Old Capitol Books presents the 2026 Monterey Poetry Festival April 24-26 - three days of poetry readings, open mics, and music.

There are five separate ticketed events. Tickets are $10 in advance (except for the after party on Sunday which is $1). Space is limited - purchase tickets here.

Friday, April 24, 6pm

Poetry Festival Opening Night
featuring Tongo Eisen-Martin, Alie Jones, & KR Morrison
At Old Capitol Books

Friday, April 24, 9pm

Poetry Festival Late Night Open Mic
share your poetry
At Old Capitol Books

Saturday, April 25, 6pm

Monterey County Poet Laureates
featuring Daniel Summerhill & Marie Boucher
At Old Capitol Books

Saturday, April 25, 8pm

Nepotism - poetry and our own inflated egos
featuring Brian Sheffield, Chris Carr, Lisa Garcia, Peter Kleine, Jeff Erwin, Heather Flescher, Alex Jimenez, Pilar Graham, & Pablo Murillo
At Old Capitol Books

Sunday, April 26, 10am

The SF Poetry Renaissance
a course and workshop with poet Avery Burns
At Old Capitol Books

Sunday, April 26, 3pm

Pop and Hiss Party
featuring Alex Ramirez, Morticai, & others
At Pop & Hiss in Pacific Grove