There are plenty of listings online to find a local poetry group or event, such as open mics, readings, poetry slams, poetry societies, and more. Below are some popular listings to get you started, but you may also want to just do some quick web searches if you're looking for something specific. Here are some search tips:
- Google "poetry events near me"
- Check the online calendars for local bookstores, cafes, and bars for poetry readings, slams, and other events
- Search for your favorite living poets to see if they're touring. Not sure where to start? Check out the lists at teachlivingpoets.com curated by Melissa Smith:
- Links to poems/poets the curator likes to teach
- Links to favorite spoken word and slam poems curated by Joe Paris @ParisBMS (scroll down for the list)
- Links to the curator's massive list of poets
- And if you need yet another list, here's a great one by Book Riot: 50 Must-Read Poetry Collections of 2019
If you come across any other national type listings, please share the link below in the comments.
Poets & Writers Local
Not only a great place to list your poetry event or writing group, but its also a free app for both iPhone and Android devices.
"Download our free app to find readings and author events near you; explore indie bookstores, libraries, and other places of interest to writers; and connect with the literary community in your city or town."
Meetups
Search their listings of Meetup groups in your area. Try searching for "poetry," "slam," "writers," "writing," or anything else you may be interested in. Here's a link to the Poetry Groups Search.
"Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities."
Poetry Open Mics
Simple listing of open mics by city, state, or Zip Code.
"Ever been in an unfamiliar city, dying for a place to play tonight? Or at home, new song needing a tryout? Me too. Might be nice to have one comprehensive place to look' so let's build it. openmikes.org is a listing of music open-mike nights in the US or Canada. Anything open (by invitation, sign-up, etc.) to the general public, where live music may be performed, may be included here."
Poetry Societies
The National Federation of Poetry Societies has listings and links to their associated state poetry societies with web sites. Including AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, and WY.
The Poetry Society of America has a listing of Colonies, Conferences, and Festivals. The listing is alphabetical, so you will need to know the name of the organization you are looking for or browse through the listings.
Poetry Near You
The Academy of American Poets (poets.org) has a listing of all things poetry by state or Zip Code.
"Select your state to find festivals, conferences, writing programs, literary organizations, landmarks, poetry-friendly bookstores, and more in your area."
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