Updated 4/17/24
There are many great literary events around Indiana. Looking for something to do? Below are just a few ideas.
Many events are virtual. Please confirm with the venue for scheduled events listed here.
To be featured in our “Literary Events Around Indiana” monthly events blog, email the details to mail@indianawriters.org.
Live Radio Show: Countdown (at IndyReads)
Join the Indy Radio Players for a family-friendly theatrical reading of ‘Countdown’ on April 3rd at 5pm.
The Indy Radio Players made up of former Butler MFA classmates, has a new, all-ages sci-fi show, Countdown, which features the intrepid Erin Carpenter fighting to stop a plot by the evil robot ANN to blow up the world—sort of “Dr. Strangelove” meets “Princess Bride.”
Join us on April 3rd at 5pm for a theatrical reading of this radio play! This show is recommended for all ages.
Author Reading at IndyReads: Susan Muaddi Darraj
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, join Susan Muaddi Darraj for a reading and book discussion of “Behind You is the Sea” on April 4!
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, join Susan Muaddi Darraj for a reading and book discussion of her debut novel, Beyond You is the Sea, on April 4th at 5pm!
This event is recommended for all ages. Proceeds from purchases made at Indy Reads supports our English language, literacy, and job readiness programming.
Authors @ Tomorrow: Matt Cooper
About I Won’t Tell Them Your Name
Shawn lives a quiet life with his wife in what appeared to be a quaint community. But he didn’t find that solace easily. And as he opens himself up to his neighbors, their secrets start to reveal themselves. He discovers not only sex and infidelity all around him, but also an unexpected kind of acceptance and support. His ideas of right and wrong, danger, community, and even family are strained to their breaking point.
All the while, circumstances continue to bring back a specter of his past; a lover that scarred him so deeply he refuses to mention her. But as everyone else’s secrets spiral out of control, mortal perils mount against him, and cruel forces close in on Shawn’s loved ones. Every choice he makes could ruin one of them. But every bond he builds could help them…
About Matt
Matt Cooper is originally from a small community in Northwest Ohio and has lived in Indianapolis for nearly 7 years. He grew up dreaming of being a storyteller. After completing his first novella at age 16 and his first novel at age 18, he published his first novel in 2023 at the age of 36.
YA Author Visit: Jenna Voris & Jenna Miller at Tomorrow Bookstore
Visit Tomorrow Bookstore to meet Young Adult authors Jenna Voris and Jenna Miller. Copies of both authors books will be available for purchase and signing.
Jenna Voris is the author of Made of Stars and Every Time You Hear That Song. Originally from Indiana, she now lives in Washington D.C. where she spends most of her time perfecting her road trip playlists and desperately trying to keep her houseplants alive. Follow her online @JennaVoris and at JennaMVoris.com
Jenna Miller (she/her) writes Young Adult books about fat, queer, nerdy girls who deserve to be seen and have their voices heard. When she’s not obsessing over words, she can be found making charcuterie boards, befriending people online, or exploring places near and far. Learn more at jennamillerwrites.com.
Author Reading at IndyReads: Erin Pringle
Join Indy Reads and author Erin Pringle as she reads from her new collection of stories, Unexpected Weather Events, on April 7th at 12pm.
Erin Pringle will read from her newest book of strange, beautiful stories, Unexpected Weather Events, on April 7th at 12pm. The reading will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. This reading is recommended for ages 17+.
Author Reading at IndyReads: Brent Bill
Join J. Brent Bill at Indy Reads on April 7th at 3pm for a reading of his new book, “Amity: Stories from the Heartland”.
On Sunday, April 7th, at 3pm, join J. Brent Bill for a reading of his new book, Amity: Stories from the Heartland. The reading will be followed by a Question & Answer session and book signing.
This reading is appropriate for all ages.
Jenna Voris in conversation with Jenna Miller
Reservations and more information here
Poetry Open Mic with Indiana Humanities
Celebrate National Poetry Month at Indy Reads on April 10th at 6pm! This event is hosted by Lydia Johnson.
