About OPN

South Puget Sound's Spot for Poetry Since 1990

MISSION STATEMENT: OPN is a nonprofit/charitable organization dedicated to increasing literary awareness and an appreciation of poetry in South Puget Sound.

The Olympia Poetry Network is a 501c3 non-profit and the oldest poetry organization in the South Puget Sound. Over 70 active subscribers attend our monthly readings & open mics, special events and workshops.

Go in late and leave early.
ADVICE ON WRITING POEMS

Monthly Readings + Open Mic

PLEASE NOTE THAT JULY 2025'S READING IS RESCHEDULED TO THE 4TH WEDNESDAY: THE 23RD.

On the third Wednesday of every month, poets and poetry lovers gather at New Traditions: the Gathering Place, 300 5th Ave SW, in downtown Olympia to read and listen to original poetry. All are welcome, regardless of age, color or gender. These monthly readings are open to the public and free of charge. OPN welcomes donations to the tip jar, located on the table with the open mic sign-up sheet.

Sign-ups for the Open Mic begin at 5:30pm PST. The Wednesday evening readings usually begin at 6:00pm PST with a 30-minute Open Mic, followed by a short break and that month's featured poet. Check out previous featured readers on our Events page!

Each reader has a maximum of 3 minutes. To respect everyone, we strongly recommend that you practice and time your reading. We also ask that you sign up for the wait list if you read the previous month.

Special Events

APRIL: DEAD POETS
Board members feature the work of poets who have passed on. Open mic follows. Readers are encouraged to share the work of a favorite poet who is no longer with us.

AUGUST: ALL OPEN MIC

DECEMBER: SEASON'S READINGS
Board members offer original or favorite poems to celebrate the festivities of the season. Open mic follows. Readers are encouraged to follow suit.

WATCH FOR OTHER EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Workshops

Check the Events page.

Interested in reading for OPN?

Subscribe ($20 annually)

Your tax-deductible membership fee supports:

Monthly newsletter (email)
Access to Last Tuesdays with Sandy & Thomas on Zoom (monthly, summer hiatus)
Fall and Spring in-person workshops
Monthly readings with open mic & featured poets (in-person, open to the public)
Annual: Dead Poets (April); All Open Mic (August), Season's Readings (December)
Publishing opportunities (OPN website/newsletter, 35th anniversary anthology)
PLUS: Special events as they are scheduled (example: Laureate LoveFest, Evening with Wine & Poetry)

Click the button below to subscribe.

SUBSCRIBE TO OPN

Gratitude

OPN would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Thurston County PARC (Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture) Foundation for their continuing financial support through their generous grant program. The poetry-focused readings, presentations, workshops and events are all made easier and better because of their sponsorship.

Our History

The Olympia Poetry Network got its start in 1990 when a group of poets gathered to relaunch a poetry radio show on KAOS. While they were waiting for the on-air details to be worked out they began giving monthly readings at Four Seasons Books which then occupied the site where New Traditions is today.

The Jeanne Lohmann Living Trust

OPN is honored to be the recipient of a continuing donation from the Jeanne Lohmann Living Trust. Jeanne was a wonderful published poet, founding member and guiding influence of OPN.

Her daughter Karen Lohmann says, "In honor of my mom, Jeanne, and her love of the Olympia Poetry Network may many words bring hope, curiousity, love and tenderness to our community and world."

The OPN Tip Jar (formerly the Fishbowl)

Foster and encourage poetry by making a one-time or monthly contribution.