Poetry Happenings for All

Iowa City Poetry News and Happenings

Stay up to date on poetry events, slams, and community resources.

  • Online Writers Open Mic

    Sunday, March 1, 4:00-5:00 PM CT

    Online Writers Open Mic

    Share 4-5 minutes of your original writing with an appreciative and supportive audience.

    Learn More

  • Spoken Word Open Mic & Jazz Jam

    Tuesday, March 10, 8-10 pm, in person

    Spoken Word Open Mic & Jazz Jam

    Bring your friends, bring your instrument, bring your words

    Learn More

  • Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2026

    Saturday, April 25

    Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2026

    An evening of open-air progressive poetry readings at various private residences and parks in the Northside Neighborhood.

    Learn More

  • Library

    Tuesday & Thursday, 6-8 PM

    Library

    Stop by to visit us at the new Iowa City Poetry Lending Library!

    Learn More

Our Question


How do we share poetry resources with everyone?

And because we’re based in Iowa City, we ask the question slightly differently. How do we share the wealth of literary resources in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature and home to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, with all poets? Poets of all ages, incomes, identities, and experience levels?

Our Organization


founding director Lisa Roberts leads the team

With Reading Series Director Jennifer MacBain-Stephens, the Advisory Council, and the support of The James Gang, we are working to grow our programming and reach.

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