April brings two things: showers and poetry. Since 1996, April has been recognized as National Poetry Month. It’s a time for lyricists, bards, and rhyme writers of all kinds to gather around and honor the craft. Here are a few events to keep in mind.
5th Annual Pikes Peak Poetry Summit on April 18: Join for a day of exploring poetry and celebrating creativity with the community. Free event. Breakfast and lunch provided. Engage with our poetry workshops, learn something new, and experience amazing poetry and art performances. Manitou Art Center (513 Manitou Ave), Manitou Springs, 8:30am-4pm.
Feminist Poetry Reading with Tattered Cover: Join at the Great Hall of Denver Union Station for Free Feminist Poetry Day, an inspiring afternoon of live readings by local poets as they share work from their collaborative book project. Using our pop-up mic setup, poets will read selections and interact with guests, creating a vibrant exchange between performers and listeners. Whether you’re a lifelong poetry lover or simply curious, all are welcome to experience this moment of creativity and connection. Saturday, April 26 at 3pm.
The libraries at the University of Colorado are offering “pocket poems” to carry around throughout the month.
The Anythink Library system in Adams County is hosting weekly workshops throughout the month, including wordplay with Adams County poet laureate Aerik Francis; writing with rhythm taught by Suzi Q Smith; and a bilingual, movement-based workshop hosted by Franklin Cruz. The full list of Anythink events can be found here.
Northern Colorado radio station KUNC is asking for original poetry submissions from now until April 21, to be sprinkled throughout broadcasts and published on the website.
The Academy of American Poets, which established the monthlong celebration 30 years ago, has also compiled a list of nationwide events that you can participate in wherever you are. You can also explore their virtual exhibits here.
Get kids involved in National Poetry Month by engaging in low-pressure, creative activities like creating blackout poetry, writing haikus, hosting a poetry café, or reading poems aloud. Focus on fun, accessible approaches such as scavenger hunts for poems, creating poetry baskets, playing with rhyming words, or turning nature walks into poetry writing opportunities
