Poetry Happens Here
Santa Barbara is a thriving creative community which includes poets and poetry lovers of all kinds. Santa Barbara even has its own poetry press, Gunpowder Press, which includes local poets in its Shoreline Voices series.
Upcoming & Recent Poetry Events
- Work sought for MLK Day youth poetry and essay contest, deadline October 30Youth 6-18 are invited to submit poems inspired by MLK Jr. and the theme of justice.
- Ekphrastic poems celebrating the work of Patricia Chidlaw, September 23Santa Barbara poets respond to the paintings of Patricia Chidlaw at this book launch at Sullivan Goss.
- Let’s Chat About Poetry with Laure-Anne Bosselaar, September 20Join local poetry professor and esteemed author, Laure-Anne Bosselaar, for a reading of favorite poems. Sun., September 20, 4-5 pm, domecil
- The Poetry Club, Goleta Valley Library, September 20A monthly event: read a favorite poem or one of your own, or simply enjoy the voices of others. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2-3 pm.
- Poetry in the Bowl: Crystal AC Salas and Catherine Abbey Hodges, Sept. 12Gunpowder Press poets Crystal AC Salas and Catherine Abbey Hodges read outdoors at the SBMNH. Rob Hodges accompanies on cello.
- Poetry Zone Open Mic, September 10Bjorn Birnir hosts an open mic at the Poetry Zone on Thursday, September 10, 4-6 pm at the former Staples, 401 State St., Santa Barbara.
- Blue Whale Reading: Stephanie Barbé Hammer and Perie Longo, September 9Blue Whale Reading Series, featuring poets Stephanie Barbé Hammer and Perie Longo. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5:30 pm, Unity of SB Chapel.
- Lowstate Writing Salon, September 8Writing community w/ big focus on play & sparking something weird. We’re about word games & praise kinks. Tues., Sept. 8, 7pm, at Blue Owl.