2026 Program Schedule

Some listed times are approximate. Check back often for updates as the Festival date approaches.

8:30: Doors Open

Participant Registration, in the lobby
Poets & Presenters Check-In
Festival Café opens
Poetry Place opens

9:00—9:20: Welcome

Welcome with Eliza Tudor, Executive Director, Nevada County Arts Council. Joined by Shelly Covert, Executive Director, Nevada City Rancheria

9:20—10:15: Keynote

Robert Hass and Brenda Hillman ||
In this keynote talk, acclaimed poets….

10:15—10:25: Break

10:25—10:30:

Introduction: Joanna Campion Watt

10:30—11:00: Morning Readings

  • Major Jackson

  • Jimmy Vega

11:00—11:10: Break

On the way to workshops….

11:10—12:10: Morning Workshops

  • || with Major Jackson

  • || with Jimmy Vega

  • || with Joanna Campion Watt

12:10—12:15: Break

12:15—1:00: Translation Panel

  • Francesca Bell

  • Daniel Bellm

  • Moderated by Boris Dralyuk

1:00—1:50: Lunch

Lunch and Refreshments

1:50—2:05: Community Voices

  • Celebrating our Open Mic Winners

  • Poetry Out Loud student winners

2:05—2:50: In Conversation

  • Marcelo Hernandez Castillo

  • Undocupoets Fellows

2:50—3:00: Break

3:00—3:05: Film

3:05—3:50: Afternoon Readings

  • José Hernandex Diaz

  • Tongo Eisen-Martin

  • Tess Taylor

3:50—4:00: Break

On the way to afternoon workshops…

4:00—5:00: Workshops

  • || with José Hernandez Diaz

  • || with Tongo Eisen-Martin

  • || with Tess Taylor

5:00: Post-Poetry Unwind

  • Happy Hour—the Center’s no-host bar and refreshments

  • Book Signing by our featured poets

6:00: It’s a wrap!