The poetry community is strong in Sacramento. Many non-poets haven’t been to a reading or slam. For poetry newbies, here is an alphabetical list of some of the area’s venues.
A Taste of Laguna
- When: Every Monday, starting 8 p.m.
- What: Spoken word, deejay, slam and open mic
- Address: 9080 Laguna Main, Elk Grove
- Phone: (916) 691-5272
- Admission: $5
- Directions
Bistro 33
- When: Every second and fourth Tuesday night
- What: Featured poets
- Address: 226 F. St., Davis
- Phone: (530) 756-4556
- Directions
Capitol Garage
- When: Every Wednesday, from 10 p.m.-midnight
- What: Featured poets and open readings
- Address: 1500 K St., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 492-9336
- Admission: $5, for 21 and over only
- Directions
The Cobbler Restaurant
- When: Every Thursday, starting 8 p.m.
- What: Featured poets and open mic; there are plans to expand.
- Address: 3520 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 613-0776
- Directions
Griffin Lounge
- When: First Tuesday, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
- What: Featured poets, open mic, musicians and singers
- Address: Memorial Union, UC Davis campus
- Phone: (530) 752-2525
- Directions
Guild Theatre
- When: Every third Saturday, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
- What: Featured poets and open mic
- Address: 2814 35th St., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 737-3333 (Terry Moore) Admission; $3
- Directions
Gwen’s Caribbean Cuisine
- When: Every third Thursday, starting 7 p.m.
- What: Spoken word, poets, performers, open mic and deejay
- Address: 2355 Arden Way, Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 922-3468
- Admission: $5
- Directions
Luna’s Café & Juice Bar
- When: Every Thursday, starting 8 p.m.
- What: Spoken word, poetry, music and open mic
- Address: 1414 16th St., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 441-3931
- Admission: Free; one drink minimum
- Directions
Queen Sheba's Restaurant
- When: Every Saturday, from 3 p.m.-5p.m.
- What: Featured poets and open mic
- Address: 1537 Howe Ave., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 806-3205
- Directions
Sacramento Poetry Center
- When: Every Monday, starting 7:30 p.m.
- What: Featured poets and open mic
- Address: 1719 25th St. at R Street, Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 451-5569
- Admission: $5
- Directions
Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant
- When: Every Wednesday, from 9 p.m.-midnight
- What: Featured poets and open readings; cash prize slam on last Wednesday of month
- Address: 1704 Broadway, Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 492-9336
- Admission: $5
- Directions
Unitarian Universalists Society of Sacramento
- When: First Sundays, starting 6 p.m.
- What: Featured readers and open mic
- Address: 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 481-3312 or (916) 451-1372
- Directions
Wo'se Community Center
- When: Last Saturdays, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
- What: Featured poets
- Address: 2863 35th St., Sacramento
- Phone: (916) 492-6165 or (916) 455-POET
- Admission: $5
- Directions