Ten poets, 10 short-form poems spray-painted onto neighborhood sidewalks by local stencil artist Jasone Towne, and an opportunity to walk through the downtown you love and hear work devoted to “Place and Belonging.” Welcome to San Luis Obispo’s inaugural Poetry Walk program.
“Developed in partnership with SLO County Arts and the 2025-26 SLO County poet laureate, Caleb Nichols, the program highlights local voices through original short-form poetry installed throughout the community,” the city announced. Their poems explore “the landscapes, memories, and experiences that shape connection in the community.”
On Sunday, Nov. 15 (1 to 4 p.m.), beginning and ending at Triangle Park (1701 Osos St.), “Enjoy a guided stroll, meet the poets, and hear each of them share their work aloud,” the city said in a statement. “This will be a festive, community kickoff event celebrating creativity, connection, and the local voices that shape SLO.”
Nichols will add an 11th poem. Other poets include Anastasia Trevino, Sarah Grieve Miller, Calvin Wilvert, Todd Young, Mire Rosenthal, Kathryn deLancellotti, Leslie St. John, Daniel Bulone, Valentina Freerman, and Jennifer Chassman Browne. More information and a map of the poems’ locations is available at slocity.org/publicart. Poems will also be on display on city buses. Self-guided tours are also encouraged. ∆
This article appears in Nov 5-12, 2026.
