Events
Look here to learn more about the community poetry events we host throughout the year.
Upcoming
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Sunday, January 4, 4:00-5:00 PM CT
Online Writers Open Mic
Share 4-5 minutes of your original writing with an appreciative and supportive audience.
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Sunday, January 18, in person & online
Free Gen for January
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Sunday, January 25, in person
Write at the Stanley
Join us at the Stanley Museum of Art to generate new creative writing inspired by work in the collection.
Previous Events
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Tuesday, December 9, 8-10 pm
Jazz Jam & Spoken Word Open Mic
Bring your friends, bring your instrument, bring your words
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Every Saturday
IC Speaks - Spoken Word Club
Spoken Word Club is a free weekly generative writing workshop for teen writers in Iowa City.
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Sunday, November 16
Free Gen for November
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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November 13-15
Mic Check Poetry Fest 2025
Sarah Kay · Phil Kaye
A three-day celebration of spoken word poetry for those who seek the unmistakable feeling of community.
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Sunday, October 19, 5:30-7 pm
Free Gen for October: Jessie Kraemer
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Saturday, October 11
Iowa City Poetry at Book Fair
Stop by our table at Book Fair for poetry broadsides, poems, and cookies!
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Friday, October 10
Slam-O-Vision 2025 Watch and Judging Party
Join us to watch poets from around the world and vote on the Global Slam-O-Vision Champion!
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Tuesday, September 9
Slam-O-Vision 2025 Qualifying Slam
Poets from around Iowa compete in Iowa City for the title of Global Champion!
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Monday, July 14, 7 pm
IC Speaks Slam Team & Caleb Rainey at Big Grove!
Cheer on IC Speaks Slam Team as they debut pieces they're taking to national competition!
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Sunday, June 15, 5:30-7 pm
Free Gen for June: Sandra Marchetti
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Saturday, June 14, 7 pm
June Reading for PorchLight & Iowa City Poetry
Join us Saturday night to celebrate poets and non-fiction writers, while enjoying drinks and snacks!
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Sunday, May 18, 5:30-7 pm
Free Gen for May: Devanshi Khetarpal
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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6-7 pm, Friday, May 2, 2025
Beyond Poetry — IC Speaks at Beyond Fashion Fest
Youth Poets of IC Speaks Slam Team
IC Speaks Slam Team opens for poet Donovan Beck at Beyond Fasion Fest! Also featuring Iowa's only adult slam team IoWHAT!
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Sunday, April 20, 5:30-7 pm
Free Gen for April: Lauren Childs
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Thursday, March 27, 6:30-8:30
IC Speaks - Show & Fundraiser
Help us send local youth poets to compete on a national stage!
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Sunday, March 16, 2025
Free Gen for March: Asha Galindo
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Saturday, February 22, 11:30 am
Animal Poems with IC Speaks
Youth Poets of IC Speaks
IC Speaks performs their own original poems about animals, along with some classics!
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Sunday, February 16, in person & online
Free Gen for February: Mauricio Ruiz
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Thursday, February 6
2025 IPA Poetry Slam CRANDIC Qualifier
winner of each qualifier competes to become our Iowa champion
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Sunday, January 19, in person & online
Free Gen for January: Brian Johannesen
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Sunday, November 17, in person & online
Free Gen for November: Jenny Colville
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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November 8-9
Mic Check Poetry Fest 2024
Rudy Francisco · Outspoken Bean
A two day celebration of spoken word poetry for those who seek the unmistakable feeling of community.
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September 22 - October 27
Yawp the Vote
Visit our voter registration tables at upcoming events and get yourself registered!
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Sunday, October 20
The Free Gen for October: Glen Waters
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Sunday, September 22, in person
Slam-O-Vision 2024
Poets from across Iowa compete for the chance at the title of Global Champion!
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Sunday, September, 2024
Free Gen for September: Jing Jian
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Sunday, August 18, 2024
Free Gen for August: Leslie Pyo
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Sunday, July 21
Free Gen for July: Bella Shayevich
Each month a talented writer in our area leads the generative writing session, inspired by their own passions & interests.
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Sunday, July 14, 3:30-5:00
IC Speaks - Show & Fundraiser
Help us send local youth poets to DC to compete on a national stage!
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Sunday, June 16
The Free Gen for June: Grace Morse
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Saturday: Feb 10, April 27, June 15
PorchLight Hangouts
Where all IC Speaks peeps meet up, hang out, and have fun.
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Tuesday, May 14th
IC Speaks Pizza Hut Fundraiser
Order from Pizza Hut in Iowa City this Tuesday, May 14th, and support the youth poets of IC Speaks!
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Feb 27 ★ March 19 ★ April 30 ★ May 21
IC Speaks - High School Open Mic
Come to share your creative work or enjoy the work of others!
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Sunday, April 21
Free Gen for April: Caleb Rainey
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Sunday, March 17, 5:30-7:00
The Free Gen for March: Sanjna N. Singh
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations or passions.
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Friday, February 23
2024 IPA Poetry Slam Qualifier
Compete in Iowa City to qualify for state and national IPA poetry slams!
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Sunday, February 18
The Free Gen for February: Margaret Yapp
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Sunday, January 21
The Free Gen for January: Anna Morrison
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Sunday, Nov 19
Free Generative Writing Workshop for November: Nikki Ummel
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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November 3-4
Mic Check Poetry Fest 2023
Danez Smith · Denice Frohman
A two day celebration of spoken word poetry for those who seek the unmistakable feeling of community.
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October 15, 5:30-7 Central
Free Generative Writing Workshop for October: Laura Johnson
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Monday, October 2
Slam-O-Vision 2023
Slam poets from around Iowa are invited to participate in a special international slam event in Iowa City!
