Bookstore Free Events
James Ciano, Bobby Elliott, and Nick Martino in conversation
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome poets James Ciano, Bobby Elliott, and Nick Martino for an evening of celebrations and conversation.
45 events found.
Events, Classes, and Seminars
Our events, classes, and seminars bring the community together to hear, learn, and discuss the most compelling issues and ideas of our day. We hope you will join us in our community space and bookstore at 716 SE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR, online, and at partnering venues across Portland and Oregon.
In-person Writing Classes
Demystifying the Editing Process
This class is designed to demystify the editing process with applicable tools for editing at each stage of your draft. From fiction to creative nonfiction, this five-week workshop offers in-depth looks at different editorial tools to use to help you refine your story and your language.
Bookstore Free Events
Jamie Fisher in conversation with Lydia Kiesling
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is excited to welcome author Jamie Fisher to celebrate her latest book, Nobody Broke Your Heart: An Intimate Biography of Elliott Smith. Fisher will be joined in conversation by author Lydia Kiesling. About the book: The first all-encompassing biography of Elliott Smith, offering an intimate portrait of his life
In-person Writing Classes
The Art of Fiction
Although this course will predominantly take the form of a workshop, it will also provide insights into the craft of writing by drawing upon principles from The Art of Fiction, essays on literary craft, and published short stories. Designed for beginner and advanced writers, this course meets for ten sessions total. Students will have the opportunity to share two pieces (up to 25 pages each) and receive constructive feedback in a thoughtfully facilitated, supportive atmosphere.
Bookstore Free Events
August Hand-Sewing Social with SCRAP PDX
Join us at The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe to hand-sew decorative plush to celebrate summer fruit! Sew felt cherries, strawberries, citrus slices, bananas, avocados, and more! ✨ Bring a friend! Make a friend! Grab a beverage, browse the books, and gather round to hand-sew some incredible (inedible) fruitful charms! Traceable templates & embroidery stitch
Bookstore Free Events
Kavi Yaga in conversation with Amy Marcott
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome author Kavi Yaga to celebrate her debut short story collection, The Vanishings. Yaga will be joined in conversation by Amy Marcott. About the book: Eight jeweled hauntings . . . the disappeared and disappearing, the once-longed-for, the self, the empty door . . . each
Free Events In-person
Slamlandia – August
Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space for all literary communities in Portland. We encourage poets new and old to come share their work. We strive towards a safe space for poets to read their
Bookstore Free Events
August Write-In: Cosmic Vibes
Come on down to the Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe for our monthly write-in. This month’s theme is Cosmic Vibes! This month's special is called Cosmic Dancer, a sweet spritz where Blackberries and lime come together to make a deliciously tart drink. Stay up to date with the Literary Bookstore news! Sign up for our newsletter and
Bookstore Free Events
heidi restrepo rhodes: Ampersand Organ
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome author heidi restrepo rhodes to celebrate their debut short story collection, Ampersand Organ. About the book: A fearless, expansive collection that blurs the boundary between body and poem, wielding a liberatory lyric impulse that revels from neuron to nebula and back. Here is a
Bookstore Free Events
Kelly Anderson in conversation with Rachel Hochhauser
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome author Kelly Anderson to celebrate the release of book, The Wild Beneath. Anderson will be joined in conversation by Rachel Hochhauser. About the book: For readers of Wild Dark Shore and The Time Traveler’s Wife, a fierce, haunting story of one woman caught between her first love and
In-person Writing Classes
More Will Be Revealed: Writing Through Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Recovery
Together we will read & write creative writing on substance abuse, addiction & recovery, with an emphasis on harm reduction, healing, and reclamation. We will look at poems, short stories, and essay writing centering themes of addiction by their loved ones and by those with lived experience.
Bookstore Ticketed Events
July Hand-Sewing Social with SCRAP PDX
Join us at The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe to hand-sew decorative plush to celebrate SWIMMING season with our friends from SCRAP PDX! Sure, Portland isn't a beach town, but we sure love a good "beach day" on a riverfront. Sew felt shells, fish, beach balls, and more! ✨ Bring a friend! Make a friend!
Bookstore Free Events
The Stafford Challenge 2025-26 Anthology Book Launch
The Literary Arts Bookstore and Wild Poet Events are delighted to present “The Stafford Challenge 2025-26 Anthology Book Launch.” Join us for a night of readings from this year’s anthology! This event is free and open to all ages. Learn more about the anthology at: https://wildpoetpress.com. About The Stafford Challenge The Stafford Challenge is a
In-person Writing Classes
Journalism for Every Writer
This class will provide an introduction to journalism for every writer. Learning the fundamentals of reporting, researching, writing, editing and fact-checking can enhance any writing practice. In five, two-hour sessions, students of all levels will learn basic journalistic skills they can apply to their own projects, whatever the genre.
Bookstore Free Events
July Write-In: Beach Day
Come on down to the Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe for our monthly write-in. This month’s theme is Beach Day! ☀️ Join us for a beach trip (in our imaginations). The cafe will be serving a special beach-themed drink called "Write on the Beach," a peach, orange, and cranberry spritz inspired by the classic cocktail.
Bookstore Free Events
Terria Smith in conversation with Ursula Pike
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome author Terria Smith to celebrate her new memoir, I Love You So Many. Smith will be joined in conversation with Ursula Pike. About the book: I Love You So Many begins with a question: do other California Indians travel? After spending decades working in journalism
Bookstore Free Events
Christine Hartman-Derr in conversation with Steph Littlebird
The Literary Arts Bookstore and NAYA are pleased to welcome author Christine Hartman-Derr to celebrate her latest middle-grade novel, Raven Rising. Hartam-Derr will be joined in conversation by Steph Littlebird. About NAYA: Founded by the community, for the community, NAYA is a regional center for Native resilience and self-determination. We wrap community in
Free Events Oregon Literary Fellowships
Oregon Literary Fellowships Information Session
Featured
Questions about applying to this year's Oregon Literary Fellowships? Join us at this information session! Drop-in anytime between 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. Please contact Alexa Winik (alexa@literary-arts.org) if you have any questions.
Bookstore Free Events
Kaitlyn Teer in conversation with Chelsea Bieker
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is excited to welcome author Kaitlyn Teer to celebrate her latest essay collection, Little Apocalypses. Teer will be joined in conversation by local author Chelsea Bieker. About the book: A thoughtful, evocative, and urgently needed collection that reimagines the stories we tell about motherhood, climate change, and the end
In-person Writing Classes
Summer Flâneur: Strolling and Writing
In this generative writing workshop, we will explore a slice of Portland as flâneurs, or writers who walk and observe as part of their practice.
Free Events In-person
Slamlandia – July
Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space for all literary communities in Portland. We encourage poets new and old to come share their work. We strive towards a safe space for poets to read their
Bookstore Free Events
Dan Werb in conversation with Elizabeth Weinberg
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is excited to welcome author Dan Werb to celebrate the release of his latest book, Our Wild Familiars. Werb will be joined in conversation by Elizabeth Weinberg. Although this is a free event, we kindly ask that you RSVP in advance. Thank you! About the book: In Our Wild
Bookstore Free Events
Art in Authoritarian Times: Artistic Freedom as Democratic Infrastructure with Scot Nakagawa
NOTE: RSVPs for this event are currently closed. If you would like to join the waitlist, please fill out this form. What does it mean to make art in a moment when democracy itself is under threat, and why do authoritarians always come for artists first? In this urgent presentation, strategist and democracy
In-person Writing Classes
Performing Your Work: Practice for Public Readings
You’ve worked hard on your writing and you want to bring it to your readers beyond the page. As writers, we don’t often get much instruction in performing our work. Even as we give public readings, make audio recordings, and film our excerpts for the internet, we’re often left to our own devices. In this course, we’ll practice reading our work aloud, incorporating theatrical techniques and exercises, and experimenting with performance styles to bring our words to life for an audience.
Delve for Writers Delve Readers Seminars In-person
Carmen Maria Machado: Her Body And Other Parties and In the Dream House
This Delve for Writers will use Machado's short stories and memoir as a jumping off point for our own horror and fairy tale infused fiction and non-fiction writing. We will find the surreal within the mundane details of life and celebrate that.
Bookstore Free Events
Mike Copperman in conversation with Margaret Malone
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is excited to welcome writer Michael Copperman to celebrate the launch of their book, Seeking Kenny. Coppermen will be joined in conversation by Margaret Malone. About the book: Kenny Cox devoted his life to wrestling: winning ten Oregon championships in collegiate, freestyle, and Greco-Roman, and five junior national championships. But
In-person Writing Classes
Advanced Fiction Workshop
This class is for fiction writers who have already made significant progress on novels, novellas, or short stories. This six-week workshop will offer in-depth guidance to students on their fiction writing projects.
