Busboys and Poets is proud to be a venue that provides space and support for poets and spoken word performers and interested audiences. From the cozy atmosphere of the "Sunday Kind of Love" poetry series to the high intensity of the 11th Hour Poetry Slam, we are sure you will find a poetry event that will spark your creative side and leave you inspired. We are honored to host several world renowned poets for readings, including Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni, Alice Walker, Suheir Hammad, Rita Dove, Sonia Sanches, Elizabeth Alexander and Denis Brutus.

POETRY FAQ

Our poetry programs:

 

WEEKLY OPEN MIC

$5 cover For two hours, audiences can expect 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. 14th & V: Every Tuesday 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM 5th & K: Every Wednesday 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Shirlington: Every Monday 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Hyattsville: Every Thursday 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Brookland: Every Monday 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Jazz and Verse $5 cover

Audiences can expect a diverse array of spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and more with a Jazz soundtrack! It will feature the sounds of a professional Jazz Band to groove us into the night with short transition segments in between open mic presenters, and a full feature set to close out the evening. All are welcomed to perform, or enjoy a night of Jazz & Verse! Takoma | 2nd Sunday of every month: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

11th Hour Poetry Slam $5 cover

The “11th Hour" Poetry Slam provides an opportunity for poetry lovers to enjoy the competitive art of late-night performance poetry! Enjoy two rounds of high intensity poetry, with the audience choosing a winner. Come join us for an alternative way to spend your Friday night. Poetry Slam, Inc's (PSI) DC Slam Venue. 14th & V | 2nd Friday of every month: 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Sunday Kind of Love $5 cover

Sunday Kind of Love Open Mic Poetry features emerging and established poets from the Washington, DC area and around the nation. Each program includes one to two featured poets and an open mic segment. Co-sponsored by Split This Rock, Sunday Kind of Love was notably featured in the Washington, DC episode of the Travel Channel original series, Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends. 14th & V | 3rd Sunday of every month: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

American Sign Language (ASL) Poetry $5 cover

On this night, American sign language users and viewers from all corners of life will come together to recite a poem, song, short skit or jokes. Come out and enjoy the wonderful environment while you eat, get your drink on and socialize. Great for those learning American sign language. 5th & K | Last Friday of every month: 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Youth Open Mic $5 cover

Youth-focused and youth-led, Youth Open Mic is a monthly series that features student poets, singers, musicians and actors from the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to come share their art in our supportive, progressive, artistic atmosphere. Youth Open Mic is presented by Busboys and Poets in partnership with DC Youth Slam Team and Split This Rock.