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

The Morning After

The Morning After

Its time for us to be the change we want to see in the world.

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Trivia Night at Busboys and Poets

By: Trivia Lord, the Minutia Master, the Human Wikipedia, Busboys Trivia Host, Max Johansen The First Takoma Trivia of 2019 kicked off with a full house and an epic three way tie! In honor of the (now record-breaking) government shutdown, the theme of our first trivia event of the year was: SHUT IT DOWN! Ten … Continued

Busboys and Poets Books Review: Love Poems

Busboys and Poets Books Review: Love Poems

In Love Poems, Nikki Giovanni gives an empowered edge to the topics of sexuality, intimacy and what it means to love. Published in 1997, the collection’s poems span thirty years of her career as a writer. We hear Giovanni through many lenses: as a young woman, as an activist striving for change, as a lover, … Continued