Events
Look here to learn more about the community poetry events we host throughout the year.
Upcoming
Sunday, September 4, 4:00-5:00 PM CT
Writers Open Mic
Share 4-5 minutes of your original writing with an appreciative and supportive audience.
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.
Previous Events
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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.