Poetry slams, readings, open mic nights, and books carry more than just an exciting story or an experience. Through many of these events, there is a welcoming community and a sense of understanding of what poetry is and what it means. Whether it be a dinner and a show or just an organized event of people coming to celebrate the spoken word, poetry can be used to impact others creatively and lightheartedly. Many venues and organizations host poetry readings and open mics, so we’ve narrowed down the list. Read on to discover where poetry reading is happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, and New York City.
Hoboken
Far Side Tavern | 431 Washington Street
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Far Side Tavern has served the Hoboken area since 1997 with a comfy atmosphere to complement the great food, drinks, and events. Far Side also has a late-night menu and specials throughout the week. The menus also contribute to the weekly events. It hosts trivia nights, burger nights, martini and bogo apps, and open mic nights.
Read More: Hoboken Public Library Debuts Library of Things
Symposia Bookstore | 510 Washington Street
Symposia Bookstore has a warm and homey feel, with books and reading spaces scattered about the store. Other than monthly open mic nights, Symposia also has holiday-themed parties, community groups/events, book clubs, puppet shows, and comedy nights.
Jersey City
OpenRoad Poetry | 380 Monmouth Street
OpenRoad Poetry believes in celebrating the arts and creating more of it. Through its use of local art galleries, many paintings throughout the space highlight the artistic and excentric vibe during each event. Open mic nights, poetry events, poetry book signings, and readings occur regularly. Its website and Instagram carries regular updates on all events. Poetry readings and open mics can happen in person and virtually.
Sure Things | 561 Palisade Avenue
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Sure Things is a minimalist vintage shop filled with objects, art, decorations, furniture, and books. With the shelves lined with books and poetry, Sure Things also hosts a monthly poetry reading series with different poets, and each series is announced through its Instagram. In addition to this, open mic nights are hosted the same night the series is held.
WORD Bookstore | 29 McWilliams Place
WORD Bookstore is a small and quaint store packed from floor to ceiling with books of every genre imaginable. With its diversity in books comes the many events held within the space that highlight writers and readers from all over. Open mics, book signings, readings, talks, launches, and other fun events are just a few of the monthly happenings.
New York City
Bowery Poetry | 308 Bowery
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Bowery Poetry is home to a beautiful venue with a Victorian-esque theme, with patterns, pillars, and chandeliers throughout the space. In addition to its weekly poetry slams every Monday night at 7PM, it hosts other poetry reading events throughout the week, such as ASL slam and se buscan poetas. All information and tickets can be found on its website and Instagram.
KGB Bar | 85 East 4th Street
KGB Bar is a small but rustic space filled with historic writers and history since its opening in 1878, serving not only drinks but also live music and other events. The full list of events for the month can be found on its website. Some events are weekly open mic nights, poetry readings, comedy shows, and live music. KGB Bar is open seven days a week from 7PM-4AM.
Nuyorican Poets Cafe | 236 East 3rd Street
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Nuyorican Poets Cafe has a minimalist vibe with brick overlay across the walls, and its beautiful wooden bar upon entering gives the space a warm feel. Poetry slams are held in person at the venue, others in the area, and online. Weekly open mics happen in person and online.
Poets House | 10 River Terrace
Poets House has provided poetry programs and activities to the area since 1986. It has a comfortable library look and feel, with shelves lined with books and quiet sitting places to read. Poetry readings, discussions, workshops, and other events happen daily and monthly.
See More: 12 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in Northern New Jersey
The Moth | 75 Broad Street
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The Moth has provided a space where anyone can come and tell a story without fear or judgment since 2012. The idea comes from telling a true short story about oneself and sharing it with the group. The Moth has workshops, classes, competitions, live storytelling events, and educational programs.