Join Indiana Humanities and Indy Reads for our National Poetry Month Open Mic Night on April 10th at 6pm! This all-ages open mic will be hosted by poet and Indy Reads’ Vice President of Operations Lydia Johnson.
All forms of poetry are welcome. We ask that no explicit language be shared, as this is a family event.
An Evening with Emma Hudelson & Natalie Lima APRIL 13 @ 7:30
(Rescheduled from 3/23)
The Power of Questions, Imagination, and Storytelling in Poetry
Join Indiana Humanities, Indiana Authors Awards, and Indy Reads for a workshop with Chantel Massey on April 13th at 2pm!
Lucille Clifton says “We can create what we cannot imagine.” In this workshop, for kids, teens and adults, we will use poetry by Ross Gay, Lucille Clifton, Mari Evans and more, prompts, and engaging activities to explore what they would like to see for their future, ask them what kind of people they hope to be, and learn about how to build a better community themselves and the ones they love.
This workshop is most appropriate for participants ages 10+.
Thank you to Indiana Humanities and Indiana Authors Awards for their partnership with this workshop! We will see you at Indy Reads on April 13th at 2pm.
Book Release: Gal’s Guide Anthology — Nourish
Final Visiting Writers Series Event of the Year!
Hamilton East Public Library Local Author Fair
The Hamilton East Public Library is excited to host the 2024 Local Author Fair, a free, open house-style event for all ages. Support local storytelling with nearly 60 local children’s, teen, and adult authors and literary organizations from Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, Cicero, Indianapolis, New Palestine, Avon, Bargersville, and other Central Indiana areas. Explore the exhibit space to meet and mingle where authors will be available for book sales and signings. There will be many chances to win book bundles and other prizes for those who attend. New to the fair this year are storytimes and short readings featuring participating authors throughout the afternoon.
This is a FREE event. Entry and parking are FREE and registration is not required.
Location: FORUM Events Center 11313 USA Pkwy. Fishers, IN 4603
Saturday April 20, 2024 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
INconversation at the Eiteljorg Museum with Dr. Tiya Miles
Dr. Tiya Miles is coming to Indianapolis next Thursday
Join award-winning author Tiya Miles and Indiana Humanities for an evening INconversation at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis on April 25 at 6pm. During the program Miles will discuss her book, All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake, which was selected by Indiana Humanities for its 2024 One State / One Story statewide read program.
All That She Carried chronicles the history of an embroidered cotton sack. Moving from the objects in the sack — histories of hair, pecans and dresses — to broader histories such as the architecture of South Carolina, the fabric of the sack cloth, the method of embroidery and the language of the inscription, Miles looks at the object from all angles. Through her storytelling, a possible history of three women and their enduring love is revealed.
Miles will be in conversation with Dr. Joseph Tucker Edmonds, associate professor of Africana Studies and Religious Studies at Indiana University’s School of Liberal Arts (IU Indianapolis) and the associate director of the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture (CSRAAC).
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and registration is required. You can RSVP here.
Community Poetry Workshop
Attention all writers, poets, aspiring poets, and everyone in between: Butler MFA is hosting an upcoming
Community Poetry Workshop—taught by poetry professor Alessandra Lynch! 
This workshop is a supportive creative community designed to inspire, challenge, and enlighten poets of all levels of experience.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 30th- May 23rd, 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Efroymson Center for Creative Writing (530 W Hampton Dr)
Alessandra Lynch’s most recent collection of poetry, “Pretty Tripwire,” was published in 2021. She is also the author of three other poetry collections: “Sails the Wind Left Behind,” “It was a terrible cloud at twilight,” and “Daylily Called It a Dangerous Moment” (winner of the Balcones Prize, finalist for the LA Times Book Award and the UNT Rilke Prize, listed as a NY Times top ten poetry books of 2017).
Currently, Alessandra serves as Butler University’s poet in residence where she teaches in the undergraduate and MFA programs. Her fifth book of poetry, “Wish Ave,” will be published by Alice James Books in 2024.
Please contact Mindy Dunn at mdunn1@butler.edu with any questions. Link in bio for full information & registration.
