u/mokimbird

Image 1 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
Image 2 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
Image 3 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
Image 4 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
Image 5 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
Image 6 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
Image 7 — It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!
▲ 28 r/Hayward+1 crossposts

It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in October!

Happy October, Hayward! The nights may be getting longer, but our city is still as full of light as ever. Here's this month's slate of literary events:

-Want a cozy community space to write in? Join us every Saturday morning at A. Romo's Cafe for Shut Up And Write meetings!

-Join Hayward Herald and Books on B for a conversation about local journalism this Wednesday 10/7!

-The Sun Gallery is hosting their Mother Earth Exhibition now until Friday 11/13! They're also reopening their Poetry Corner next Saturday 10/10 👀

-This month's Books on B Open Mic is hosted on Saturday 10/17 by local author Aldrian Estepa: roll through to share or listen!

-And finally, both Hayward Library and Hayward Area Historical Society have tons of events happening this month. Check the post for more information :)

These opportunities are for EVERYONE in the community: whether you're a veteran writer or a first-timer, we can't wait to welcome you <3

Please repost/share far and wide - stay safe and warm :)

Your friendly neighborhood Poet Laureate,
Mo

u/mokimbird — 11 days ago
▲ 33 r/Hayward

It's Lit in Hayward - free readings, open mics, and workshops happening in September!

Hayward - it's September and we've got tons of fun, free literary events for you. Of note:

-Saturday poetry workshops at the Hayward Library are on until 9/12! Link to register is still here: https://hayward.librarycalendar.com/event/falling-season-poetry-workshop-poet-laureate-mo-kim-tong-36044

-Books on B has their September open mic on 9/12, hosted by the incredible Jesse Gunn!

-Smalltown Society is hosting a Writing Jam and a Creative Lab for anybody who wants a space to write or create with a supportive, open community!

-We are officially launching Hayward's first Shut Up And Write group on Saturday 9/26 at A. Romo's Cafe (it's exactly what it sounds like)

-Finally, the Sun Gallery and Hayward Arts Council are looking for artists, writers, and creatives who'd like to be a part of their upcoming exhibits!

These events are for EVERYONE in the community - whether you're a veteran writer or a first-timer, we can't wait to welcome you <3

Please repost/share far and wide - hope to see y'all soon :)

With love,

Mo (your friendly neighborhood Poet Laureate)

PS. If you'd like to share what YOU want to see more of in Hayward, it's not too late to fill out the Hayward Literary Arts Survey (check the flyer for the link!)

u/mokimbird — 1 month ago
▲ 72 r/Hayward

It's lit in Hayward - open mics, poetry workshops, and public readings happening in August!

Hello, fellow Haywardians!

Our city's already a pretty lit place...and luckily we've got some great literary events happening in August too! I'll be sharing these updates every month with all of you :)

-Looking for an open mic? Books On B is back with TWO Saturday open mics, hosted by the incredible Ellen McBarnette on 8/1 and the powerhouse Matthew Isaac Sobin on 8/15!

-If you like live poetry, music, arts & crafts, and BBQ, the Hayward Arts Council and Pearl's Cafe are hosting the Hayward Boulevard Art Walk on 8/8! Come to enjoy some summer fun!

-Join us on 8/8 in Hayward Heritage Plaza as we celebrate the inauguration of Santino Torres, Hayward's new Youth Poet Laureate! Live readings and open mic time included!

-Lastly, if you'd like to enter the fall with some poetry inspiration, join us at the library for Saturday workshops starting 8/22. Link to register is here: https://hayward.librarycalendar.com/event/falling-season-poetry-workshop-poet-laureate-mo-kim-tong-36042

We are lucky to live in a place with so much literary talent and energy - and everyone's welcome to the party 🎉

Please repost/share far and wide - hope to see y'all soon :)

PS. If you'd like to share what YOU want to see more of in Hayward, please fill out the Hayward Literary Arts Survey!

-Mo (your friendly neighborhood Poet Laureate)

u/mokimbird — 3 months ago
▲ 46 r/Hayward

Monthly Open Mics @ Books on B - every third Saturday, 5-7pm!

Hello, fellow Haywardians! I'm super excited to share that Books on B is starting up a monthly open mic: we'll be hosting it every third Saturday of the month, from 5-7pm.

July's Open Mic is this Saturday 7/18 from 5-7pm, hosted by Ellen McBarnette, author of Negrita (available for purchase in-store and online). Show up to share your poetry, prose, and other short works - or just to enjoy the literary brilliance in our community :)

Huge thanks to Renee for hosting us again, and can't wait to see everyone there!

https://preview.redd.it/lxn4ouwhb2dh1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=822695b85a2d88de8bf4c9ae8bcc66715d10abeb

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u/mokimbird — 3 months ago
▲ 26 r/Hayward

Want to see more poetry/literary arts programming in Hayward? Let your voice be heard in the Hayward Literary Arts Community Survey!

Dear neighbors,

Hello! My name is Mo, and I wanted to introduce myself as our city's current Poet Laureate.

Over the next 2 years (2026-28), I'll have the privilege of helping promote the literary arts in Hayward through public performances (such as readings and open mics), writing workshops, and other programming open to all in our community.

I'd love to know what YOU want to see more of in our city - if you'd like to share your input, please take 60 seconds and fill out the survey using the link below. I'd love to make sure we plan events that reflect our community's interests and needs!

https://preview.redd.it/91pinw4ex39h1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=4d44416375a1bcf2840f459b8473824ed70b1d2b

Above all, thank you for your time, and have a lovely week :)

-Mo Kim-Tong (Poet Laureate of Hayward)

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u/mokimbird — 4 months ago