About this Event
Join Beast Crawl Festival 2026 for a powerful afternoon of poetry, performance, and community at the Poet Laureates Showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 4:00–5:30 PM at BAM House, 1540 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. FREE EVENT.
This special gathering brings together celebrated poetic voices from across the region for one dynamic showcase honoring the artistry, insight, and cultural impact of Bay Area poet laureates.
About Beast Crawl Festival 2026
Beast Crawl Literary Festival is Oakland’s longest-running literary festival, founded in 2012 to create space for the East Bay’s diverse literary community. The 2026 festival takes place April 10, 11, 12, 18, and 19, bringing writers, poets, performers, and readers together across Oakland for a citywide celebration of literary arts and performance. (Beast Crawl Literary Festival)
Featured Poet Laureates:
- Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Oakland) is Oakland’s inaugural Poet Laureate, a cultural architect, playwright, and arts educator whose work lives at the intersection of poetry, performance, and community transformation.
- Stephen Sharpe (Richmond) is Richmond’s Poet Laureate, a literary community builder known for public readings, civic engagement, and creating spaces where local voices can be heard.
- She Spits Fire / Angela Drew (Modesto) is Modesto’s Poet Laureate, a spoken-word artist and author whose work blends rhythm, vulnerability, and connection.
- Cordon Concepts (Antioch) is Antioch’s Poet Laureate, a spoken-word artist recognized for powerful, community-centered storytelling and live performance.
- Aya de León (Berkeley) is an acclaimed novelist, activist, and UC Berkeley educator with deep roots in Berkeley’s poetry and literary arts community.
Location + Parking
BAM House is located in downtown Oakland at 1540 Broadway, just one block from 12th Street/Oakland City Center BART. Guests driving in can look for paid street parking and nearby downtown garages; be sure to check posted signs, meter rules, and garage hours. Public transit, rideshare, and carpooling are all strong options for an easier arrival. (AE of Berkeley)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bam House, 1540 Broadway, Oakland, United States
USD 0.00
