The March Truckee Turntable

MARCH 2026

Read along monthly as we celebrate creativity, local events, shared stories, opportunities and artist spotlights.

In late February, our community gathered in the wake of tragedies that tested us in ways none of us expected. A community vigil was held inviting people to gather and find support as we continue to navigate this uncharted territory and try to show up for those experiencing loss and grief. At the February 24 Truckee Town Council meeting, Mayor Anna Klovstad reflected on the heaviness so many are carrying and the importance of coming together. A community vigil created space for connection and care, made possible by heroic local efforts “reflecting the very best of who we are”, said Mayor Klovstad.

The Truckee Cultural District has been asked to help bring artists forward during these challenging times, reminding us of the power the arts have in fostering healing, connection and resilience. We invite you to watch Antja Thompson and Ed Platt perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water” at the February 24 Town Council meeting, a moving tribute to the role creativity plays when words fall short. Listen Here

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out to local resources including Tahoe Forest Health System, Sierra Community House, and the Nevada County Crisis Line. The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation has a wonderful list. We are stronger when we lean on one another.

March is Women’s History Month, and March 8 marks International Women’s Day. Cheers to all the women artists, culture bearers, educators, and leaders who make Truckee better every day. It is also Youth Art Month, and the 2026 theme says it perfectly, “The World Needs Art.” We could not agree more. Supporting young creatives today ensures a vibrant, expressive, and stronger community tomorrow.

Speaking of young creatives, Nevada County Arts Council has announced the winners of the 2026 Poetry Out Loud County Championships, marking the first year Truckee students participated in the national recitation program. Aurora Derrick of Truckee High School took first place and will represent Nevada County at the State Championships on March 8 and 9, with the opportunity to advance to nationals. We’re rooting for you, Aurora!

The Donner Lake roundabout is slated for a future public art installation, and your voice matters. Share your ideas and recommendations here. Public art reflects all of us, and this is your opportunity to help shape it.

Finally, Nevada County Arts Council on January 22 hosted in partnership with California Arts Council a town hall meeting to introduce the State of California’s first ever plan for the creative economy and discuss the intersection with Culture Forward Nevada County. The Creative Economy Town Hall at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City drew an incredible turnout, underscoring how deeply our region values the arts. Watch the news segment here and catch our own Eliza Tudor of Nevada County Arts Council, beginning at 1:25. The town hall has set the stage for the advocacy work ahead leading us into the 2026 April Arts Culture & Creativity Month and Arts Advocacy Day.

→ If interested in joining us in these efforts, please contact kellie@nevadacountyarts.org or carrie@truckeeartsalliance.org

Student participants in the Poetry Out Loud Championships

Student participants from the 2026 Poetry Out Loud County Championships

Our MUSE Launch Party at Truckee Airport on February 4 was a great celebration of our just released annual literary publication highlighting the depth of creativity locally and connecting our county east and west through our Cultural District Corridor. DJ David Mack brought the fun energy and photographer Rob Retting, SNAP Photography captured the evening. If you are looking for a copy of MUSE, stop by the downtown Truckee Visitors Center or the LIFT Workspace & Wellness Center. View Photos

Featured Story

Penned by our own Kellie Cutler, Programs Manager for the Truckee Cultural District, this month’s featured MUSE story is Mountain Heart. Small-Town Soul.

Find this story on page 31 in your copy of MUSE or read it online.

MUSE Featured Story: Mountain Heart Small-Town Soul

Join us March 25 at 5:30PM at the Steve Randall Community Center for our next Creatives Meetup, “We Want to Hear from Artists!”, where we’ll share the Culture Forward action plans and start shaping, with your input, what comes next with our local voices leading the way.

RSVP

Chasing Nirvana Book Launch Release Party

Thursday, March 5 | 6:00-8:00pm

Priya Hutner’s debut memoir, Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation is here. The evening celebration at Alibi Ale Works will feature an intimate Fireside Chat and conversation with Priya and Nevada County Poet Laureate, Karen Terrey, followed by a book signing and live music.

Truckee Art Walk

Saturday, March 7 | 4:00-7:00pm

Stroll through downtown Truckee and explore local galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live art demos during this monthly celebration of creativity. To help make the Truckee Art Walk more accessible and welcoming, a Spanish-language flyer is available for download.
→ Follow Along

Live music event with Cori Elba at Good Wolf

Turn Off the TV, Turn Up the Music

Saturday, March 7 | 7:00pm

Come make your own zine with art and music by Cori Elba at the Good Wolf Brewing. All supplies are included, just show up, get creative, listen to music and have fun!