Free Events In-person
One Page Wednesday – JULY
***REMINDER NEW START TIME*** One Page Wednesday will begin at 6:30 PM, with open mic sign-ups opening at 6:00 PM. Here is an opportunity to share or listen to one page of work in progress from talented writers from everywhere. Come with a single page of work and sign up to read – or come
Bookstore Free Events
YA and Middle-Grade Literature Pride Celebration
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome Ari Koontz, author of Just Ask Elsie, and 2026 Oregon Book Awards finalist Sara Ryan, author of Mountain Upside Down, for a special Pride celebration featuring book discussions, and community conversations. There will be fun hands-on activities throughout the evening. Join us on the mezzanine
Bookstore Free Events
2026 Oregon Literary Fellowships Reading
Join us at the Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe for a celebratory evening of readings from the 2026 Oregon Literary Fellowship recipients. The following fellows will be joining us: Devon Fredericksen Jeremy Klemin Amy Marcott Jeffree Morel Jae Nichelle Pooja Nukala Diana Oropeza Molly Reid Jason Sepac Casey Walker Airlie Press Provecho Magazine This event
Bookstore Free Events
Rowan Kingsbury: Avery and the Squirrel Delivery
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is thrilled to welcome 2026 Oregon Book Awards finalist Rowan Kingsbury to celebrate the release of their latest book, Avery and the Squirrel Delivery. This event includes a presentation by Kingsbury and a special craft. About the book: A charming and sweet easy-to-read fairy adventure comic that touches on
Bookstore Free Events
Michelle St. Romain in conversation with Sandra Freels
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is pleased to welcome Michelle St. Romain to celebrate her debut novel, Song of Belonging. Michelle will be in conversation with Sandra Freels. About the book: For fans of Kate Morton, Amy Harmon, and Sally Page comes a multigenerational novel infused with touches of magical realism about a woman’s
Free Events Online Oregon Literary Fellowships
Oregon Literary Fellowships Drop-In Information Session
Questions about applying to this year's Oregon Literary Fellowships? Join us at this information session! Drop in any time between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.; register at this link.
Free Events In-person
BIPOC Reading Series – June
***NEW START TIME*** Starting in June, the BIPOC Reading Series will begin at 6:30 PM. This monthly reading series is intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black
In-person Writing Classes
Your Memoir: Finding the Story Within the Story
Turn lived experience into a compelling memoir. This four-week course helps writers shape personal stories with clarity, structure, and intention. You’ll explore narrative arc, voice, and emotional truth while learning how to craft a story that resonates without losing your thread along the way.
Bookstore Free Events
June Write-In: PRIDE
Join us at the Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe for our monthly write-in. This month's theme is Pride. Enjoy a night of community writing and light socializing. All are welcome! About write-ins: 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
In-person Writing Classes
Sensory Immersion: Writing Sound, Touch, Sight, Taste, and Vision
This generative summer writing class will be a journey through all five senses. Each week we will read and/or view published pieces that focuses on a specific sense, then develop our own sensory work through discussion and generative prompts. Open to writers of all genres and experience levels.
Free Events In-person
Slamlandia – June
Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space for all literary
Bookstore Free Events
Melissa Febos in conversation with Genevieve Hudson
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is thrilled to welcome Melissa Febos to celebrate the paperback release of her book, The Dry Season. Febos will be joined in conversation by Genevieve Hudson. About the book: In the wake of a catastrophic two-year relationship, Melissa Febos decided to take a break: For three months, she would
Delve Readers Seminars In-person
Simone Weil: Paying Attention to the World
One of the most compelling figures of modern thought, Simone Weil (1909–1943) was a brilliant, often startling, and visionary thinker. She was a philosopher (one of first two women in France to earn a PhD, along with her classmate Simone de Beauvoir), teacher, writer, factory worker, pacifist, soldier, marxist, anarchist, Jewish, Christian, mystic, exile, playwright, translator, and mathematician.
Bookstore Free Events
Cafe-versary: The Mendoza Cafe at Literary Arts turns one
To celebrate the Mendoza Cafe’s first chapter, Literary Arts is inviting the community to join us from June 14 through July 4 for food and drink specials inspired by the literary spirit of the cafe. Visitors can enjoy special menu offerings, vote for their favorite in-house syrup flavor, and take part in anniversary promotions throughout the celebration. Whether
Bookstore Free Events
Illuminated Cities: zehra imam in conversation with Omar El Akkad
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is honored to welcome Illuminated Cities founder zehra imam for an evening of conversation with National Book Award-winning author and Literary Arts board member Omar El-Akkad. About Illuminated Cities: Since 2012, Illuminated Cities has worked with communities impacted by systemic violence to offer: Creative healing tools for expression through
Bookstore Ticketed Events
June Hand-Sewing Social with SCRAP PDX
NEW DATE! The Literary Arts Bookstore and Cafe is thrilled to partner with SCRAP PDX for monthly crafting events. Join us at The Literary Arts Bookstore and Cafe to hand-sew decorative plush to celebrate the start of PICNIC season! Sew felt berries, sandwiches, flowers, and more; customize a felt charcuterie board! Bring a friend! Make
Bookstore Free Events
Brianna Jett in conversation with Courtney Gould
The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is excited to welcome author Brianna Jett to celebrate the release of their book, Under a Carnivore Sky. Jett will be in conversation with 2026 Oregon Book Award finalist Courtney Gould. I’m the only one left hunting the monster, the only one left with a chance of saving us
Bookstore Free Events
June Write-In: Portland Book Week Edition
To celebrate Portland Book Week, the Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is hosting a special write-in. The evening's theme is roadtrip! Put pen to paper and write about your next cross-country adventure. Need inspiration? Try our gumball machine full of thoughtful writing prompts. About write-ins: Write-ins are community gatherings where writers come together to share
