The

2026 Storytelling Festival

September through October 2026
Throughout Denver-metro

Celebrate
Storytelling

So many stories. So many ways.

[margins.] is a festival that connects you to story

with:

Free Admission

The Word invites everyone to join us with free admission for all.

2026 Festival Schedule

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY rEADING SERIES

In collaboration with Denver Public Library, join for a series of events spanning literary discussion, music, & history.

August 26, 6:00-7:00pm

Bookclub in the Park at Berkeley Lake Park

September 20, 6:00-7:00pm

Soundtrack of Our Lives: Listening Gathering in the Park at Central Park, Picnic Site
8801 M.L.K. Jr Blvd., 80238

September 26, 6:00-7:00pm

Neighborhood Book Club in the Park at Platt Park

1500 S. Grant St., 80210

POET LAUREATE GATHERING

A gathering of regional poets laureate from around Colorado: Ahja Fox, (Aurora), Aerik Francis (Adams County), and Juan Morales (Pueblo). Join for workshops, readings, and discussions! Stay to explore more First Friday in the Santa Fe Arts District.

October 2, at Michael Warren Contemporary (760 Santa Fe Drive)

4:00-5:15pm - Workshop

A generative poetry workshop for all levels

Spaces are limited! Sign up for a spot below!

5:30-6:15pm - Panel Discussion

Poet Laureates from around the state talk collaboration

6:30-7:00pm - New ED Announcement

Meet new Executive Director Rowena Alegría

7:00-9:00pm - Poetry Readings and Open Mic

15-minute readings from poets throughout the evening!

FILM SHOWCASE: THE TIME IS NOW

A showcase of film shorts from local Colorado filmmakers, paired with classic favorite feature films! In collaboration with Denver Film and the Mountain Media Arts Collective.

The events are FREE but ticketed!

October 9, at the Village Exchange Center (1609 Havana St. in Aurora).

7:00-10:00pm MT

My Name is Not Amy (2024)

Talkback with filmmaker Dewi Sungai Marquis-Houston and Jason Huston

Minari (Lee Isaac Chung, 2020)

October 10, at the Village Exchange Center (1609 Havana St. in Aurora).

1:30-4:30pm MT

Pan's Labryinth (Guillermo del Toro, 2006)
Jack & the Beanstalk (2025)
Talkback with filmmaker Regan Linton

5:00-7:30pm MT

Salt and Pepper (Wessley Steele, 2022)
Talkback with filmmaker Wessley Steele
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aitch Alberto, 2022)

TICKETS

COLLECTIVE READ:

Now Is the Time launch celebration
& POETRY-MAKING EVENTS

Celebrate The Word's anthology of Colorado Poets, Now Is the Time and pick up your free copy! Each volume contains reading guides for your bookclub and writing prompts to spark your creativity!

Then, join us to meet the poets, hear readings, and make your own art at the following events:

September 13, at the Festival Latino

5:00-8:45pm

Riverdale Regional Park (9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton)

September 20, at the Mercado de Derby

10:00-10:30am

Derby, along E. 72nd Place near Monaco Street, Commerce City

October 14, at Wright Farms

Now Is the Time Launch Celebration

6:00-7:30pm

Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton

TICKETS