<p class=”” data-start=”332″ data-end=”528″>The Mendocino Spring Poetry Celebration will return for its milestone 50th year on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with a full day of readings, tributes, and community gathering—this time in a new location.
For the first time in its half-century history, the event will be held in Fort Bragg, at the JD Center located at 208 Dana Street, rather than in the town of Mendocino where it has traditionally taken place.
Hosted by the Mendocino County Poet Laureate Program, this year’s celebration will honor four influential local poets: Gordon Black, Sharon Doubiago, Bill Bradd, and Dan Roberts. All are recognized for their distinguished work and enduring contributions to Mendocino County’s poetry scene.
Admission is free and open to the public. All community members are encouraged to attend, and poets of all experience levels are invited to share their work.
“This is the one time each year when poets from across Mendocino County come together to celebrate both poetry and community,” organizers said in a statement.
The event will feature two sessions of live poetry readings. Doors open at noon for sign-ups and informal fellowship, with the first session beginning at 1:00 p.m. Following an afternoon intermission, evening sign-ups will begin at 5:00 p.m., with readings starting at 6:00 p.m.
Each poet will be allotted up to four minutes per session to read. Organizers request that poets time their readings in advance to help maintain the flow of the event.
Select readings will be recorded and later aired on “Rhythm Running River,” the long-running KZYX radio program hosted by Dan Roberts. The program blends poetry with world music and archives its broadcasts at outfarpress website.
Attendees are also invited to contribute to a community potluck by bringing snacks, hors d’oeuvres, or beverages.
The event is made possible through the support of several community members and organizations, including FlockWorks and The Blue Door for providing the venue, Blake More for designing the event poster, Michael Riedell for serving as host, and Larry Felson for helping secure the JD Center.
For more information, contact the Mendocino County Poet Laureate Program or visit the official event website.
