Tune into what’s left to join in on for this April’s National Poetry Month in Detroit events. There are wonderful events coming up this week and the rest of the month that highlight what makes poetry so special, Detroit has a legacy of excellence in the arts and poetry. Black literature, music, and art are continuously celebrated in the Motor City. See what’s new and get excited to support the local community as National Poetry Month is the world’s largest literary celebration. Have you been keeping up with our current Detroit Poet Laureate, Jessica Care Moore? You’ll want to see this award-wining poet’s live performances this month in Detroit.
The month has already started, so we hope you’ve partaken in some of the community events held at spectacular spots with local organizations that are gathering locals to listen to inspirational presenters and more. Expand your network! Showcase your own talent with Open Mic opportunities this month as well as plenty of programs to further enhance your skills. Several of these events are geared towards older attendees, but the month makes sure to ignite long-lasting creativity in children’s minds too.
Write verses and lines of your own! Hip-Hop is still thriving in cities like Detroit. Poetry and music own the stage. Each year has something revolutionary to bring to the table, so listen closely. Detroitisit rounded up a list to highlight the best of April’s National Poetry Month in Detroit and nearby. Programs, performances, and other poetry-centered cultural events in the Detroit community encourage people to take poetry seriously and read more.
THIRD THURSDAY PRESENTS STARLIT VERSES AT THE WRIGHT
Date & Time: April 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Networking | 7:00 Program Begins
National Poetry Month events in Detroit celebrate black artistry through the written word as well as some musical influences. Join in this Thursday, April 16th for a special honor called
Third Thursday: Starlit Verses at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Detroit’s Poet Laureate, Jessica Care Moore will be accompanied by the Columbus-born, rich, soaring harmonies of Starlit Ways. Prepare for an evening of powerful spoken word, live musical performance, and intimate storytelling center on the brilliance of Black artistic expression. Witness this elegant convergence in a connective cultural space held for collective visions. Celebrate and reflect on the transformative imagination cultivated through the legacy of Black poets and musicians. Early festivities involve food. Hosted by La Shaun Phoenix Moore, there are plenty more performances to light up the night. Click HERE to view the website to register for this free event that requires registration.
Location: General Motors Theater
MICHIGAN MULTIVERSE READING AT NEXT CHAPTER BOOK STORE
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 at 4 PM
National Poetry Month in Detroit is diverse across the multiverse. Support and shop at local bookstores in Metro Detroit and Detroit. Meet authors and participate in local events being held this month. Michigan Multiverse Reading at Next Chapter Book Store Detroit is “showcasing Michigan poetic power!” With readings from poets in Michigan as well as local youth poets in Detroit through InsideOut-Detroit Literary Arts Program & Non-Profit.
Location:
THE DETROIT WRITING ROOM LITERARY SALONS, PHOTO @DETROITWRITINGROOM AND @LYNNEGOLODNER ON INSTAGRAM
CHECK OUT THE DETROIT WRITING ROOM/FIRST LITERARY SALON EVENT IN A CONTINUING SERIES
First Literary Salon: Thursday, April 30 from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
It’s always a good idea to check in with The Detroit Writing Room regularly, but especially during National Poetry Month in Detroit! Be inspired by more than just poetry when you get involved with The Detroit Writing Room’s local Detroit/Metro Detroit workshops & events. They also offer virtual workshops and other program sessions. Join them for writing workshops, book talks & coaching. Click HERE to view the website for more information and check out their first Literary Salon coming up on the Eventbrite page! Event is located in the new Shaka Senghor Literary Lounge at Michigan Central Station’s East Entrance. Led by author & DWR coach, Lynne Golodner, click HERE to purchase tickets now.
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH SHOWCASE, PHOTO MATRIX THEATRE COMPANY
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH SHOWCASE AND OPEN MIC
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 29 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
National Poetry Month in Detroit events showcase great performers you should know about and continue to follow. They could also be you! Check out the National Poetry Month Showcase and Open Mic to end the month off with a bang. Enjoy all of the theatrics of spoken word/Detroit’s poetry scene when you attend this upcoming event. Featuring performances by One Single Rose®, Dr. Will Langford, Azizi Jasper, and Peace, followed by an open mic for the community to let their inner magic radiate. Click HERE to view the website for more information and to see the varying ticket prices.
Location: Matrix Theatre Company-2730 Bagley Street, Detroit
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