We’ve reached the end of National Poetry Month (3 scant days left) and if you’re like me, you haven’t done much celebrating this month. Don’t worry, there are still a number of poetry events you can attend in and around the city , year-round poetry organizations that you can join, and, of course, a host of local bookstores that you can visit.

Poetry Events:

Poetry Fest

April 30, 2011 10:00-4:30pm

Price: Free!!

Where: Harold Washington Library

400 S. State St.

Chicago, IL 60605

Come on out for poetry workshops, readings, open mics, and a special reading by Nikki Giovanni (2:00-3:00). All events are free and open to the public, but seating is first come, first served. For more information and a complete listing of times, click here.

 

National Poetry Month Cram

April 30, 2011  7-9pm

Price: Free!!

                                Where: Café Ballou

939 N. Western Ave.

Chicago, IL 60622

Join the creators and editors of Cram as they celebrate the release of their 11^th volume. Poets included in the edition will be reading and everyone who attends will receive at least one free copy of the volume.  

“In One Ear” poetry night

Wednesdays 10:00pm

Price $3  

Where: Heartland Café (Neighborhood: Rogers Park)

7000 N. Glenwood Ave.

Chicago, IL 60626

773-46-8005

Five-minute performances range from spoken word and poetry to music and visual art. Pete Wolf hosts. Performances are videotaped unless otherwise requested. Food available for purchase.

Tuesday Funk

Every 1^st Tuesday of the Month 7:30pm

Price: Free!!

Where:  Hopleaf (Neighborhood: Andersonville)

5148 N. Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60640

773-334-9851

Hear fiction, poetry and essays from featured local writers.

For more poetry and literature events happening in and around the city check out Metromix or Poets.org.