National Poetry Month, which takes place each April, is a celebration of poetry introduced in 1996 and organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. The Academy of American Poets’ website Poets.org serves as a hub for information about local poetry events during the month. The organization also provides free educational resources to teachers for classroom celebrations and activities, and commissions an annual festival poster. ~Wikipedia
Local happenings for National Poetry Month include;
Poetry Evening with Valerie
Webb Wesconnett Library
April 4 7 PM – 8 PM
Am I a Poet ? Who or what is a poet/poetry? Join Valerie as she uses her own poems as a conversation starter.
Watch video , hear live reading ,discuss elements of poetry
Free Entry, Light Refreshments.
Blackout Poetry Classes
Hosted by Hope at Hand, Inc.
Chamblin’s Uptown
215 N Laura St, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Every first Saturday of the month, from 1pm to 3pm
Blackout poetry combines poetry and art using recycled book pages. Materials provided in a workshop format at Chamblin’s Uptown. Hope at Hand is sponsored in part by the Cultural Council and FL Division of Cultural Affairs so there is no charge for the session.
Jazz Poetry Cafe; Rhymes and Roses
Enjoy a romantic ambiance with the sounds of smooth jazz, great poetry, and delicious food. Presented by No Fear Productions.
Ticket Information.
Building Bridges: Jax Poetry Fest
April 7 3 PM
Hosted by Women Writing for a Change, Jacksonville and Hope at Hand, Inc.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
333 N Laura St · Jacksonville, FL 32202
Please RSVP if attending.
What we’ll do
Please join us for a short and sweet workshop at MOCA to support Hope at Hand and the Jax Poetry Fest! We will explore themes of connection and spirit as we read poetry, write stories, and share our words in the setting of this lovely museum. Come early for a lovely lunch at the delicious museum restaurant! Celebrate poetry and learn several new techniques for using words to connect with self and others.
What to bring
Your favorite journal and pen, plus a sweater in case the air conditioning becomes too much.
Poetry Open Mic at Chamblin’s Uptown Hosted by Kathleen Shelton
April 25 6:30 PM Chamblin’s Uptown
Back at it again for another evening of poetry at Chamblin’s Uptown. Since the cafe is an intimate space, we won’t actually have a mic. So, be ready to project that voice. This event is free!
Poets, lyricists, spoken word artists and all other forms of writing are welcome.
Sign up sheet at the time of the event. Come out, share, listen, and support your local independent book store. And remember to tip your baristas!
Local groups with additional information and events concerning Poetry Month as well as poetry in general.