When 12,000 writers come to town

This week, more than 12,000 writers, editors and publishers will descend upon Minneapolis for the largest literary conference on the continent.

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference, AWP for short, brings together more than 700 presses, journals and literary organizations. The conference and its accompanying book fair stretch over four days, with nearly 550 different readings, panels and lectures.

While entrance to the conference and book fair requires registration, public literary events are popping up all across the Twin Cities.

Below is only a taste of the reading frenzy that will take over town. A full schedule of events is available from AWP.

Wednesday, April 8

Music Meets Minnesota Lit

7 p.m. | Bedlam Lowertown, St. Paul

The Minnesota Book Awards presents an evening of literature and music in St. Paul. The program features four of last year's winners, along with original music inspired by the writers' winning books. (Free)

Literary Death Match

7 p.m. | Nomad World Pub, Minneapolis

Here's how a Literary Death Match works: Four writers read their work for seven minutes or less each, then are judged by three all-star judges. The judges at this match will be POS, Susan Orlean and Benjamin Percy. The brave readers will be Roxane Gay, Claire Vaye Watkins, Jeffrey Renard Allen and Mark Doten. ($7 in advance, $10 at the door)

BOMB Magazine and Two Dollar Radio reading

7 p.m. | Magers & Quinn, Minneapolis

BOMB and Two Dollar Radio take over the bookstore with readings galore. Sarah Gerard, Ian Dreiblatt, Nicholas Rombes and Rae Armantrout round out the line-up. (Free)

Literary Locavore

7 p.m. | Nicollet Diner, Minneapolis

Read local! The lineup features local authors reading from their books set in Minnesota. Stephen Wilbers, Megan Marsnik, Raymond John and Brian Duren are all on deck. (Free)

The Prince Purple Poetry Party

10 p.m. | The Record Room, Minneapolis

What's that? You want an entire evening of poems about Prince and his music? You got it. This all-night dance party features 15 different readers drawing inspiration from the man in purple. ($5 and wear something purple)

Thursday, April 9

A Reading to Raise Awareness

6 p.m. | Minneapolis Central Library

Avenues for Homeless Youth is teaming up with big names in the literary world to raise awareness about the challenges facing homeless youth today. Roxane Gay, Nick Flynn, Stephen Elliot and local favorite Marlon James are just a few on the lineup. (Free, but reserve a ticket in advance)

Awesome AWP Party

7 p.m. | Open Book, Minneapolis

It's all there in the name, isn't it? The Open Book building is throwing open its doors for the evening. Local literary powerhouses Graywolf Press, Milkweed Editions, The Loft Literary Center and Minnesota Center for Book Arts are teaming up with Riverhead Books and A Public Space to put on a, well, awesome AWP party. (Free)

Once Upon AND Time: A reading and craft talk by Minnesota writers of children's literature

7 p.m. | Moon Palace Books, Minneapolis

Join emerging and established Minnesota children's book authors for an evening of readings and craft talk. (Free, but bring a children's book to donate)

Rain Taxi's Greatest Hits Poetry Reading

8 p.m. | Walker Cinema, Minneapolis

To celebrate 20 years on the Twin Cities literary scene, Rain Taxi is putting on quite the show at the Walker Art Center. The lineup includes poets Anne Carson, Eleni Sikelianos and Peter Gizzi, to name just a few. The program also promises "additional burst of literary brilliance." The reading will followed by a party, free and open to the public, in the Walker's Cargill Lounge. ($10)

Friday, April 10

826 + Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute Happy Hour

4:30 p.m. | Devil's Advocate, Minneapolis

Have you heard of the Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute yet? The local non-profit is devoted to supporting young students by developing their writing skills. They're gearing up to join the national 826 network of writing workshops, founded by literary favorite Dave Eggers. The happy hour is a chance to learn about the work they do and how to get involved. (Free, but reserve a ticket in advance)

Pints and Prose: An Evening with Think Piece Publishing

5 p.m. | Kieran's Irish Pub, Minneapolis

Local press Think Piece Publishing is taking over the Poet's Corner at Kieran's Irish Pub with readings and song. Think Piece's publisher Adam Wahlberg will moderate, while Julie Barton, Andy Steiner and Janet Burroway read from their works. Minneapolis musician Adam Levy will be on hand, playing original songs. (Free)

BUST Magazine Reading with Roxane Gay, Amber Tamblyn and more

7 p.m. | The Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis

This promises to be the blow-out reading of the week. "Bad Feminist" author Roxane Gay will take the stage, along with poet and actress Amber Tamblyn, Franny Choi, Patricia Smith and more. The venue is already arranging overflow rooms with live feeds — it will likely be bursting at the seams with book lovers. ($5 suggested donation)

RHYTHM

10 p.m. | Location to be revealed

Local literary magazine Revolver knows how to throw a party. This one's a dance party driven by the written word. DJs will spin tracks based on different lines from literature. Where do the lines come from? Party-goers get to share their favorites and see what happens. This shindig is one of the week's best-kept secrets: A $10 suggested donation will get you the address.

Saturday, April 11

Indigenous Caucus Reception and Reading

5 p.m. | All My Relations Art Gallery, Minneapolis

Members of the AWP Indigenous Caucus will host a gathering to celebrate Native American, Alaskan Native and First Nation tribal writers. (Free)

Art + Lit Party

8 p.m. | Public Functionary, Minneapolis

FSG Originals, the press that brought you the Southern Reach trilogy and Etgar Keret's "Suddenly, A Knock on the Door," is teaming up with local literary arts magazine Paper Darts to put on a dance party punctuated by micro-readings. The gallery Public Functionary is playing host. ($5)

Live from Denmark: New Danish Fiction

7 p.m. | Danish American Center, Minneapolis

Three leading Danish novelists will join their translators to read from and discuss their work. The event will be moderated by translator K.E. Semmel, and will feature a Q & A, followed by a reception and book signing. (Free)