Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
It's the 30th anniversary of National Poetry Month, and Indianapolis is full of opportunities to both observe and take part in the celebration.
The big picture: Established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month recognizes poets' role in our culture and delivers the message that poetry matters.
- Here are a few ways you can help drive that message home in Circle City.
🎤 Take the mic and express yourself in front of an audience during the That Peace Open Mic at 10 East Arts Hub, 7pm Thursday with a $10 cover.
- The monthly gathering that celebrated 10 years last fall welcomes both highly polished and in-progress pieces to the stage.
- The National Poetry Month edition will feature a performance from Indianapolis-based spoken word artist, author and podcaster Too Black.
♥️ Open your heart at Central Library Sunday afternoon during the free "For The Love of Poetry" event, 2-3:30pm.
- Attendees are invited to listen, discuss and share poetry as librarians read their favorite pieces.
🥳 Go to a poetry party when Flanner House hosts the inaugural Ujamaa Poetry Festival from 2-9pm on April 25.
- The event will feature hands-on workshops, panel discussions and live readings for both longtime enthusiasts and budding writers.
- It closes with a special edition of the Volta Poetry Open Mic at 7pm.
🗣️ Learn from award-winning poet, playwright and visual artist Lylanne Musselman when she speaks at the Arts for Lawrence's Theater at the Fort, 7-9pm on April 28.
- Register for free tickets here.
Pro tip: For more ways to observe statewide, check out the Academy of American Poets' "Poetry Near You" page.