We've got words for you. How many? All of them, and we love using them every which way in every little verse for National Poetry Month! Check out our readings, our workshops, our open mics and more as Chicago's creativity bursts loose across the city.
Poetry Fest and Chicago Poet Laureate
Join CPL's grand finale event, Poetry Fest, on Saturday, April 29. Poetry Fest will feature panels, workshops, poetry readings and local vendors, culminating with the introduction of the first ever Poet Laureate of Chicago, avery r. young.
An award-winning poet, educator, composer, performer, and producer, avery r. young’s work spans the genres of music, performance, visual arts and literature. He is co-director of The Floating Museum, a Cave Canem fellow, Leader for a New Chicago 2022 awardee, and performer with his band, de deacon board. With more than two decades as a teaching artist, he has mentored generations of young poets. His poetry and prose are featured in several anthologies and periodicals. In the foreword of his most recent book, neckbone: visual verses, Theaster Gates called young, “one of our greatest living street poets.”
young will be in conversation with Dr. Eve L. Ewing, writer, scholar and cultural organizer in Chicago, at 2 p.m. at Poetry Fest. Learn more about our inaugural Chicago Poet Laureate.
Events
View all Poetry Month events, including the highlights below:
- National Poetry Month Kickoff Poetry and Lyric Showcase: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1
- Poetry of Praise (Odes): 6 p.m. Monday, April 3
- Poetry and Memory: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8
- The Practice of Poetry: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 11
- Writing About Chicago Art: Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15
- Do You Haiku? A Poetry Workshop: 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 19
- A Poetic Examination of America and Chicago: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
- Secrets of Longevity Cabaret and Café: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22
- The Poet's Corner Writing Workshop: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22
- Sampling the Greats: 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 26
- Deaf Jam Film Screening: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27
- Hidden Talents Open Mic: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27
- Poetry Fest: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29
Recommended Reading
If all that isn't enough, here are some books to settle you down with a poetry fix.
23 Recent Poetry Highlights for National Poetry Month 2023
Staff Favorites for National Poetry Month
Novels in Verse and Poetry for Teens
Lives of Poets (eBooks)