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Sunday, September 17
The Free Generative Writing Workshop for September: Sarah Minor
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Sunday, September 10, 2-4 pm
Joy Launch
Join us for the launch of Joy the Zine, with Jennifer New, Chuy Renteria, Mackie Garret, Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey, and IC Speaks!
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Sunday, August 20
Free Generative Writing Workshop for August: DJ Savarese
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Saturday, June 8, 3:30-5:00
IC Speaks Slam Team Fundraiser
Hear the team debut their poems for national competition!
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poetry // infrastructure
The project asks: what collaborations emerge as we tap into these forms and re-enliven them as visual art on the city’s physical structures, as online posts, and as embodied performance in communal spaces?
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Sunday, June 18
Free Generative Writing Workshops for June: Sarah Rizzuto
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Saturday, April 29, 2023
Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2023
An evening of open-air progressive poetry readings at various businesses and private residences in the Longfellow Neighborhood.
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Tuesday, April 25
IC Speaks - High School Open Mic
Come to share your creative work or enjoy the work of others!
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Sunday, April 23, 5:30 CDT (3:30 P, 4:30 M, 6:30 E)
Virtual Poetry Book Club: Ebony Stewart
Join discussion leader Caleb Rainey to discuss 4 poems from Ebony Stewart's collection Blood Fresh
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Sunday, April 16
Free Generative Writing Workshop for April: Nicole Vanderlinden
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Saturday, April 8, 2023
Iowa City Poetry Table at I.C.E. C.R.E.A.M.
Poetry zines and hand-bound artist books to oogle and buy
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Tuesday, March 28
IC Speaks - High School Open Mic
Come to share your creative work or enjoy the work of others!
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Thursday, March 23
Iowa City IPA Poetry Slam Qualifier
Poets, sign up to compete! Poetry lovers, join us for an amazing show!
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Sunday, March 19
Free Generative Writing Workshop for March: Jennifer MacBain-Stephens
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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February 19, 2023
Free Generative Writing Workshop for February: Lisa K. Roberts
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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January 15, 2023
Free Generative Writing Workshop for January: Darius Stewart
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Sunday, November 20, 5:30-7 CT
Free Generative Writing Workshop for November: Katie Runde
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Sunday, November 20, 4-5 pm CT
Virtual Poetry Book Club: Patricia Smith
Join us for Virtual Poetry Book Club when we discuss "Incendiary Art," the award winning collection from revered poet Patricia Smith.
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November 11-12
Mic Check Poetry Fest 2022
Patricia Smith · Ebony Stewart
A two day celebration of spoken word poetry for those who seek the unmistakable feeling of community.
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October 16
Free Generative Writing Workshop for October: Skylar Alexander
Every month a new writer leads a generative workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Oct 15
Grand Opening for Iowa City Poetry Library + UNESCO Global Poetry Slam
Join us for the Grand Opening of the Iowa City Poetry Library, featuring a Global Poetry Slam from UNESCO City of Lit!
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Wednesdays, 3-5 pm, June 8 - August 17
Family Fun at Close House
Join us for storytime and wordplay this summer. New stories, books, and games featured each week!
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July 20
Take Your Poet To Work Day!
Take your favorite poet along with you today, using the coloring and cut out book from Tweatspeak
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July 17
Free Generative Writing Workshop for July: Jenny Colville
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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Applications due by July 1
Apply Now: Intern Opportunity for Mic Check Poetry Fest
Applications accepted now for volunteer internship as Marketing Director for Mic Check Poetry Fest
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Sunday, June 19, 5:30-7:00 PM CT
Free Generative Writing Workshop for June: Chad Abushanab
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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April & May
Dear City— micropoems as public engagement
What do you want to say to your city? Your micropoem can be a declaration of self-empowerment, a reminder to the powers that be. It can celebrate your city. It can ask a question. It can reveal a secret.
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May 15
Free Generative Writing Workshop for May: The Editors of Backchannels Journal
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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April 30, 5-8 pm
Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2022
Join us for an evening of open-air progressive readings at this socially distanced event on Saturday, April 30. All poets are invited to apply to read outdoors at various businesses and private residences in this celebration of poetry in our community.
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April 17
Free Generative Writing Workshops for April: Cory Hutchinson-Reuss
Every month a new writer leads a generative hybrid workshop, presenting a prompt inspired by their own preoccupations, passions, or interests.
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April 15
April Poetry Party at Close House
Food, drinks, & poems!
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April 14
Online Literary Journals: Founding and Curating Inclusive Spaces
An inside look at the challenges and opportunities of founding and managing online literary journals from the founding editors of Guesthouse, Honey Literary Inc., Annulet: A Journal of Poetics, and The Account.
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Wednesday, December 22, 6-8 pm CT
Midwinter Day: A Reading to Benefit Bernadette Mayer
Join us to celebrate Midwinter Day and Bernadette Mayer at this reading and fundraiser with Iowa City Poetry and the Midwest Writing Center.
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November 5-7
Mic Check Poetry Fest 2021
A three day celebration of spoken word poetry for those who seek the unmistakable feeling of community.
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July 18, July 20, July 22
Opening Week for Library!
Stop by to browse and borrow poetry books from our new library.
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July 17
IC Slam Team Fundraiser
Come out to support the IC Slam Team as they prepare for State Competition!
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Evening of May 1
Iowa City Poetry al Fresco 2021
Join us for an evening of open-air progressive readings at this socially distanced event on Saturday, May 1. All poets are invited to apply to read outdoors at various businesses and private residences in this celebration of poetry in our community.