice Walker

Health & Safety Information:
As a place of well-being, bring your good vibes and energy.

Contact: CityLit Project
Contact Email: info@citylitproject.org
Organization: Wexford Science & Technology * BioPark at the University of Maryland * The Loft Literary Center * Kundiman * Pen Parentis * Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance * Furious Flower Poetry Center * Wintergreen Women Writers Collective * George Mason University * Watershed Lit * Hurston Wright Foundation * The Watering Hole * Cave Canem * Obsidian * Mid Atlantic Arts * Radius of Arab American Writers
Organization URL: https://citylitproject.salsalabs.org/hardtimesrequirefuriousdancing/index.html

Location: Motor House 120 W. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free

Join Cornerstone poets, story writers, and memoirists for an evening of reading. Featuring Baltimore's own Jamey Gallagher, the selections from the inaugural Linda Nemec Foster First Poetry Book Award Kakie Pate, and more!

Contact: Cornerstone Press
Contact Email: cornerstone.press@uwsp.edu
Organization: Cornerstone Press
Organization URL: https://www.uwsp.edu/cornerstone

Location: Viva Books, 326 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Join L'Esprit Literary Review and ARTWIFE Magazine at one of Baltimore's own independent bookstores for an evening of readings, community, and free wine!

Contact: L'Esprit Literary Review, ARTWIFE Magazine
Contact Email: contact@artwifemag.com

Location: Metro Baltimore, 1700 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Fifteen writers from across the country — including Rax King, Mick Carrigan, Kyle Siebel, and Suzi F. Garcia— will read work about or inspired by Rock and Roll (or any of its precursors or offshoots), each for just the length of a song. Doors open at 6. Readings start at 6:30. Baltimore's Moth Broth, a queer psychedelic pop group, plays a set at 8. No cover.

Contact: Dan Hoyt
Contact Email: danhoyt@ksu.edu
Organization: Kansas State University English Department
Organization URL: https://www.k-state.edu/english/

Location: Pickett Brewing Company, 1130 South Paca St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free

Please join McCormack Writing Center (née Tin House) alumni for a casual, unoffocial get together at Picket Brewing Company! We're hoping to reconnect with old friends and bond with new ones. No formal agenda or readings to leave us more time to catch up! Naturally, alumni of any McCormack Writing Center program is welcome - summer workshop, online, winter, spring, autumn, residency, instructors, guests, staff, any and all! Hope to see you there!

Contact: Karthik Raman and Ines Bellina
Contact Email: karthik.k.raman@gmail.com

Location: The Enoch Pratt Library (Auditorium), 4420 Loch Raven Blvd Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
Cost: Free

Calling all NYU MFA alumni and poetry lovers! Join us for NYU & BEYOND: MFA Alumni Open Mic on Saturday, March 7 from 11am–1pm at the Enoch Pratt Library (Auditorium). Each reader gets 5 minutes to share their work — so bring a poem, bring a friend, or just come ready to listen! The library is a short walk away from the convention center. Spots are limited, so don’t wait — message @lenazycinsky or @_dcleach on instagram to join while there’s still room. Let’s celebrate community, creativity, and the power of poetry together!

Contact: Lena Zycinsky, D.C.Leach
Contact Email: lzycinsky@gmail.com

Location: M.A.P. Technologies, 322 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Join us on Friday, March 6, 6-8 pm, for a reading and open mic event sponsored by North American Review, RHINO Poetry, and Hypertext Magazine. Featured authors: Maria Nazos, Summer J. Hart, Carmen Fought, Melisa Cahnmann, Tina Jenkins Bell and Chelsea Laine Wells. Open Mic: First Come, First Served.

Contact: Jeremy Schraffenberger, Emily Stowe,Virginia Bell, Christine Rice
Contact Email: emily.stowe@uni.edu
Organization: North American Review, RHINO Poetry, Hypertext Magazine
Organization URL: https://northamericanreview.org/

Location: The Club Car, 12 W North Avenue, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free

Join fifth wheel press, Mason Jar Press, and Jackleg Press for an evening of burlesque, drag, and literary performance hosted by Baltimore drag artist The Workshop Prince. Readers: Rahne Alexander, Yasmine Bolden, Genevieve DeGuzman, Eze Jackson, Dave K, MANiC!, Amanda McCormick, Rita Mookerjee, Christopher Nelson, Karol Olesiak, Tramaine Suubi, Nicole Tallman, Jade E Welsh, and Stephen Zerance. Donations will be accepted at the door for Trans Maryland.

Contact: Mason Jar Press, fifth wheel press, Jackleg Press
Contact Email: nat@natraum.com

Location: 2640 Space, 2640 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free

phoebe and So to Speak, long standing lit mags of George Mason University, are co-hosting an open mic at 2640 Space on Wednesday March 4th from 6–9 PM. Featuring special guests — Poetry Daily and Stillhouse Press — with a featured reading from Ryan Habermeyer, sharing an excerpt from his forthcoming novel, Necronauts. We’re opening the mic to former and current contributors of all four organizations. Spots are first come, first served. Drop in whenever for a drink and some seriously good lit!

Health & Safety Information:
NA

Contact: phoebe & So to Speak
Contact Email: sgood6@gmu.edu

Location: The Walters Art Museum 600 N Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free

Angry? Confounded? Desperately nursing small seeds of hope? So are we! Join us for poems that curse the darkness, look to the light, and explore the shades and shadows between as we navigate what has become of our streets, our country, and our world. Patricia Spears Jones, Amy Lemmon, Debora Kuan, B.K. Fischer, Catherine Esposito Prescott, and Michele Battiste will read. Come early or stay late to enjoy the galleries of The Walters Art Museum. Food and drink are available at the Walters Cafe and admission is free.

Health & Safety Information:
At The Walters Art Museum, wearing a medical mask in the museum is optional for all visitors, staff, and volunteers. Complimentary masks are available. Touchless hand sanitizer stations are available at each entrance, near restrooms, and in the Museum Cafe.

Contact: Michele Battiste
Contact Email: mcbattiste@gmail.com

Location: Checkerspot Brewing 1421 Ridgely St Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free

Join us at Checkerspot Brewing for a celebratory evening of readings from current students of the Johns Hopkins graduate writing programs in fiction, nonfiction, and science writing. Meet some of our students, alumni, and professors. Food and drink available for purchase.

Contact: Christina Bailey & Laramie Hickman
Contact Email: cbaile26@jhu.edu
Organization: Johns Hopkins MA in Writing (fiction and nonfiction) and MA in Science Writing
Organization URL: https://advanced.jhu.edu/academics/graduate/ma-writing/

Location: Gilman Hall, Room 50, Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD 21218
Cost: Free
Event URL: https://writingseminars.jhu.edu/event/mfa-alumni-reading-amanda-gunn-gwen-kirby/

Join The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University MFA Program for a reading by Amanda Gunn and Gwen Kirby, two recent graduates with acclaimed debuts. Gunn's debut collection of poetry, Things I Didn’t Do With This Body, was published in 2023 by Copper Canyon, and Kirby‘s debut collection of short stories, Shit Cassandra Saw, was published in 2022 by Penguin Books. The 6 pm reading will be followed by a 7 pm reception in the Gilman Atrium, an opportunity to connect with faculty, alumni, and current students, co-sponsored by the Writing Sems and the JH150 Sesquicentennial Celebration Team.

Contact: Dora Malech
Contact Email: doramalech@jhu.edu
Organization: The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University and JH150
Organization URL: https://writingseminars.jhu.edu/