Saturday 8/3: Red Hen Press launches their kickstarter campaign with a Poetry Prom. Poets Douglas Kearney and Laurel Ann Bogen poetize as Prom King and Queen. There will be finger food, “punch,” and more Prom-like activities. Guests are encouraged to dress up. 4 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library in Pasadena.
Dirty Laundry Lit, with support from PEN Center USA, presents Clothing Optional. The event features readers Eric Layer, Antonia Crane, Ru Freeman, Joseph A. Lapin, Amanda Fletcher, Billy Burgos, and Stephanie Green Smith. 7:30 p.m. at The Virgil.
Literary Death Match returns with Amber Benson, Brian Finkelstein, Cecil Castellucci, and Nick Antosca competing for the prize. Judges are Will McCormack, Andrea Letamendi, and Sara Benincasa. Hosted by Adrian Todd Zuniga. Doors open at 8:45 at the Nerdist at Meltdown. $8 preorder, $10 at the door.
Sunday 8/4: Poetry Palooza Night Three, featuring ZZyZx WriterZ and Mary Mann. Hosted by Angel Perales & Cindy Weinstein. 3 p.m. at Moby’s Coffee Co.
A not-so-secret, secret evening of amusements! Maria Bamford will perform comedy, along with a screening of a short film by Gerardo Macias. 7:30 p.m. at The Pop-Hop.
Monday 8/5: Barbara Abercrombie discusses and signs Kicking in the Wall: A Year of Writing Exercises, Prompts, & Quotes to Help You Break Through Your Blocks & Reach Your Writing Goals. 7 p.m. at Vroman’s Bookstore.
Tuesday 8/6: The Moth presents: Rush. Doors open at 7 p.m. at Zanzibar. 21+ event. $8 at the door.
Charles Epting presents and signs University Park, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. at Stories Books and Cafe.
Wednesday 8/7: Kennedy presents and signs The Kennedy Chronicles: The Golden Age of MTV Through Rose-Colored Glasses. 7 p.m. at Book Soup.
Thursday 8/8: Six Three Whiskey magazine celebrates its debut with a party featuring Lou Mathews, Alison Turner, Robert Roman, Steven John, George Ducker, and J. Ryan Stradal. 7:30 p.m. at 826LA Mar Vista
Friday 8/9: Poetry Palooza Night Four, featuring ZyZx WriterZ, Shy But Flyy, Murray Thomas, and Daniel Romo. Hosted by Paul Oliverio. 7 p.m. at Viento Y Agua Coffeehouse And Gallery.
