Tahoe Literary Festival

5:00pm PDT

Tahoe Literary Festival Kickoff Celebration: Free

Friday October 9, 2026 5:00pm - 5:45pm PDT

Tahoe Literary Festival Kickoff Celebration
Join us as we open the Tahoe Literary Festival with an inspiring evening that celebrates the power of words and community. The festival kickoff features a welcome, readings from acclaimed and local poets, and featured readings by participating authors. The evening concludes with a community open mic, inviting writers, poets, and storytellers of all experience levels to share their voices. Whether you're a longtime literary enthusiast or attending for the first time, this festive gathering sets the tone for a weekend of creativity, conversation, and connection.

Speakers

Kim Bateman

Presenter

"Dr. Kim Bateman - Author of Crossing the Owl’s Bridge: A Guide for Grieving People Who Still Love. Kim is a clinical psychologist, storyteller, death educator, and end-of-life doula. Dr. Bateman presented a TEDx talk called “Singing Over Bones” on bereavement, and facilitates leadership, communication, and end of life workshops. She serves as the Executive Dean and a Psy... Read More →

Lara Gularte

Lara Gularte is Poet Laureate Emerita of El Dorado County. Her latest book, Soul of Black Stone, is published by “Bruma Publications.” Her work examines family history, identity, culture, and the natural world. Her first book of poetry published by “The Bitter Oleander Pre... Read More →

J.Macon King

J.MACON KING is an award-winning poet, writer, and Editor-in-Chief of Mill Valley Literary Review online. He is known for his Beat-infused, often-theatrical poetic performances and encouraging audience participation. King’s work and adventures have been featured in numerous publications and presented on the stage. He has performed dozens of readings in the Bay Area and Tahoe... Read More →

Chris Olander

Chris Olander, Poet/Teacher with Ca. Poets in Schools since 1984, blends performance techniques with spoken word to create an Action art Poetry: musical image phrasing to dramatize relative experiences--a poetry arising from oral and bard traditions: a sound poet exploring meanings... Read More →

Karen Terrey

Karen Terrey serves as Poet Laureate for Nevada County, CA, where her mission is to support a
welcoming arts community that encourages collaboration and growth. She's an editor and
writing coach, offering creative writing workshops online and in Truckee through her business,
Tangled
... Read More →

Jesse James Ziegler

Jesse James Ziegler is Poet Laureate Emeritus for the City of Reno (5th-Jan/24-Dec/25). He is the Vice President of Spoken Views Collective and the Creative Director for Monday Night Poetry (Voted 2024 and 2025 Best Open Mic - Reno News & Review), True Colors Poetry and Collective... Read More →

Friday October 9, 2026 5:00pm - 5:45pm PDT
Boatworks Mall 760 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City

Free Community Event

4:00pm PDT

Book Fair - Author Meet & Greet Social: Free

Saturday October 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

Boatworks Mall

Tahoe Literary Festival hosts a FREE Books, Bubbles & Banters event open to everyone hosted by The Boatworks, Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City Library and Friends of the Tahoe City Library.

Enjoy libations from Tahoe Wine Collective while shopping the book fair and socializing with fellow writers. Many of the authors featured during the 2026 Tahoe Literary Festival will be on hand to sell and sign their books.

This event is FREE to attend and open to all ages. No-cost registration highly recommended.

Saturday October 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Boatworks Mall 760 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City

Free Community Event

6:00pm PDT

Singer & Songwriter Showcase: Free

Saturday October 10, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm PDT

Tahoe Wine Collective

Hosted by Will Richardson, executive director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, this wildly popular event brings together talented singer-songwriters who will perform and share insights into their songwriting process, background, inspiration, and the creative journey behind their music.

This is a free community event. No-cost registration highly recommended.

Speakers

Will Richardson

Will Richardson is Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) which is a member-supported nonprofit organization seeking to advance the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm PDT
Tahoe Wine Collective 760 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City

Free Community Event