Open to Shred

Saturday, March 14 | 1:00-4:00pm

An event celebrating culture & diversity at Sugar Bowl Resort. This community-driven, fun day on the snow includes a ski parade and live DJ at Village Lodge with drink specials. All are welcome!

Folktales Screening with Bristlecone Film Collective

Thursday, March 26 | 7:00pm

Bristlecone Film Collective's second film in the 2026 Spring Screening Series, their inaugural initiative fostering the film community in the Northern Sierras. Get Tickets

Stay connected with local event calendars and community boards for the latest updates on gallery shows, performances, and gatherings. Our favorite resources include: Truckee.com, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, 101.5 KTKE and the Nevada County Arts Council.

FOR ALL THOSE WITH EVENTS TO PROMOTE, DON’T FORGET TO ADD YOUR EVENT TO NEVADA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY ARTS CALENDAR—IT’S FREE AND EASY TO USE!

Audition Call | 10 Minute Play Festival

Truckee Tahoe Theatre Company is seeking actors of all experience levels for its upcoming 10 Minute Play Festival. Auditions take place March 10 and 11 from 6 to 8 PM at the Truckee Community Arts Center. With just one hour of rehearsal per week and performances May 15 to 17, it is a fun and low commitment way to step onto the stage. No experience needed!

→ Sign Up

pARTicipate11 Contest

Submissions Open Now
Calling all artists, their friends, and children: The annual Office Boss pARTicipate 11 Amateur Art Contest is here! 2026 Theme: Painted Skies. Submit your artwork before April 24 to art@theofficeboss.com

→ Contest Details

Call for Crew | Short Film Shooting in Truckee

Between March 16 - April 10

A short scripted film, Catch by Jared Callahan, is coming to Truckee, courtesy of the Nevada County Short Film Grant. The production is planning a two-day shoot between March 16 and April 10 and is hiring immediately. They are seeking local and regional crew from Truckee, Reno, Placer County, and surrounding areas.

→ Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Reach out directly to: christine.susan.chung@gmail.com

Arts Advocacy Day | Save the Date

April 21, 2026 | Sacramento, CA

Join artists and advocates from across California at the State Capitol for a rally, musical march, and legislative meetings in support of the creative workforce. Hosted by California for the Arts as part of Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM). We’ll there!
→ Save the date & learn more

Check here each month to find updates on literary happenings in Truckee and throughout Nevada County!

Do you have a poem to share? Do you want the opportunity to read it from the Main Stage at the 10th Annual Sierra Poetry Festival?

Read on!

The Sierra Poetry Festival is one of my favorite events each year. And this year we celebrate our ten year anniversary with some special extras. This year’s mainstage event will take place on April 18, 2026, at The Center for the Arts, in Grass Valley, CA, attended by some of our most exciting local, national, and international poets and performers. Our keynote presenters are Brenda Hillman and Robert Hass! Tickets are now available.

Part of the community appeal is the opportunity for local poets to perform an original poem on stage. This year we have two Open Mic Competitions, one in Truckee on March 12 and another in Grass Valley on April 16, that offer two winners each this opportunity. The Tangled Roots Open Mic at Alibi in downtown Truckee runs 6-7:30pm on March 12. On April 16, head down to the Iron Door in the basement of the Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley at 5:30pm for another Open Mic Competition opportunity. These two events are a blast - meet other writers and join a community. Reach out to me with any questions.

The Free Fringe Festival with readings, performances, and workshops runs throughout March and April and you can find the calendar of literary events on the Sierra Poetry Festival website.

Heads up:

On March 5, Truckee Campus Sierra College hosts Sierra Wordfest with readings by students and faculty. 5-6:30pm.
March 8 & 9 I’ll be coaching our Nevada County Poetry Out Loud champion Aurora Derrick at the State Finals in Sacramento. You can see her perform on stage at the Sierra Poetry Festival as well.
March 24 at the Truckee Library I’m hosting a community conversation on the novel Northwoods by Daniel Mason (pick up your free copy at the Truckee Library beforehand) for readers and writers. We’ll have the chance to write using prompts from the novel. 4:30-6pm.
Join us at the Truckee Library April 3 for Poems of Imagination and Resistance, a poetry workshop for all levels of experience and ages. 10:30-Noon.

Karen Terrey is a writing coach, editor, poet, owner of Tangled Roots Writing and the Nevada County Poet Laureate.

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