In celebration of National Poetry Month each April, Poetry & the Creative Mind is a free event open to all, which features award-winning actors, musicians, artists, and noted public figures sharing classic and contemporary poems, and is the largest annual poetry reading in the U.S. The signature event raises funds through donations and sponsorships to support the Academy of American Poets and its K-12 education programs, which serve 100,000 students each year. More information about this year's reading, including about registering to attend, will be announced soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does this event take place?
The event is broadcast annually in support of National Poetry Month, taking place one evening each April. The 2026 event will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 7:30PM EDT. The event is free and open to the public, and registration is required. Links to access the event will be emailed to registrants at the email address provided at registration.
Will a replay be available if I can’t attend live?
Poetry & the Creative Mind will be broadcast “for one night only” and will be unavailable for replay.
How much does it cost to attend?
The event is free and open to all. Registration is required to access the event. Donations are welcome and support the Academy's K-12 education programs.
Are there corporate sponsorship opportunities?
Special benefits for sponsors and advertisers are available, and can be customized to your needs. Contact Peggy Ryan, Sr. Marketing and Communications Manager, for more information, at [email protected].
What forms of payment do you accept for donations and sponsorships?
Contributions can be made by credit card above, wire or electronic transfer, or by check payable to the Academy of American Poets. For EFT information and other ways to give, including gifts of stock, contact [email protected].
How can I invite guests to attend?
Registration is free through Eventbrite, and the Eventbrite event is sharable.
Past Events
2025
Event page
Anthology
Producers Circle
Encore event page
2024
2023
2022
2021
2019