As part of our Gotham Insiders Guide series, we’ve been opening up our secret vault and sharing our favorite places for just about everything in New York City. In honor of National Poetry Month, we’ve turned our attention to where to go in the city if you want to hear a poetry reading, watch a poetry slam, or even perform yourself. We’ve rounded up the best places in New York City (NYC) for live open mic poetry readings, spoken word performances, poetry slams and more, including the famous Nuyorican Poets Café. Walt Whitman would be proud.
what are the best places for live poetry readings, slams and spoken word performances in NYC?
Whether you’re an avid poetry reader or just appreciate a random poem on the subway every now and then, it’s time to celebrate National Poetry Month. In New York City, poetry is a communal event — something meant to be shared live with one another, to remind us of our common humanity. And that means this is the perfect time for us to highlight some of our favorite open mics and poetry showcases that help make our city such a special place to live.
Best Places in NYC for Live Open Mic Poetry Readings and Slams.
8 best spots in NYC for live open mic poetry readings, slams and spoken word
Whether you’re looking to have your life changed by someone else’s words or to share some of your own, here are twelve places for you to visit this April. And if you’re not in New York? Keep on reading, because many of these events will allow you to tune in online. Happy National Poetry Month.
1. nuyorican poets cafe, east village.
The historic Nuyorican first opened in 1973 as an informal living room salon. It’s a classic East Village location beloved by New Yorkers and tourists alike. They are champions of poetry, of course. But also prose, visual art, theater, hip-hop and more.
If you have a free night in New York and are unsure of what to do with yourself, they are almost always worth checking out. They are famous for their Monday open mics, which are open to rookies and seasoned performers alike. The show starts at 9 pm, and the first twenty-five people to sign up in person can perform, each with a five-minute slot. And yes – they host a virtual open mic at same time, so you can participate no matter where you are.
Their poetry slams are legendary: truly poetry of and by the people. Winners of any Nuyorican Poetry Slam are chosen entirely by varied audience members. It’s a continual stream of changing faces, ages and backgrounds that make up New York City on any given night. Each week they host two slams: on Wednesday and Friday nights. Anyone can participate in the first. And winners are able to perform in the second, which leads to semi-finals and a Grand Slam finale in April.
Best places in NYC for live open mic poetry readings and slams.
2. pete’s candy store, brooklyn.
This offbeat live music and watering hole hosts a variety of fun community events each month, and their poetry series is a classic. Tune in one Friday each month at 7 pm to hear some epic poetry, and maybe consider reading sme yourself. This month, mark your calendar for April 14th to hear the work of Gia Gonzales, Wayne Koestenbaum, and Rachelle Rahme.
3. poetry society of new york.
The Poetry Society of New York is a non-profit dedicated to promoting poetry within our culture – in fact, you may have already had a serendipitous encounter with one of their typewriter installations or with their typewriter poets who create original poetry on the spot! But if not, this is the perfect time to seek out one of their events. This April, they’re hosting three: On April 12th at 8 pm, a Virtual BIPOC Circle, for poets of color to share their work; on April 13th at 7 pm, a Freeform Virtual Workshop from Milk Press; and on April 21st at 7 pm, their Spring Gala, which will help raise funds for July’s New York City Poetry Festival. Check back each month for more ways to make poetry a regular part of your life.
4. brooklyn poets, brooklyn.
This nonprofit organization celebrates and cultivates the poets, poetry and literary heritage of Brooklyn. It is home to the most original and influential poets on the world stage from Walt Whitman, Hart Crane and Audre Lorde to hip-hop pioneers such as Biggie Smalls, Lil’ Kim, and Jay Z. Their reading series has been named of NYC’s best as well as one of the 50 best free things to do in the city by Time Out New York. The Brooklyn Poets Reading Series takes place bimonthly at select venues in Brooklyn, and you can check out the calendar here. And if you’d like an opportunity to share some of your own work, the Brooklyn Poets Yawp – their open mic – takes place the second Monday of every month, from six to nine. The Yawp begins with a generative writing workshop, and is followed by a chance for you to read aloud.
Best places in NYC for live open mic poetry readings and slams.
5. parkside lounge, lower east side.
Longtime journalist and former Village Voice columnist Mike Geffner’s The Inspired Word has found a home at this old school juke joint. Started in 2009 as a poetry series, it has now expanded to include other live performing arts. Think spoken word, music, comedy, and storytelling in addition to poetry. Every Monday and Tuesday from 7p to 10pm, the high-energy indie showcase and open mic never fail to inspire.
6. bowery poetry club, east village.
Bowery Poetry Club is a popular meeting place for poets and aspiring artists. This legendary poetry performance space is a great place to catch a live performance. The intimate atmosphere is well-suited for listening to a variety of readings, from open mic nights to slam competitions and music nights. They also offer workshops for aspiring poets and writers who wish to expand their craft. Check their website to see the dates for this month’s events, which include an ASL poetry slam on April 17th.
7. kgb bar, east village.
Since it opened in 1993, this Soviet-themed bar has evolved into a NYC literary institution. It’s been named the best literary venue by the Village Voice and New York Magazine. Admission is free, drinks are cheap and strong and every Monday is devoted to poetry readings from 7pm to 9pm. The weekly series unites poets and audiences from across the country to hear up-and-comers as well as legends.
Best places in NYC for live open mic poetry readings and slams.
8. the dwyer cultural center, harlem.
The Dwyer Cultural Center is home to the longest-running open mic in Harlem, The Harlem Bomb Shelter. The series was started in 2012, with the intention of providing young poets a place to escape the difficulties of daily life – and a space to showcase their work. You can expect poetry, songs, comedy and more. Their open mic is towards the end of every month, and each event reserves ten slots for walk-in performers. Doors are at 6:30 pm.
9. poetic affair, various locations.
From Art Defined – an organization dedicated to developing the literary careers of those living in underserved communities – comes Poetic Affair. It is a monthly opportunity to hear and share poetry. These one-night events include both a reading and an open mic, so you can come prepared to enjoy the work of established poets, as well as ready to show your stuff. Coming up, they are hosting a showcase on April 19th at Lehman Stages in the Bronx, and a special poetry slam event at Heyground Harlem on April 22nd. Both events start at 8 pm. Virtual performers are welcome, and poets of all ages are encouraged to participate.
10. book club bar, east village.
Popular bookstore, bar, and café, Book Club Bar, offers many opportunities to celebrate poetry. Their monthly series, Poetry in New York, is a chance to listen to a talented lineup of poets, as curated by the poet Galinsky. And if you’d like to read some of your own writing, you can do that at the café’s regular salons.
Best places in NYC for love open mic poetry readings and slams.
11. caffeine underground, bushwick
Caffeine Underground is a favorite Bushwick café. It is known for their great coffee, tasty food, drinks, and their rotating series of artistic events. And, of course, a weekly open mic. Staring at 7 pm every Sunday, performances of all kind are welcome. Afterwards, you can stick around after to play some board games.
12. brooklyn poetry slam, fort greene
On April 25th, join BRIC for the fifth annual Brooklyn Poetry Slam. Co-founded by poet extraordinaire Mahogany L. Browne and DJ Jive Poetic, the slam is free for all and begins at 6:30 pm. Contestants will have three minutes to read their work. They will then be judged on a scale of 0 to 10. Come to compete, or just to watch. This will be the perfect way to wrap up National Poetry Month.
8 Best Places in NYC for Live Open Mic Poetry Readings and Slams
There you have it — 8 places to get inspired by poetry in New York City. Happy National Poetry Month!
