Date
Tuesday
Apr

April 1-30

National Poetry Month

Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month, and explore the world of words through captivating rhymes and stories!

Yearly Date
April 1
Type
Month

Introduction

April is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and power of poetry with National Poetry Month on April 1! This day has been around since 1996, when it was initiated by the Academy of American Poets to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in our culture. From ancient epics to modern masterpieces, poets have been using their words to express themselves for centuries. Whether you prefer classic sonnets or slam poetry, this month is a great opportunity to explore new forms of poetry, discover your own poetic voice, and share your favorite pieces with friends and family!

National Poetry Month Timeline

1996
National Poetry Month Established
The Academy of American Poets launches National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its vital place in culture.
1998
Spread to Canada
The League of Canadian Poets establishes April as National Poetry Month in Canada.
2001
"Poem in Your Pocket Day"
The concept of "Poem in Your Pocket Day" is initiated as part of the National Poetry Month celebrations, encouraging people to carry a poem in their pocket and share it with others.
2006
Online Initiative - Poets.org
The Academy of American Poets enhances its online engagement by adding new educational resources on poets.org to promote National Poetry Month.
2012
"Dear Poet" Project
The "Dear Poet" project is initiated, encouraging students to write letters in response to poems written and read by award-winning poets.
2015
National Poetry Month Poster Contest
First-ever "National Poetry Month Poster Contest" for students, adding a visual art component to the celebration of poetry.

How to Celebrate National Poetry Month

1

Read a poem

Take some time to read your favorite poem, or find a new one to love. Poetry is a great way to express yourself and show your appreciation for the beauty of language.

2

Write a poem

Don't be intimidated by the thought of writing a poem. Just take some time to sit down and get creative. Writing poetry can be a great way to express yourself and explore new ideas.

3

Attend readings

Check out some local readings and open mics to listen to some talented poets. It's a great way to discover new voices, and maybe even get inspired to write your own poems.

4

Share your poem

One of the best ways to celebrate National Poetry Month is to share your poem with others. You can post it on social media, share it with friends, or submit it to literary journals.

5

Organize an event

Organizing a poetry event is a great way to bring together likeminded people and celebrate the power of words. Whether it's an open mic night or a poetry slam, it's sure to bring out some amazing talent.

Why We Love National Poetry Month

A

It celebrates the power of language

Poetry is a powerful form of expression that allows people to express their innermost feelings and thoughts in beautiful, meaningful ways. It's important to take time to appreciate and celebrate this form of art and recognize its ability to spark emotion and understanding.

B

It encourages collaboration & creativity

National Poetry Month is an excellent opportunity for people to come together and share their work. Whether it's writing a poem or sharing one already written, collaborating with others helps bring out the best in everyone. Plus, it often sparks new ideas and energizes creatives minds!

C

It promotes literacy

Reading and writing poetry can encourage better reading comprehension, increase focus, and improve communication skills. This can help promote higher levels of literacy which is essential for success in any profession. Plus, getting lost in the beauty of poetry can be a great way to relax after a long day!

National Poetry Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday