30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

1. Sign-up for Poem-a-Day, curated this month by award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye, and read a poem each morning.

2. Sign-up to receive a free National Poetry Month poster, featuring a line by 2021 Presidential Inaugural Poet and 2017 National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, or download the PDF and display it for the occasion.

3. Read 2021’s most-read poem by a contemporary poet, Amanda Gorman’s “In This Place (An American Lyric).”

4. Record yourself reading a poem, and share why you chose that work online using the hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth. Be sure to tag @poetsorg on Twitter and Instagram!

5. Subscribe to the Poem-a-Day podcast.

6. Check out an e-book of poetry from your local library.

7. Begin your virtual meetings or classes by reading a poem.

8. Talk to the teachers in your life about Teach This Poem and encourage students in grades 5-12 to participate in the Dear Poet project. 

9. Learn more about poets and virtual poetry events nationwide.

10. Read about your state poet laureate.

11. Browse Poems for Kids.

12. Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore.

13. Make a poetry playlist.

14. Browse the glossary of terms and try your hand at writing a formal poem.

15. Create an online anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.

16. Organize a poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam via a video conferencing service. 

17. Sign up for a poetry class or workshop.

18. Donate books of poetry to little free libraries and mutual aid networks.

19. Research and volunteer with poetry organizations in your area.

20. Take a walk and write a poem outside.

21. Start a virtual poetry reading group or potluck, inviting friends to share poems.

22. Read and share poems about the environment in honor of Earth Day. 

23. Take on a guerrilla poetry project. 

24. Read essays about poetry like Edward Hirsch’s “How to Read a Poem,” Mary Ruefle’s “Poetry and the Moon,” Mark Doty’s “Tide of Voices: Why Poetry Matters Now,” and Muriel Rukeyser’s “The Life of Poetry.”

25. Watch a movie, lecture, or video featuring a poet.

26. Write an exquisite corpse or a renga with friends.

27. Make a poetry chapbook.

28. Share a poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29, 2022, on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem.

29. Attend Poetry & the Creative Mind on April 28, 2022, a free, virtual reading of favorite poems in celebration of National Poetry Month.

30. Make a gift to support the Academy of American Poets free programs and publications and keep celebrating poetry year-round!

Read more ways to celebrate National Poetry Month.