One Page Wednesday [FREE EVENT]
Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Come with a single page of work and sign up to read—or come to listen and prepare to be inspired.Our host is the one and only, Emme Lund. The featured reader for October is Matthew Dickman.
ad tendo: with Oregon Symphony Artist-in-Residence Simone Porter [FREE EVENT]
Friday, October 3, 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Join us for a solo violin performance and talk by Oregon Symphony 2025/26 Artist-in-Residence, Simone Porter.
First Matter Press 2025 Book Launch [FREE EVENT]
Saturday, October 4, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Join First Matter Press in celebrating the launch of their 2025 titles.
See it to Believe It: Visual Poetry Workshop [WRITING CLASS]
Sundays, October 5–November 9, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Over the course of this six-week workshop, writers can expect to generate four new poetry experiments, one complete visual poetry project, and leave the workshop with a working knowledge of this exciting genre. Instructor: Paige Thomas
Banned Books Read-In [FREE EVENT]
Sunday, October 5, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
We’ve teamed up with Libro.FM, Silent Bookclub, and over 400 bookstores nationwide to host a Read-In in protest of censorship. Bring your own book or try a recommendation from our shelves, grab a bite from our cafe, and come read together!
Nonfiction Book Pitches That Sell: Writing a Winning Proposal [WRITING CLASS]
Mondays, October 6–October 27, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Participants will leave with a proposal outline, a clearer sense of what agents and editors look for, and the confidence to take their next publishing step. Instructor: Charlotte Chipperfield
Nature Writing Seminar [WRITING CLASS]
Tuesdays, October 7–November 24, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom
Throughout this eight week course, students will look at the many ways in which humans are connected to our natural surroundings, both urban and remote. Instructor: Emily Strelow
Near Flesh: A Celebration of Katherine Dunn [FREE EVENT]
Tuesday, October 7, 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Join us in welcoming Omar El-Akkad, Jeff VanderMeer, and Crystal Willer for a conversation on the work of Katherine Dunn, celebrating the posthumous release of her short story collection Near Flesh.
What a Time to Be Alive: Jade Chang in Conversation with Genevieve Hudson [FREE EVENT]
Thursday, October 9, 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Join us in celebrating Jade Chang’s latest novel, What a Time to Be Alive.
Lit Mic presents: Murder in the Bookstore [TICKETED EVENT]
Saturday, October 11, 5:30–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Participants will search for clues, interview witnesses, and conduct their own investigation via creative writing prompts and sharing to solve the murder.
Writing Outside of the Self [WRITING CLASS]
Mondays, October 13–November 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
In this six-week course, we will develop stories we are not yet sure how to write and uncover just how effective and dynamic our unique storytelling can be. Instructor: Stephanie Victoire
Roberto Bolaño: 2666 [READERS SEMINAR]
Mondays, October 13–November 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Roberto Bolaño’s posthumous novel 2666 attempts to explore the totality of evil in the 20th century. Ranging from World War II to Detroit to the deserts of Mexico, the nearly 1000-page book presents a huge cast of characters. Guide: Benjamin McPherson Ficklin.
I Am You: Victoria Redel in Conversation with Kimberly King Parsons [FREE EVENT]
Tuesday, October 14, 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
The Literary Arts Bookstore is pleased to welcome Victoria Redel in celebration of her latest, I Am You, in conversation with 2025 Oregon Book Award Winner Kimberly King Parsons.
Carl G. Jung: Memories, Dreams, Reflections [READERS SEMINAR]
Wednesdays, October 15–December 3, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
This seven-session class willJung’s spiritual journey and well as the creation of his psychology through his singular memoir Memories, Dreams, Reflections. Guide: Jesse Carsten
Yallah! Muslims Write: Three Months to Publication [WRITING CLASS]
Wednesdays, October 15 and 29, November 12 and 26, December 10 and 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Online
This is a six-session workshop for self-identifying Muslim artists to join together in a joyful, supportive, and courageous community space to share their writing and receive feedback, with the expressed goal of submitting work for publication. Instructor: mhd borhan
October Write-In [FREE EVENT]
Wednesday, October 15, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Write-ins are community gatherings where writers come together to share space, write, and make connections. Whether you’re here to hit word count or make a new friend, we’re here to support you!
Oregon Book Awards Author Tour: Pendleton [FREE EVENT]
Thursday, October 16, 7:00–8:00 p.m. | Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N Main St, Pendleton
First Draft Writers Series, in partnership with Literary Arts, will present Oregon Book Awards Authors Becky Ellis, Charlie J. Stephens and tina ontiveros for a free reading.
Slamlandia[FREE EVENT]
Thursday, October 16, 7:00–9:30 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
We encourage poets new and old to come share their work. We strive towards a safe space for poets to read their own poetry, witness others, and participate in community.
Portland Arts & Lectures: Elizabeth Gilbert [SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED]
Thursday, October 16, 7:30–9:00 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland
We are thrilled to present the first lecture in our 2025–26 series with #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, speaking on her latest work All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation—about memoir about love, addiction, and healing.
Oregon Book Awards Author Tour: Enterprise [FREE EVENT]
Friday, October 17, 7:00–8:00 p.m. | Fishtrap, 107 W. Main St, Enterprise, OR
In partnership with Fishtrap, Literary Arts brings the Oregon Book Award Author Tour to Wallowa County! Featured readers are Becky Ellis, a finalist in creative nonfiction for Little Avalanches: A Memoir, tina ontiveros, finalist in Creative Nonfiction for rough house, and Charlie J. Stephens, finalist in fiction for A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest.
Oregon Book Awards Author Tour: Baker City [FREE EVENT]
Saturday, October 18, 7:00–8:00 p.m. | Crossroads Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave, Baker City, OR
In partnership with Baker County Library, Betty’s Books, and Crossroads Arts Center, the Oregon Book Awards Author Tour will be in Baker City, with four Oregon Book Awards authors.
Tools for Nonfiction Narrative Writing [WRITING CLASS]
Tuesdays, October 21—December 16, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Learn the craft of narrative writing. Participants will learn to write perceptively – deploying their five senses and delving into feelings as they write. Instructor: Garet Lahvis
Ghostly Encounters: Open Mic [FREE EVENT]
Tuesday, October 21, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Storytellers will sign up have five minutes to enchant us with their ghoulish tales! Our only requirement is that these stories are true—or at least, true to you. Audience members will vote to decide who wins the title of Ghost King and brings home a special prize!
Five Decades of Short Stories: The ’70s through 2010s [READERS SEMINAR]
Wednesdays, October 22–December 3, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
This six-week seminar is designed for writers interested in doing deep reads of contemporary literature from a craft perspective. Guide: Michelle Kicherer
Bookmark: A Benefit For Literary Arts [FUNDRAISING GALA]
Thursday, October 23, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Portland Art Museum, 1119 SW Park Ave, Portland
Come be part of a special evening with a reception, dinner, and engaging program of storytelling and opportunities to support Literary Arts.
Halloween Story Time with A.A. Livingston [STORY TIME]
Sunday, October 26, 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Join us for a very special spooky story time with local author A.A. Livingston and her book, Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween. Costumes encouraged!
Timothy Snyder in Conversation [TICKETED EVENT]
Tuesday, October 28, 7:30–9:00 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland
Literary Arts is thrilled to present Timothy Snyder, bestselling author of On Tyranny. Literary Arts’ Executive Director Andrew Proctor will be in conversation with Snyder about his latest work, On Freedom
BIPOC Reading Series [FREE EVENT]
Wednesday, October 29, 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
This monthly reading series is intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color. This event is open to everyone, but only people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color will be invited to read.
Memoir Foundations: Writing the Truth Without Losing the Thread [WRITING CLASS]
Thursdays, October 30–November 20, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
Over four sessions, you’ll learn how to identify your memoir’s deeper message, build a strong narrative arc, and make structural choices that serve both your story and your reader.
Building Worlds of Wonder: Speculative Fiction [WRITING CLASS]
Thursdays, October 30–December 11, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Online
Over six sessions we’ll study and practice specific techniques used by established speculative fiction authors such as N.K. Jemisin and Nalo Hopkinson. We’ll examine examples of “world-building in small doses” and try our hands at it. Instructor: Nisi Shawl
Portland Parks Foundation presents: Green Dreams: Through the Eyes of the Elk [FREE EVENT]
Thursday, October 30, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand Ave, Portland
The David P. Thompson Elk Fountain has been a Portland icon for 125 years. Removed from its home downtown due to collateral damage from community protests in 2020, the Elk has been out of sight but not out of mind as it makes its return this fall. The Elk is not just a fountain. It’s art, a gathering place, and a symbol. But, of what? For whom? Join Portland Parks Foundation for the second event in their 2025 Green Dreams series, “On the Nature of Monuments,” in partnership with the City’s Portland Monuments Project.
Events subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check out our full events calendar.
