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

10. A visual and sensory feast.

Art percolates throughout Cuba. It shows up on the streets. In alleys. On the veranda at the Nacional. Where live music is on nightly display. Until the wee hours of the morning. It is present in the poorest parts of town. In restaurants. Where the sound of guitars and maracas fills the air. And in … Continued

Website WCGA 2.0 Accessible Verified by Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Website WCGA 2.0 Accessible Verified by Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Proud to announce that after working with the Accessibility Assurance Department at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the Busboys and Poets website scored a 92% accessibility compliance against WCAG 2.0 level AA. This means that individuals who require alternative access to printed digital content will have comparable access and use of the website as do … Continued

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Split This Rock Poem of the Week: Joseph LMS Green

  Joseph Green is a spoken word artist, educator, and motivational speaker with over 15 years’ experience in youth development. He co-founded poetryN.O.W., a nonprofit providing creative writing programming and curriculum for DC-area youth and schools. While serving as Split This Rock’s Director of Youth Programs for 3 years, he transferred poetryN.O.W’s work into Split This Rock’s care. Joseph has … Continued