In addition to the events produced by our incredible guests, we host in-house series events that are emblematic of Busboys and Poets' mission and purpose. These events are carefully curated by our events team and close partners to meet our community's interests.  Below you'll find a brief description of our in-house series events and ways to sign-up to unique e-mail lists. This is a snapshot of our programming, not all of our series have returned since the shutdown.

Please check out our event list to see what programs are currently available.

POETRY

Busboys and Poets is proud to be a venue that provides space and support for poets and spoken word performers to showcase their work through its Busboys and Poetry programming. From the cozy atmosphere of the "Sunday Kind of Love" poetry series to the high intensity of Tuesday Night Open Mic Poetry at 14th & V, we are sure you will find a Busboys and Poetry event that will leave you inspired and wanting to come back for more! Poetry programs happen every week at all locations. Check out our poetry page for more.  Sign-up for the POETRY e-mail list

A.C.T.O.R.

A Continuing Talk on Race (A.C.T.O.R.) open discussion series is hosted by Busboys and Poets as a community service. It provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues surrounding race. The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, refreshed, reassured, and hopefully inspired and moved to action! Each month there is a new topic for discussion. Free and open to all.  A.C.T.O.R. is a monthly series that takes place every last Sunday of the month at Shirlington from 5-7pm.  Sign up for the A.C.T.O.R. e-mail list

FOCUS-IN!

Focus-In! Film Series: Cinema for a Conscious Community is a Busboys and Poets-produced monthly film series that screens films with a focus dedicated to social justice, peace, art, music, and/or community value. Sign-up for the Focus-In! Film Series e-mail list

ZAMI

This monthly gender and sexuality series seeks to energize community discourse regarding the intersections of sexuality, gender, race and human rights by bringing together artists, scholars, and community members to talk about their work as people committed to LGBTQ and feminist values and action Zami: A Circle of LGBTQ Cultural Performances & Conversations at Busboys and Poets is named after the biomythography of AUDRELORDE, and seeks to honor her legacy as a fearless lesbian poet, author and educator. ZAMI takes place at various Busboys and Poets locations. Sign-up for the ZAMI e-mail list

RISE + RHYME (this series is currently on hold)

Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching our children to engage with their community, learn to love performing arts and become artivists! Weekly schedule: Hyattsville | Every Monday; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ($5 Suggested Donation) Takoma | Every Monday; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ($5 per child) 14th & V | Every Monday; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ($5 per child) Brookland | Every Monday; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ( $5 per child) Shirlington | The last Tuesday of every month; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ($5 per child)Anacostia | Every Monday; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ($5 per child) Sign-up for the RISE+RHYME list

BREAD & ROSES

Bread & Roses is a monthly labor series that features a variety of events focused on workers and organized labor. Each month brings a new topic through interactive discussions, film screenings, and performances. The hope for these events is that attendees walk away with a greater understanding of organized labor, its role in shaping history and current relevance. The name “Bread & Roses” was inspired by a poem/song written by James Oppenheim that appeals for both fair wages and dignified conditions. Sign-up for the BREAD & ROSES e-mail list 

LIVE! FROM BUSBOYS 

LIVE! from Busboys is an open mic talent showcase held at Busboys and Poets that offers a platform for all performers - not just poets! Whether you are a musician, comedian, dancer, actor/actress, magician or any other type of performer, we want to see what you've got! So, come out and showcase your talent Hyattsville every third Friday of the month from 9PM-11PM Sign-up for the LIVE! e-mail list 

PEACE CAFÉ

Peace Café is a Busboys and Poets program that offers an on-going series of events designed to bring together Arabs, Jews, and those interested in working toward a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. The focus is on encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to share food and conversation. Founded by Andy Shallal, Ari Roth and Mimi Conway. Peace Café takes place at various Busboys locations.  Sign-up for the Peace Café e-mail list.

WEDNESDAY CLIMATE ACTION COFFEE (Virtual!)

Get woke and smell the coffee at the Climate Action Coffee Series every Weds, 9 - 10:30am in Takoma!  This organizing workspace will feature action-oriented discussion circles focused on building the kinds of markets, society, food systems and resiliency that we want for our region; raising watershed and environmental justice consciousness; and following youth climate leaders in taking immediate action to reverse the dramatic disruption of our climate systems. Bring your vision and passion for reshaping our communities and local economies in the service of resiliency, racial equity, and carbon-neutrality.  Coffee compliments of Busboys and Poets.   More info at http://tpmobilization.org/talle