Sonoma County Literary Update

January 1, 2026

Hello Sonoma County poets and poetry enthusiasts.

I thought I would start off the New Year by celebrating the many reading series being offered throughout Sonoma County. Behind each series is an organizer dedicated to keeping poetry a vital spoken word medium. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to attend a session of every reading series offered throughout Sonoma County, here are a few which I have attended, all of which I can recommend. Many thanks to the organizers of these events, which help us to build community.

Café Frida Reading Series: previously curated by Ed Coletti now curated by Gwynn O’Gara. Occurs several months out of the year Spring through Fall on a Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 PM at Café Frida in Santa Rosa. Several featured readers are presented at each event. Follow the literary update calendar for specific dates in 2026.

New Rivertown Poets: curated by Sande Anfang, Shawna Swetech, and Monica Volker. Alternates between online events on Zoom and in person events at Aqus Café in Petaluma. Takes place starting at 6 PM on the first Monday of the month. Includes featured readers followed by an open mic.

Speakeasy Poetry and Singer/Songwriter Series: curated by Brian Martens. Takes place most months on the second Thursday from 7 to 9 PM at Santa Rosa Art Center. Includes featured readers/singers followed by an open mic.

Poetry Salon at Barrel Proof Lounge: curated by Timothy Williams. Generally takes place once a month on a Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 PM. On occasion it includes an open mic. Barrel Proof Lounge is located in Santa Rosa. Follow the literary update calendar for specific dates in 2026.

Petaluma Poetry Walk: curated by Kary Hess, previously curated by Bill Vartnaw. A one day event historically held on the third Thursday in September. A free, day-long celebration of live readings bringing together poetry and community. The 2025 event featured 26 poets sharing their work across eight local venues.

Santa Rosa Poetry Slam: curated by Jordan Ranft. Held most months of the year on the third Wednesday from 530 to 730 PM at Brew Coffee and Beerhouse in Santa Rosa. The slam is a competitive reading in which the poets are rated and in which the highest scoring poets proceed to the final round.

And here’s a shout out to an event I have placed on my to-do list: Spoken Word Poetry Night takes place monthly at Sonoma Chocolatiers in Sebastopol. For details follow @africaliculture on Instagram.

These are just a few of the many literary events being offered in Sonoma County, so, as always, stay tuned to the literary update calendar.

I would also like to highlight two events I will be leading or participating in this January.

I have been invited to Mendocino County to read at the Ukiah Library as part of the LOBA Reading Series. My reading takes place on Saturday January 17 at 3 PM at the library located at 105 N Main St. Ukiah. There is an open mic during the second half of the event. Details at: https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/48213/

My poet laureate workshop series continues. Wednesday January 21 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum located at 20 4th Street in Petaluma. I have titled the workshop Dusty Artifact or Window Into the Past: Writing Poems on Petaluma History. I held a similar event last year at the Museum of Sonoma County that was well attended and well received. Space is limited, so please sign up early. Details and registration link at: https://www.petalumamuseum.com/calendar-event/dusty-artifact-or-window-into-the-past-writing-poems-on-petaluma-history/

Dave Seter
Sonoma County Poet Laureate 2024-2026
dssocolaureate@gmail.com

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Archives of previous Poet Laureate columns may be found here for 2012,  2013, 2014,  2015, 2016-2017, 2018-2020, 2020-2022, 2022-2024 and 2024-2026.