Literary Festival – “Homecoming” – 10/18/26
October 18th, 2026 – 12-4 pm Joaquin Miller park
Each year in the third week of October, we return to Joaquin Miller Park to celebrate our connection to our unique and evolving literary history. The California Writers Club was started in 1909 by a vibrant writing community that met on this Oakland hillside, and we invite members of all writers groups to join us for a day of beautiful words in a glorious setting.
This year we have a very special event, the re-dedication of our Club’s historic contribution to Oakland’s most storied Park. California wouldn’t be on the cultural map without our writers!
The event moves through several sites in Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland. Park along Joaquin Miller Road near the reflecting pool (see parking map below), or arrange ADA access before the event. See schedule and map below.
The Program
This educational and artistic program is uniquely designed with a double goal: to bring back the voices of writers who shaped California and the world, and to showcase the talents and work of we living, breathing writers. At each of the sites, we will read pieces from historic California writers along with our own work. Past performances have included:
- A reading of Joaquin Miller’s first famous poem from horseback
- California’s first Poet Laureate read by Oakland’s first Poet Laureate
- Miss Art Deco reading Edwin Markham
- Anyone with a good reading voice and passion for the arts may apply to read!
Readers, choose a writer who is honored in the Park or another historical California writer who inspires you. Readers, writers, actors, musicians, cake bosses and other performers, please sign up by 10/10 at this link! Honoraria may be provided.
The Schedule
12:00 PM – Picnic lunch at the California Writers Circle
In the tradition of “A Blanket and a Basket of Chow,” bring a sack lunch, takeout, or something to share. Enjoy a picnic in the park accompanied by selected readings by California writers. Apply to read.
1:30 PM Presentation of the California Writers Memorial Grove Poster at the Woodminster Cascade
The CWC Writer in Residence, Kristen Caven, will present the poster she designed to explain the California Writers Club plantings of memorial trees between 1930 and 1985. The compiled list of these writers is on the Friends of Joaquin Miller Website. The poster will be permanently installed in the Ranger Station in October. Press Release
2:30 Readings at monument sites (short uphill hike)
A walk to Oakland’s iconic Lookout Point below Joaquin Miller’s Funeral Pyre, then up the hill past his Pyramid, finishing at the mysterious Browning Monument. Readings at each stop, plus a short presentation with members of the Browning Society. Apply to read.
3:30 Return to California Writers Circle
It’s all downhill back to the circle for a slice of LitCake and closing reflections! Apply to read or design a literary-themed cake!
RSVP Here and ALSO on Facebook if you wish!
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