We celebrate poetry every day in our spaces. From the art, to the books, to our Tribe (several who are poets!), poetry surrounds us and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether it’s an Open Mic Night or just grabbing a few books of poetry to read, there’s no wrong way to celebrate with us this month.

Pick up a new book of poetry (maybe Magical Negro by Morgan Parker?) or an older favorite such as Sonia Sanchez’s Shake Loose My Skin to enjoy.

Open Mic Nights are hosted nearly every day with something for everyone to enjoy. Expect to hear from a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear. We can’t wait to have you.


Some Notable Events to Attend

April 9, 2019 | Poetry on the Outfield at Audi Field

April 12, 2019 | 11th Hour Poetry Slam hosted by Charity Blackwell

April 18, 2019 | A Poem in Your Pocket Day

April 19, 2019 | STOKED: Burlesque and Poetry

April 20, 2019 | Youth Open Mic Night featuring 2019 DC Youth Poet Laureate Gabriela Orozco

April 22-26, 2019 | South African Poets from Tswane are a residency at Busboys and Poets

April 30, 2019 | The Beltway Poetry Slam featuring Rudy Francisco


Download our National Poetry Month calendar here. Print it out at home and make sure you don’t miss one of our awesome poetry events this month!

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

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Community Resources for COVID-19

Here are some resources that you may be able to take advantage of: Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you Back To School After Lockdown – Tips From An NHS Psychologist One Fair Wage – Emergency Funding for Tipped Employees/Service WorkersRWCF- Restaurant Workers COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund USBG- COVID-19 Relief Grants for Bartenders Restaurant Opportunities Centers- United … Continued

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Busboys and Poets Book Review: Anger is a Gift

Mark Oshiro’s contemporary YA fiction is an incredibly moving story about community, about love, and about taking a stand against prejudice and violence, even when it seems completely hopeless, and it is especially difficult to read. Especially for someone like me, caught up in my own privilege and ignorant of the struggles faced by people … Continued