LitPDX seeks to amplify marginalized voices, and welcomes all, their ideas, their events, and their words.

For details regarding specific events please contact the organizers or venues. If you are an organizer or venue and would like to reach out to us please feel free to contact us or submit an event using our submission form. We’d love to hear from you!

The Moth: StorySLAM: Bold

The Secret Society 116 NE Russell St, Portland, OR, United States

BOLD: Prepare a five-minute story about living out loud, rising to the occasion and undertaking the adventure that has always been a dream. Your last big statement, that moment you did not back down where your courage and flair surprised you. Mixing stripes with polka dots (that statement scarf), being the first to say "I love you" or asking for that raise. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? This venue is 21+. *Tickets for this event are available one week before the show, at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. *Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales…

$15

Storytime and Signing with Tonya Lippert

Books Around the Corner 40 NW 2nd Street, Gresham, OR, United States

Franny loves her school. She's played, read, studied, and even napped here. Franny has lots of good memories there. But today it's time to leave. As Franny prepares to move to a new school, she takes time to reminisce and cherish her old school. She wants to find a way to honor this special place. How can Franny say goodbye? Includes a Reader's Note by the author with information on how to guide children through periods of transition or change and acknowledge their feelings throughout the experience. Join us on Saturday, July 6 at 1:00 PM as we welcome local author Tonya Lippert with a very special storytime and signing of her book GOODBYE SCHOOL.Books are available for purchase at Books Around the Corner now…

Free

Grief Rites Readers Series ~ July 8

American Legion Post 134 2104 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR, United States

A monthly storytelling showcase about grief, loss and love. Gather in community with others who share grief in all forms and manifestations. Come ready to cry, laugh, listen and hold space for yourself and others. *Trigger warning, because Grief. Content not edited for language or topic. Mature audience. *Venue is accessible; gender-neutral restrooms on premises Readings begin promptly at 7pm. Come early, grab a drink (full bar) and find your seat. Please consider bringing canned goods or cold weather clothing/blankets to donate to the Post 134 food & clothing pantry, which serves local veterans, houseless and anyone in need. ***This month's event will include an open mic, in addition to our curated readers. If you have words to share about your grief, we welcome you.***…

Free

Storytime for Grownups

Rose City Book Pub 1329 NE Fremont, Portland, OR, United States

David Loftus' long-running storytelling series returns once again to the Rose City Book Pub, this time bringing one of the first ever "beach reads" to the Book Pub, F. Scott Fitzgerald's fantasy The Offshore Pirate. When the yacht Narcissus is hijacked off the coast of Florida, spoiled heiress Ardita Fernam finds herself the prisoner of a jazz band, "Curtis Carlyle and His Six Black Buddies," who apparently held up a Palm Beach ballroom, relieved all the wealthy guests of their jewels and other valuables, and are hightailing it to their island hideout. Carlyle proves to be something of a gentleman and a decent conversationalist, and Ardita doesn't have anything better to do, so she tags along with her captors, though her furious rich uncle is…

Free

Green Bean Books 10th Anniversary Celebration!!!

Green Bean Books 1600 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR, United States

Join us for a ecstatic celebration of 10 years of bringing books and events to our community! At 11am, we'll have a story time with popular therapy alpaca, Napoleon! Then, at 12pm, we'll have an unveiling of our new permanent outdoor diorama made by artist and children's book creator, Maggie Rudy! We'll offer 10% off everything in our store and we'll also be serving treats on the deck all day! Come and join our celebration and thank-you for supporting us for the past ten years!

Free

Back Fence PDX: Summer 2019: Intro to Storytelling

Literary Arts 925 SW Washington Street, Portland, OR, United States

Master the art of live true personal storytelling, to get in on the fun on stage at The Moth, Back Fence PDX, or any of the storytelling shows in town. In this three week intro course, you will learn the basics of story construction using the five-part story arc, and how to use themes to choose your details and hone the right tone. You will also get the goods on how to deliver your best performance onstage. This class culminates in a live storytelling show, where you’ll tell your story before a live audience and have your story recorded as an audio file for you to keep. Mindy Nettifee, MA is one of the producers of Back Fence PDX and host for the Moth. She…

$175

Kids’ Storytime With Megan Wagner Lloyd

Powell's City of Books 1005 W Burnside Street, Portland, OR, United States

Today, author Megan Wagner Lloyd joins us to read from her new picture book, Paper Mice (Simon & Schuster/Pamela Wiseman). It's the middle of the night, and two paper mice find adventure — and each other — as they explore their new home in a beautifully written story of friendship.

Free

Drag Queen Story Hour

Powell's City of Books 1005 W Burnside Street, Portland, OR, United States

Children of all ages and adults are invited to our first Drag Queen Story Hour, a family celebration promoting inclusivity and creativity, and featuring special guest Clare Apparently, who will be reading Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and Love, Z by Jessie Sima. Created by Michelle Tea, Drag Queen Story Hour now happens regularly all over the world. This event is proudly cosponsored by Q Center, the largest LGBTQ2SIA+ community center in the Pacific Northwest. Come join us!

Free

Back Fence PDX: RUSSIAN ROULETTE

The Old Church Concert Hall 1422 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR, United States

STORYTELLERS:  CHRIS WILLIAMS Past Winner, Creator of Front Porch Sessions and The Turnout Storytelling Series at The Secret Society, Does a Spon-On Marlon Brando Impression (Heavier Marlon Brando), Has Never Drank Coffee Ever, Not Once, In His Life, KATIE PIATT Past Winner, Member of That’s What She Said Queer Comedy Collective, Seasoned Performance Artist, Grandma in Training, ALEX DANG Writer, Program Specialist at Literary Arts, Knows Too Much About the Show Friends, Former Speech and Debate Champion, and three other fantastic storytellers! Hosted & Produced by B. FRAYN MASTERS & MINDY NETTIFEE Music by DJ BOBBY D from XRAY.fm ASL Interpretation by BLAKE WALES DOORS 6:30PM ⎮ SHOW 7:30PM $16-26 ADVANCE ⎮ $20 DOOR — Note: We will have walk-up tickets set aside for sale at the door. VIP ticket holders will receive $10 GC…

$16 – $26

The Moth: StorySLAM: Backfired

Holocene 1001 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR, United States

BACKFIRED: Prepare a five-minute story about the best laid plans that... weren't. From bungled diamond heists to busted dinner reservations, tell us about foolproof schemes gone bad, a cunning plot that went awry. Muffler malfunctions also welcome. This venue is 21+ *Tickets for this event are available one week before the show, at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. *Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales final. Media Sponsors: OPB and Literary Arts

$15