Happy National Poetry Month 2024!

Happy National Poetry Month!

Also known as National Poetry Writing Month, you can challenge yourself to write a poem every day.

Academy of American Poets established the tradition in April 1996.

Poetry themed holidays

• April 17 – Haiku Day
• April 18 – Poem in Your Pocket Day
• April 28 – Great Poetry Reading Day

Special National Poetry Month Events

In addition to regular open mics here are some upcoming special events in 2024 in Solano County for National Poetry Month:

• April 4 AND 18 – A Celebration Of Poetic Diversity – 6:30 PM – Join Vallejo’s co-poets laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne at Alibi Bookshop. 624 Marin Street, Vallejo. Join Vallejo Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne, Richmond Poet Laureate Steven Sharpe, and Julie Voice at Alibi Bookshop in celebration of National Poetry Month! Return on April 18th for performances by Vallejo Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann, Suisun City Poet Laureate Excalibur, and Anna Quismorio.
• April 13 – 10 AM – 12 PM Inspiration Reversal Art Reveal – Poets perform poems that inspired artwork. 3351 Hilborn Dr, Fairfield, CA 94534 Hosted by Fairfield Poet Laureate Suzanne Bruce.
• April 14 – 2-4 PM – Our Best to You – Poets perform their favorite pieces. Benicia Public Library 150 East L Street, Benicia. Hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate Kathy Monroe.
• April 20th – 1-3 PM Youth Poets in the Spotlight at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum at 734 Marin Street. More details here. Vallejo’s co-poets laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne hosts.
• April 20th – 4 PM Mystery Ekphrastic Reading at FSVAA Gallery located inside Solano Town Center Mall. 1350 Travis Blvd, Suite D-8, Fairfield. To participate by writing an ekphrastic poem see details here. Art will not be posted or displayed until April 10th.

Hear our Poets Laureate

• April 4th at 10:30 am, Vallejo’s co-poets laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne will both be interviewed at Ozcat Radio with Laura Mullet. Tunein 89.5 FM KZCT.
• Friday, April 12th, Vallejo’s co-poets laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne will be at the Temple Art Lofts, during the Friday Artwalk with JeanCherie doing Poetry Reading between 6:00-7:00 pm.
• Saturday, April 27th, Vallejo’s co-poets laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne will read at the Earth Daze Festival, downtown Vallejo. The theme “Planet vs Plastic.” Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann will each speak on the Main Stage on Virginia Street. Kathleen reads at 12:15 and Jacalyn at 12:40. 

Poetry Open Mics

• Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 – Benicia First Tuesday Poets at 150 East L Street in Benicia at 6:30 PM
• Saturday, April 13, 2024 – Poetry in Notion at JFK Library 505 Santa Clara in Vallejo at 12 noon.
• Monday, April 8th, 2024 AND Monday, April 22nd, 2024 – Speakeasy Expressions at Chris Club 656 Benicia Road in Vallejo at 7 PM. 21+
• Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 – Poetry by the Bay at Mira Theater 51 Daniels Avenue in Vallejo at 7 PM
• Thursday, April 25th, 2024 – Art Beat Poetry Hour on KZCT 89.5 FM airs at 10:30 AM. Show up at 10:15 AM at 1026 Georgia Street to read live on the radio.