Coming up Next Month…
Recurring Events
Indy Actor’s Playground
Writing Workshop & Open Mic with IndyUntitled
This monthly workshop/open mic hybrid is for the timid and confident, the professional and the novice, the performers and the spectators.
This workshop/open mic hybrid is for the timid and confident, the professional and the novice, the performers and the spectators. Our hope is through this event and our collective we empower all voices to come together.
4-5pm Workshop: come with what you are working on or writing prompts can be provided
5-5:30pm Break/Network
5:30-7pm Open Mic
This monthly event is recommended for ages 13+.
Drag Story Hour with Prince Brentlee and Aqua Marie–at IndyReads
Visit IndyReads for more information on this recurring pay-what-you-can event
VOCAB (Monthly)
Hosted by Cory Ewing & Januarie York with sounds by DJ Cleopatra
Door 8pm, Show 9pm General Admission *$10 at the door / advance tickets here
White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, United States
Spoken Word ELEVATED: Black Excellence
Rhythm & Poetry Open Mic at PHIRI Art Gallery (Weekly)
Come Experience the Ultimate Vibe with LIVE performances by some of your favorite artists! RHYTHM & POETRY THURSDAYS is also an awesome way to network with like-minded creatives and business professionals from around the city, so be ready to connect with other amazing individuals!
DO0RS OPEN AT 7PM***LIVE PERFORMANCES AT 8:00PM
**ALL ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE:
* Discounts on Photoshoots*
*Discounts on venue rentals
* Discounts on Upcoming Events at Phiri
* Discounts on all services at PHIRI
INFO 404.759.0530 ** 120 East Market Street, Indianapolis
An Evening with the Authors (Monthly)
Every first Thursday of the month
*Fake Authors. Fake Books. Real Funny.
Where literary satire meets sketch comedy.
Comedians take the stage posing as accomplished authors reading from their most recent works.
Featuring: Sam Griswold, Pauline Shypula, Jonathan Pfendler, Stephen Vincent Giles, Gwen Sunkel, Eric Sablan, Mariah Davison and guests
White Rabbit Cabaret 1116 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203
Tea’s the Artist Youth Open Mic Night (Monthly)
Thurs Dec 16 (every third Friday)
Our 3rd Friday is BACCCKKKKK!!! You won’t want to miss the Open Mic night centered around youth & teens and very family centric!!
Calling all youth, teenagers and adults to the stage to share your talents with us. From singing to dancing. Poetry to Spoken Word. Piano to Saxophone. Whatever your talent is, AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY appropriate, we want YOU!
Tea’s Me Cafe Indy (140 E. 22nd Street, Ste. B, Indianapolis, IN 46214)
Writers Helping Writers (Monthly)
Hancock County Public Library has a writing group that meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Join us!
Brick Street Poetry (monthly)
Off the Bricks, a Poetry on Brick Street Podcast
Poetry on Brick Street Series
We meet the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm at Sullivan Munce Cultural Center, 225 West Hawthorne Street, Zionsville, IN 46077.
The next month’s Guest Poet: Poets from the Haiku for Hikers anthology reading with accompanying PowerPoint.
Margarita Mondays Open Mic
Welcome to Margarita Mondays Open Mic Night where you too can be a star
ILLUSIONS 3661 W 86th st
We welcome all comedians rappers poets and singers. Doors open at 8pm
Admission is free. Hosted by Aisha the Comedian and Mic Shaw.
Irving Theater Weekly Poetry Open Mic
Every Thursday night
7:00p – 9:00 PM EST
LOCAL POETS * ORIGINAL POETRY * COME READ OR LISTEN]
A completely nonjudgmental and safe space to share poetry! Every Thursday on the deck at the Irving Theater in the Summer, inside all Winter. Performances are broadcast live on our Facebook page (link below). Come enjoy original poetry and readings from local and regional artists, or present your own poetry.
This event is free.
FACEBOOK LIVE LINK
For more information, visit the Irving Theater’s website
Books & Brews Open Mic
9402 Uptown Dr Suite 1400
Indianapolis, IN 46256
phone: (317) 288-5136
mothership@booksnbrews.com