“Storytelling is about connection. So is sex.” For almost 17 years now, Bawdy has featured true stories of sex, kink, body image, gender and more to build community, educate, entertain, and bring people together.

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has grown into a nonprofit, spawned a podcast, and local events nationwide. Participants compete for prizes; the Moth takes place locally in Berkeley and San Francisco.

Mortified has a unique premise: adults telling stories about their lives by sharing their most mortifying childhood artifacts (diaries, letters, lyrics, poems, home movies)… in front of total strangers. Learn more, sign up, and find a local event here.

Hosted by award-winning NPR storyteller Don Reed, Redwood Nights takes place outdoors at the the historic Deer Park Villa, where the majestic redwoods reach for the stars and the art of storytelling comes alive.

Simply Said is a new short-form, impromptu live storytelling event hosted by improv and storytelling veteran Corey Rosen. The format is five-minute stories, told by participants whose names are drawn from a hat.

StorySlam Oakland is Oakland’s longest-running true storytelling show, where people tell short and true stories from their lives, related to that night’s theme. It’s supposed to be fun! (No voting, no judging.)