There is a way to read a poem, and then there is a way to allow the poem to exit the body and be read by everyone in the room.”
― Hanif Abdurraqib, Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest
Happy National Poetry Month! The genre can be as rigid or as unpredictable as writers wish for it to be– and that’s the beauty of poetry; it holds a place for everyone.
This year, the New York Public Library has a fantastic calendar of events dedicated to poetry and writing throughout the month of April. They have everything from poetry readings to creative writing and movement workshops! There is a little bit of poetry for us all at the NYPL. If you’re in the neighborhood, or if you feel so moved to attend groundbreaking live poetry performances, definitely check out the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Their year-long programming includes poetry slams, open mic nights, educational events, theater, hip-hop, and more. The Nuyorican’s calendar of events for the month of April and throughout the rest of 2025 will keep your creative juices flowing.
If you’re in the Hudson Valley region, the Hudson Valley Writers Guild calendar of events has plenty of write-ins and open mic nights that feature local writers. Get inspired and soak in all the talent showcased at these events. For those who are a little further north and celebrating spring with poetry in the Finger Lakes Region, the Writers Group @ The Downstairs is hosting a Writer’s Group and a Poetry and Prose Open Mic Night on April 7th. These are two must-attend events happening on the same evening. You won’t want to miss those.
April weather can be a little tricky to navigate, but for those who wish to immerse themselves with poetry in the great outdoors, there are some excellent opportunities coming up for you. The Fort Green Park Conservancy is hosting Poetry in the Parks on Saturday, April 19th (with a Saturday, May 3rd rain date scheduled just in case the weather is a little too unpredictable). The event features a poetry workshop led by Najee Omar, a black, queer, multidisciplinary artist whose mission is to create inclusive, supportive spaces for youth to let their talents shine through writing and the arts. What a gorgeous way to celebrate the early springtime and a love of poetry. For those who prefer to enjoy poetry’s natural beauty indoors, The Old Forge Public Library in Old Forge, New York, will host a poetry party from 5-6 pm on Thursday, April 3rd where participants can make haiku collages. What a fun way to celebrate community, poetry, and writing!
One of poetry’s greatest achievements is its ability to be anywhere and everywhere– including the culinary world! The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) hosts numerous writing events for folks to enjoy. One such event will be their Howl Story Slam from 7pm- 9pm on Wednesday April 2nd. The theme for the evening is “Kitchen Confidential”. You’ll have to attend to see what those talented poets and writers have cooked up to share with you.
New York State is a beautiful and exciting place to celebrate poets and poetry. Visit your local library, community center, or local writers groups to find out more about how poetry is being created, nurtured, and celebrated near you.
Holly Spinelli is a NYSEC executive board member who looks forward to and is appreciative of joining her friends from Kentucky as a participant in the LexPoMo annual poetry writing event held in June.