A meeting place for Yakima regional writers
Opinions and viewpoints expressed or implied in all poetry on this website are those of the poets and not necessarily
those of Yakima Coffeehouse Poets.
Thank you for another great season!
On behalf of the Yakima Coffeehouse Poetry Board, we are profoundly grateful for the way you have shown up for us and for each other during the 2024-2025 Season of Yakima Coffeehouse Poetry events.
We will not leave you hanging. There are other opportunities to read, write and get involved.
The Yakima Coffeehouse Poets presents Open Mic Night generally held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May.
Upcoming Local Events:
Inland Poetry – hosts readings at Club 301 in Ellensburg every first Thursday of the month from 6-8 in front of a lively crowd, with many familiar faces from YCP.
New chapbook available…
Kittitas Valley poet Penny Johnson, a frequent participant in Yakima Coffeehouse Poets activities, is out with a new chapbook. Here are the details from Penny….
I’m thrilled to announce that The Poetry Box is publishing my new poetry collection, “Hags on Tractors,” which is slated for release on December 15, 2024. In these memoir-textured poems, I put the reader in the driver’s seat—of a tractor that is— and show the reader what it means to be a mature, rural woman grappling with the land and its seasonal weather changes, as well as the unique challenge of leading this life amidst a male-dominated field.
For a limited time, The Poetry Box press is offering “Hags on Tractors” for a special, pre-order discount through November 15th during which time you can pre-order my book for $12 and be one of the first to receive your copy in early December.
Washington State Poet Laureate
Find out more…
Yakima Coffeehouse Poets – About us
Poets and poetry lovers who live in Central Washington State will find these pages informative.
The Yakima Coffeehouse Poets is a registered Washington State non-profit corporation formed in 2014 to represent the interests of poets and poetry lovers of Central Washington.
Central Washington, roughly speaking, is bound by the Columbia River to the east and south, the Cascades Crest on the west, and the Wenatchee River on the north.
Cover Art – “Quilt” by Lynn Stover
If you live or work in this area, or have roots here, you are eligible to participate in our Annual Poetry Contest and to read at our regular Open Mic Night events. Original poetry only, please!
If you live outside Central Washington, we invite you to enjoy the poetry published on our website. If you are visiting Yakima, our home base, you are welcome to attend and read at our Open Mic Nights which are held at 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the month September through May.
Local Poet Publications
At Yakima Coffeehouse Poets, we always encourage individual enterprise when it comes to the creative arts. We encourage our friends in the poetry community to check out Leon, Mike, Joanna, and Dotty’s contribution to the local poetry scene!
Yakima Coffeehouse Poets – chapbook Publications
Twentieth: Selected Coffeehouse Poems
Our goal with the poems in the anthology, Twentieth, is to draw out more Central Washington poets and give courage to those who have more poems to offer for the future.
These poems represent the best of the past 19 years and include all the poets whose permission could be gained. You’ll notice that some poets have several poems because they won our annual contest several times.
Visit our Publications page to see examples of our local talent. You can also Contact Us to order your own copy of available chapbooks.
Poetry Contest
Our Annual Poetry Contest reading event is usually held at the Larson Gallery, Nob Hill & 16th Ave, Yakima. Visit and enjoy samples and information about each year’s successful event! Link to find out More info…
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