Poetry Gatherings

Since 1919, the Ina Coolbrith Circle has gathered to keep the history and literature of California alive. Our signature monthly gatherings provide a forum for discussions on Golden State poetry by members and speakers, as well as hosting special programs like poetry salons and seminars.

Signature monthly gatherings

  • Purpose: To provide a forum for featured talks and discussions on California poetry and history, while offering an open-mic venue for our members to share their work.
  • Format: Each gathering features a guest speaker or historical presentation, followed by an interactive group discussion and an open-mic session for members.
  • Schedule: We generally meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 2:00 PM (PT) during our program year, which runs from September through May.
  • Who Can Attend: Gatherings are open to all members. Guests are warmly welcomed as invitees of a member or guest speakers. Become a member to join us
  • How to Attend: Meetings are currently held online via Zoom. Access details are distributed to members via the Secretary’s monthly email.

Special programs

Beyond our monthly Saturday gatherings, from time to time, the Circle hosts poetry salons and seminars. These curated events are advertised exclusively to our member community via email.

Scheduled gatherings

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Contest winners poetry reading
Winners from the Ina Coolbrith Circle’s annual 2026 contest read their winning poems.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is David Alpaugh. An open mic will follow.
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is Robert Lavett Smith. An open mic will follow.
Sat, Jan 16, 2027 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is Renée Berland. An open mic will follow.
Sat, Feb 20, 2027 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is Angie Minkin. An open mic will follow.
Sat, Mar 20, 2027 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is Deborah Schmidt. An open mic will follow.
Sat, Apr 17, 2027 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is Evie Groch. An open mic will follow.
Sat, May 22, 2027 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Monthly gathering
Our guest speaker is California Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick. An open mic will follow.
Sat, Jun 5, 2027 at 2:00 PM (PT)
Ina Coolbrith Contest Awards
Winners from the 2027 Ina Coolbrith Contest will be announced.

Membership enrollment

Member website application

Ownership: All links must point to a website primarily owned or managed by the ICC member.

Content Standards: The Circle reserves the right to decline or remove links to websites containing hate speech, illegal material, or content that directly conflicts with the Circle’s mission of fostering the art of poetry and literature.

Maintenance: Members are responsible for ensuring their links remain active. The Circle conducts periodic audits; links that remain “broken” for more than 30 days will be moved to a “pending” status and removed from the public showcase.