This April marks the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Month, an annual literary celebration to honor poets and poetry. Of course, poetry can be enjoyed any month of the year. Amanda Gorman, L.A. native and the nation’s first youth poet laureate, reminded us how powerful poetry can be when she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at this year’s presidential inauguration in January.
Whether you love to read, write, recite, or hear poetry aloud, we’ve rounded up some of the top ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in L.A. or online.
L.A. based arts education non-profit, Get Lit, will stream their 10th Annual Classic Slam poetry festival online. Watch and vote for your favorite poets.
L.A. museums are celebrating National Poetry Month with special virtual programs. LACMA’s “Poetry in Color” is a virtual poetry slam inspired by the museum’s current exhibit, “NOT I: Throwing Voices (1500 BCE—2020 CE).” Craft Contemporary continues their digital programing with “The Craft of Poetry: Poets in response to the work of Kazuki Takizawa,” an evening of poetry to celebrate the L.A. glass artist.
Tune into LAPL’s virtual series, “Teen Book Bites,” where librarians share their top book selections. This month’s event will focus on poetry and books in verse.
Ready to get out of the house for your dose of spoken word? Take a ride down to Melrose Trading Post for a special in-person drive-in poetry event, the 5th Annual L.A. Get Down Festival.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, visit the official National Poetry Month website, which has offerings like Poet In Your Pocket Day, the 2021 Dear Poet Project for grades 5- 12, and Poem-a-Day, daily poems straight to your inbox.