The Sundress Reading Series is held from 7-9PM EST on the third Thursday of every month at Pretentious Beer Co. in the Old City in Knoxville, TN. These events are free, open to all ages, and held outdoors on the patio at the bar. Each event features two featured poetry readers followed by an open mic. Come enjoy beverages and live entertainment with us each month!

Upcoming Readings

November 16 from 7-9PM at Pretentious Beer Co.: DeeSoul Carson & Aline Mello

December 9 from 2-4PM at Pretentious Beer Co.: Poet-Tea Community Reading with The Bottom featuring Joe Tolbert Jr., Jazmin Witherspoon, Felecia Outsey, a.k.a. “Sistah Felecity Luv,” and Asante Knowles (AKA A’Sun)

SAFTA also hosts HOLLER SALON, a series of mixed-medium readings, discussion, film screenings, and more at Firefly Farms. These events usually take place during the summer, but you can follow us on Facebook to keep up with future readings and events in the SAFTA Reading Series and details on the Sundress Academy for the Arts workshops and events in the Knoxville area.

Writers from all over the country are invited to visit and read from their work. Past performers have included Ada Limón, Chen Chen, Tiana Clark, Jane Wong, Kathy Fagan, Raena Shirali, Ruth Awad, and more.

Member of the Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance