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 Sanchez, 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
Anacostia: Every Tuesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
450K: 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 8:00 PM - 10:00 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
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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. 

14th & V | 2nd Friday of every month: 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Sunday Kind of Love Open Mic
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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

College Night Open Mic
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 For two hours audiences can expect a diverse chorus of college students voices and a vast array of spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians, comedians and other talents from freshmen to graduate students. Each month, we feature a different college/university or an individual alumni artist. A great alternative to the college night life! Audience is open to all, college students are encouraged to share their work!

Brookland | Every third Friday of the month: 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Pajama Jammie Jam
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The Pajama Jammie Jam is a love/erotica-themed slam, for everyone from professionals to novices. Hosted by Simply Sherri, at Takoma Park.

$100.00 cash prize.

There will be THREE themed rounds of poetry:

Round 1: Cupid Ain’t Sh*t!
Round 2: Love is Grand! (Love Poem)
Round 3: Freak Me, Baby! (Erotic Round)

Takoma | Fourth Friday of every month: 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

American Sign Language (ASL) Open Mic
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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.

450K | Last Friday of every month: 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Beltway Poetry Slam
$5 cover

DC’s only Poetry Slam, Inc certified slam event meets the last Tuesday of every month at Busboys and Poets Brookland.

12 -15 slots for slammers 

• Top 3 earn points, 1st place wins a prize.
• 12 poets with most points go to Semifinals at the end of the 6 month season.

Semifinals – Top 12

• Only top 8 advance to finals in April. the top 8 order also decides order of 1st round in Finals i.e. if you won semis, you go last, etc…

Finals – Top 4

• Make up the team with the Grand Slam Champion

Team decides if they want a 5th based on placement finish in Finals.

Slam for WOWPS (Qualifiers, then top 4 in Finals)

Slam for IWPS (Grand Slam Champ gets an automatic bid into IWPS Finals, others compete at the IWPS Quals and the top 3 + Grand Slam Champion go to IWPS Finals)

Ticketing - Buy ticket online in advance. If you are competing, you can buy online or at the door if there are any remaining, but we STRONGLY advise to buy your ticket in advance to assure you will be in the space. Limited amount of tickets are left at the door for SLAMMERS only until 7:55PM.

Brookland | Last Tuesday of every month: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Slam list opens at 8:45pm

Youth Open Mic
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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.