1. Sign-up for Poem-a-Day, curated this month by  Willie Perdomo, and read a poem each morning.

  2. Sign-up to receive a free National Poetry Month poster, featuring an excerpt from “Gate A-4”, a poem by former Young People’s Poet Laureate and Academy Chancellor Naomi Shihab Nye, as well as artwork by New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator Christy Mandin. Download the PDF and display it for the occasion.

  3. Read 2024’s most-read poem by a contemporary poet, Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness.”

  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 five-twelve 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 or on Bookshop.org! Check out “enjambments,” a monthly interview series highlighting emerging and established poets' latest poetry collections.

  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 in-person or 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,”  Muriel Rukeyser’s “The Life of Poetry,” and Kevin Young’s "Poems of Grief and Healing."

  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 10, 2025, on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem.

  29. Attend Poetry & the Creative Mind on April 24, 2025, 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.